If anyone knows how important process servers are, it’s someone who has hired a bad one in the past. When a process server does a good job, their work goes almost unnoticed. When things go wrong, you definitely find out about it.
Finding a process server is easy but finding an excellent one is a much greater challenge. At Proceed, we contract with the best process servers nationwide and recognize the traits marking the standard of excellence for professional process servers. We’re happy to share our expertise, so here are our nine top tips for how to hire a process server, no matter where you are located.
Understand Process Server Responsibilities
Before making any decisions about which process server you want to work with, make sure you have a good understanding about the role process servers play in the legal landscape, as well as the responsibilities they have to you and your firm.
In addition to serving court papers to named parties in a legal case, process servers are responsible for:
- Locating individuals who need to be served with legal papers.
- Documenting the service appropriately, according to state laws.
- Following all rules and laws for process servers.
- Dealing with the possibility of confrontation from uncooperative parties.
- Maintaining impartiality; process servers are neutral third parties who do not take sides in legal cases.
- Testifying in court when called.
- Managing paperwork related to service of process.
Check the Process Server’s Licensing & Insurance
Each state has its own requirements for process servers. Some require special licensing or credentials, but others only require a person to be age 18 years and registered as a server.
It’s your responsibility to make sure that anyone you contract with is appropriately credentialed in your state. Choosing a server who doesn’t meet your state’s requirements ultimately could jeopardize your case.
When you work with a reputable service of process provider like Proceed, these credentials are verified as part of our rigorous vetting process, giving you peace of mind that every server on our team meets all applicable requirements.
Choose Experienced Servers
When it comes to successfully serving legal papers and navigating the tricky situations that potentially may arise when doing so, experience matters!
To find out about a prospective server’s experience, ask questions about the amount of time they have been in the business. Drill down into their track record; asking questions about the number of papers they’ve served and their success rate.
Responses to these questions are telling, because an experienced server will know how to handle difficult situations. Likewise, they’ll understand local court requirements and be able to anticipate challenges before they arise.
This expertise translates into faster, more reliable service for your cases.
Find Out When and Where the Server Operates
Process servers can choose the areas in which they work. Some servers will work in multiple states while others will only work in a multi-county area. Make sure that you choose a process server who will work in the locations you need.
You will also want to find out when they work. Do you need service of process to be completed over the weekend? What about rush orders that need to be processed quickly? Is the process server willing to work late hours to find hard-to-serve or evasive defendants?
These are all important questions to ask when you are hiring a process server. Proceed’s nationwide network ensures coverage across all major jurisdictions, with servers available for rush orders, weekend service, and flexible scheduling to meet your case deadlines.
Confirm Pricing & Fees Upfront
It’s always a good idea to ask about pricing and fees before you place a process serving order. Get a quote and make sure you know about any additional costs.
Process servers may charge for:
- Rush fees
- Mileage
- Notary services
- Multiple attempts to serve
- Skip tracing
Transparency in pricing is essential. At Proceed, we provide clear, upfront quotes that detail all potential costs, so there are no surprises when you receive your invoice. This allows you to budget accurately and make informed decisions about your litigation support service needs.
Ask About Their Process for Attempted Service
A good process server will make multiple attempts to serve documents via personal service before exploring optional methods. Experienced, knowledgeable servers will have tried-and-true methods for tracking down individuals who are difficult to find.
Hard-to-track defendants can make the job a challenge, but the best servers can use strategies such as:
- Using online databases and public records to trace a defendant’s digital footprint (also known as skip-tracing).
- Surveilling known addresses to encounter the person coming or going.
- Interviewing neighbors, coworkers, and other people who may know where to find the subject.
- Tracking vehicles.
- Contacting relatives and associates.
- Searching public records.
- Monitoring social media posts and platforms.
- Searching utility records, including phone, cable, electric, and other utility account data to find service addresses.
When traditional methods prove insufficient, professional servers have access to advanced skip tracing capabilities. Proceed’s team uses cutting-edge technology and comprehensive databases to locate even the most evasive subjects, ensuring your papers are served efficiently.
Consider Specialized Experience Requirements
Some attorneys benefit from finding servers with specialized experience. For example, serving papers to incarcerated individuals is faster when the process server has experience with gaining access to prisons and jails. Alternatively, they will know when service by mail is permissible and how to follow rules that ensure prompt and legally sound delivery.
Additional examples of specialized areas where you may need your process server to have experience include:
- Serving papers in high-risk situations, such as high-crime areas or in potentially dangerous situations.
- Locating difficult-to-find subjects.
- Serving corporations, businesses, and other entities.
- Navigating and serving in remote or rural areas.
Proceed maintains a diverse network of specialized process servers who bring expertise to unique service challenges. Whether you need service in a correctional facility, a corporate headquarters, or a remote rural location, our team has the experience to handle it properly.
Review Their Documentation
Legal cases hinge on details and precision. To make sure your chosen process server understands the importance of precise details, review their documentation. Do they create a video recording of their service of process? Keep meticulous records to prove they identified the right person? Fill out a detailed and accurate affidavit of service for every assignment?
