Process servers perform essential work to keep the US legal system functioning effectively. Not only do they help attorneys advance their cases, but under the 14th Amendment they also protect the constitutional rights of anyone named in a lawsuit or legal claim through proper service of process.
The steps to becoming a process server vary from one state to the next, but there are often requirements related to training, licensing, and certification. Even after you are officially trained and hired as a server, there is still much to learn about the service of process industry. Mastering these tips and tricks will help you become a more effective and successful process server.
Tips for Locating and Serving Defendants
One of the biggest challenges of this work is the task at the heart of it all: locating and serving defendants. Here are some of the techniques our process servers at Proceed use to improve their accuracy and efficiently find defendants and other named parties.
1. Make Use of Online Databases
Many personal details are available online without any special permissions required. You can search social media platforms and public online directories to gather information about the defendant’s current address, phone number, or employment details. These digital resources have become invaluable tools for modern process servers.
2. Contact Known Associates
Sometimes, you need to know somebody who knows somebody. Reach out to friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers of the defendant, as they may have information about their whereabouts. Building rapport with these contacts can provide crucial leads.
3. Use Skip Tracing Techniques
Use specialized skip tracing tools and databases to track down individuals who have moved or are attempting to evade service. Professional skip tracing combines database searches, public records analysis, and investigative techniques to locate hard-to-find individuals. At Proceed, all of our process servers are equipped with advanced tools to complete skip tracing for hard-to-find people across the nation.
4. Check Government Records
As a process server, you will have access to some databases that the general public doesn’t. Looking through government databases such as property records, voter registration lists, or DMV records will help you find potential addresses or contact information. These official records often provide the most reliable and up-to-date information.
5. Visit Last-Known Addresses
You can’t do all of your searching online. Often, you will need to physically visit the last known residences or places of employment of the defendant to verify where they are currently. On-site visits can reveal forwarding information, confirm vacancy, or provide clues about the individual’s current location.
6. Engage in Discreet Surveillance
While maintaining compliance with the laws of your state, conduct discreet surveillance in areas where the defendant is likely to frequent. This way, you can observe their movements and confirm their identity. Always ensure your surveillance methods adhere to legal standards and ethical guidelines.
7. Collaborate with Investigators
Feeling stuck? Work with private investigators or law enforcement agencies who may have additional resources or access to information that can aid in locating the defendant. Collaboration often produces results that individual efforts cannot achieve.
8. Review Court Documents
Someone else may have already provided you with contact information for your targeted individual. Examine any court filings, legal documents, or previous service attempts for useful information. These documents often contain addresses, phone numbers, or employment information.
9. Consider Social Engineering Tactics
In some circumstances, you may need to employ persuasive communication techniques to gather information from third parties or individuals who may have interacted with the defendant. Always act within the limits of the law when using these creative methods, and never misrepresent yourself or your purpose.
10. Be Persistent and Patient
Recognize that locating a defendant may require time, effort, and perseverance, so be prepared to adapt strategies as necessary to achieve service of process success. The most challenging cases often require multiple approaches and continuous refinement of your tactics.
Tips for Developing a System for Service of Process
One of the most important things to learn about being a process server is that you must have a system. A systematic approach to process serving will help you find people consistently, serve papers accurately, and maintain excellent records. Your clients will thank you for your reliability and professionalism.
Here are some strategies to help you create a systemized approach to your process serving work.
Define Each Stage of the Process Before You Get Started
Outline clear and detailed procedures for each stage of the service of process workflow, including:
- Client intake
- Locating defendants
- Execution of service
- Documentation of service of process
Once you have clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of each step, you can minimize confusion and start developing an efficient system. Creating standard operating procedures ensures consistency regardless of case complexity.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are many excellent technologies available for process servers. Some are specific to process serving, like mobile apps for servers, but others have broader applications, such as GPS tracking and robust document storage systems. Modern process servers leverage digital tools and technology to streamline their workflow and improve accuracy.
One of the benefits of working for a process-serving company is that they will often provide these technologies to you so that you don’t have to invest in this tech infrastructure on your own. Companies like Proceed equip their servers with cutting-edge tools and platforms.
Establish Communication Protocols
This is especially important for process servers who work independently, since you must hold yourself accountable to consistent standards. Use the following methods to systemize your communication procedures:
- Establish your preferred channels of communication with clients.
- Set response times for yourself
- Establish procedures for handling inquiries, updates, and feedback.
Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and builds trust with your clients. Regular status updates keep everyone informed and demonstrate your professionalism.
Maintain Quality Assurance Standards
How are you going to evaluate your performance? Assessing the quality of your own work via a quality assurance process will help you know what you’re doing well and how you can improve. Quality assurance uses strategies like audits, peer reviews, and feedback requests to monitor performance. This will also ensure compliance with your established procedures.
Regular self-evaluation helps identify areas for improvement before they become problematic. Consider implementing a checklist system to ensure every service meets your quality standards.
Welcome to the Service of Process Industry
Mastering the tricks of the trade as a process server is essential for delivering consistent, reliable, and legally compliant service of process. When you use a variety of locating techniques and develop a systematic approach, you’re going to have more success in this role and provide better service to your clients.
Remember, the service of process is a critical component of the legal system, and it directly impacts the rights and obligations of all involved parties. As a process server, you play a vital role in keeping the wheels of justice turning smoothly and ensuring that due process is properly served.
By continuously expanding your expertise and honing your skills, you can ensure that you are providing the highest level of service to your clients and upholding the integrity of the legal process. The most successful process servers never stop learning and adapting to new challenges.
Do You Need an Exceptional Process Server? Proceed Can Help
At Proceed, we hire the best process servers to work nationwide across multiple states and jurisdictions. Our team is experienced, knowledgeable, professional, and equipped with the best technology in the industry. We combine traditional process serving expertise with modern innovation to deliver superior results for our clients.
If you need a process server for your legal work, reach out to us to discuss your needs and learn how we can help you achieve your litigation goals with reliable, professional service of process.
