Process servers are people who deliver legal documents to the intended recipients. This role includes retrieving legal documents and submitting court papers. When someone files legal action against another person, they must be informed about the court proceedings. Notifying defendants about the charges against them in court is an integral part of the legal process. Process servers are there to verify that they have contacted the right person.
Process servers can deliver standard documents such as court summonses and subpoenas. Process servers can be found at law offices and government courts to facilitate legal communications. After receiving an assignment, the process server usually searches the individual’s contact information, address, and workplace for their current location. They then travel to the person’s home Illinois Process Server and notify them about the delivery. After verifying their identity, process servers typically hand court documents to the target individual.
A process server that cannot locate one of their defendants or prove multiple contact attempts can file a court request for substituted services. Substituted services mean that process servers can deliver the documents to a relative or mail them by certified mail. The employer must maintain detailed documentation about the defendants and the times they had each paper.
Process servers often make several contact attempts before completing a delivery. Process servers look for new ways to contact the defendant and check existing cases. Process servers discuss when legal documents will be delivered with lawyers and court officials. Scheduling document delivery can speed up the process of starting legal proceedings.
Process servers might need to get to know defendants to determine the best time to reach them with legal document delivery. Process servers are responsible for writing legal statements and reports on their experiences dealing with defendants. These statements may be used for record-keeping or as exhibits in court cases. In court, some process defendants testify about their interactions with defendants. They either confirm or describe failed attempts to contact them. Like other legal professionals, process servers must adhere to specific rules to validate each delivery and use ethical methods.
Process servers are expected to have a valid driver’s license and transportation. Check your license and consider leasing or buying a reliable vehicle you can use for the job. Each state has its requirements for process servers. Some areas only require that you be at least 18 years old and not have any connection to the case you are serving documents. Some states require process servers to be certified or trained.
A process server training course may be required depending on the state. You can still benefit by signing up for a training course, even if it isn’t necessary for your condition. The topics covered in process server training include research methods, how to approach defendants, and ways to get them to identify themselves: delivery techniques, surveillance strategies, documentation requirements, and more. A typical program for process server training can be completed in hours or even sooner.