These are the kinds of things you can confirm before making a decision about a process server.
Thorough documentation protects your case from challenges and provides the proof of service courts require. The best process servers maintain detailed records including timestamps, photos, GPS coordinates, and comprehensive affidavits that stand up to scrutiny.
Consider Working with a Service of Process Company Like Proceed
You don’t have to track down and interview process servers on your own. Leave that to the professionals.
At Proceed, we contract with the best process servers nationwide. We hold our servers to exceptionally high standards for:
- Credentials and licensing
- Professionalism
- Timeliness
- Clear communication
- Attention to detail
When you use a service like Proceed, you know exactly what to expect. We can tell you in advance what fees will be charged, how long to expect each assignment to take, and what will happen at each step in the process. If you have questions, we can answer them promptly and in detail.
Choosing the right process server on your own can be a complicated experience of comparing costs, experience levels, credentials, professionalism, and more. Alternatively, you can work with Proceed and our nationwide team of professional process servers. No matter where you are located, we can match you with experienced, knowledgeable, and highly credentialed process servers to move your case forward.
Comprehensive Litigation Support Beyond Process Serving
In addition to process serving, Proceed provides comprehensive litigation support services to streamline your case management:
- E-Filing Services: Electronic court filing that ensures your documents meet all jurisdictional requirements and deadlines, with expert review for compliance and accuracy.
- Appellate Services: Specialized support for appellate matters, including expert consultation, brief preparation assistance, and compliance with complex appellate court rules. Our appellate team brings decades of experience from our Counsel Press legacy.
- Dispute Management: Comprehensive support for complex litigation matters, helping you manage multi-party disputes and coordinate service across jurisdictions.
This integrated approach means you can rely on a single trusted partner for all your litigation support needs, from initial service of process through appeals and beyond.
The Proceed Advantage
What sets Proceed apart is our commitment to combining traditional excellence with modern innovation. Built on the legacy of Counsel Press, we bring decades of litigation support expertise to every engagement. Our nationwide network, technology-driven processes, and unwavering commitment to client service ensure you receive:
- Reliability: Consistent, dependable service you can count on for every case.
- Expertise: Experienced professionals who understand both legal requirements and practical challenges.
- Technology: Advanced tools for tracking, documentation, and communication.
- Transparency: Clear pricing, detailed reporting, and real-time status updates.
- Support: Responsive customer service that treats your cases with the urgency they deserve.
When you partner with Proceed, you’re not just hiring a process server — you’re gaining a strategic partner committed to your success.
Contact Proceed Today
We’re ready to support your legal cases by providing the best process servers in the country. With Proceed’s support, you will see fast resolution of each assignment you make.
Contact us today to discuss your process serving needs and discover how our nationwide network of experienced professionals can support your practice.
Learn more about Proceed and our commitment to excellence in litigation support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should I look for in a process server?
Process servers should meet all state licensing requirements, carry appropriate insurance, and demonstrate experience serving papers in your jurisdiction. Look for servers who maintain detailed records, understand local court rules, and have a proven track record of successful service. Professional affiliations and ongoing training are additional indicators of quality.
How much does it typically cost to hire a process server?
Process server costs vary based on location, urgency, and complexity. Standard service typically ranges from $45 to $125, with additional fees for rush service, multiple attempts, mileage, and skip tracing. Always get a detailed quote upfront that outlines all potential costs. Working with a reputable company like Proceed ensures transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
How many attempts should a process server make before giving up?
Professional process servers typically make at least three attempts at different times and days before declaring a subject difficult to serve. Many will make additional attempts and employ skip tracing techniques to locate evasive subjects. The best servers work strategically, varying their approach times and methods to maximize the chance of successful service.
What should be included in an affidavit of service?
A complete affidavit of service should include the date, time, and location of service; a detailed description of the person served (including physical appearance); the documents served; the method of service used; and the server’s signature under oath. Many professional servers also include GPS coordinates, photographs, and detailed notes about the service encounter.
Can process servers serve papers outside their home state?
While some process servers are licensed in multiple states, most work within specific geographic areas. For out-of-state service, it’s best to work with a nationwide provider such as Proceed that maintains networks of qualified servers across all jurisdictions. This ensures compliance with local laws and familiarity with regional court requirements.
What happens if a process server cannot locate the person to be served?
If standard attempts fail, professional process servers employ skip tracing techniques to locate the subject. This may include database searches, public records research, social media monitoring, and interviews with associates. If the person still cannot be found, alternative service methods such as substituted service or service by publication may be available, depending on jurisdiction and case type.
How can I verify that service was completed properly?
Require detailed documentation including a sworn affidavit of service, photos of the person served, GPS coordinates, and timestamps. Reputable process serving companies provide comprehensive proof of service that includes all these elements. Review the documentation carefully to ensure it meets your jurisdiction’s requirements and provides sufficient detail to withstand any challenges.
