Federal law requires that the defendant in a court case is notified of any lawsuit or legal proceeding that is filed against him or her. Therefore, ensuring that writs, subpoenas, formal complaints and summons are properly delivered is crucial to the favorable conclusion of any legal action. A process server can help you make sure this happens by:
1. Acting as a neutral third party
If you are personally involved in the case, you may not be legally permitted to serve the papers yourself. Even if you are allowed to deliver the papers yourself, you might wish to maintain your privacy from those not party to the case. You may also want to avoid awkward or unsafe situations if you feel that the delivery will become confrontational.
2. Saving you time and effort
Servers can relieve you of the often arduous tasks involved in serving legal documents. They can aid you in finding the defendant, if his or her whereabouts are unknown. They are also trained in effective strategies for delivering to those who might otherwise avoid service.
3. Providing you with essential legal advice
A process server understands the local and federal laws affecting the serving of papers in your area and can counsel you on those relevant to your case. For example, if a defendant repeatedly avoids service, it may be possible to petition the court to allow for an alternate method of delivery for the papers, such as attaching them to the front door of the defendant’s residence. A knowledgeable server will be able to advise you on appropriate options and provide you with the documents necessary for petitioning the court, such as an affidavit of non-service.
Involvement in a legal action is often difficult and stressful. Having your case postponed or thrown out because the court papers have not been served correctly or on time can make it even more onerous. You can avoid this outcome by hiring an efficient and skilled process server to deliver your documents.
