Frequently Asked Questions About Process Serving
Q: HOW MANY COPIES SHOULD I PROVIDE FOR SERVICE?
A: You should provide us with 2 copies of each document to be served per person.
Q: SHOULD I SERVE ORIGINALS OR COPIES?
A: Normally, original documents should not be served. The original Summons must be filed with the court in order to obtain a default judgment. Original subpoenas, discovery requests, ect. Should be retained in your files.
Q: WHAT IS SUBSTITUTED SERVICE AND WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE?
A: Substituted service [(known as a "sub-serve"] is acceptable when serving a Summons, Claim of Plaintiff, Claim of Defendant, Notice, Writ of Attachment or Writ of Execution. It permits service by serving someone other than the named person and then mailing copies of the documents to the person served. Corporations may be sub-served on the first attempt at serving. Individuals, however may be sub-served only after due diligence is established [usually by making at least 3 attempts]. Individual courts may have stricter requirements for sub-service which dictate the number of attempts and times of the day when attempts must be made.
Q: WHEN ARE WITNESS FEES REQUIRED AND HOW MUCH ARE THEY?
A: In general, witness fees are payable anytime a witness is required to appear at a deposition, trial or hearing. If you do not provide a check for witness fees, the documents will be served without them.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Regular service averages 3-7 working days, and rush service is completed from within one hour to two days.
Q: What if the Address is bad?
A: We can locate a new address for an additional fee.
Q: How many addresses will you go to?
A: Our fee is per address. We will attempt at as many additional addresses as you want.
Q: How many times will you go to the address to attempt service?
A: We will make up to FIVE (5) attempts of service in metropolitan areas. Service in rural areas will be on a case by case basis.
Q: What happens if the person or company can not be served by the due date set by the court?
A: You will need to get the court date reset and submit a new request to our office.
Q: Do you do stake outs? If so, where and when, how much?
A: Yes, we provide this service. We do stake outs in any city, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fees are listed on our website.
Q: Do you provide a proof of service or affidavit?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the proof or affidavit need to be notarized?
A: Only if you, or your state requires a notarized signature.
Q: Do you file the proof of service or affidavit?
A: Yes, we can do this. An additional fee may apply.
Q: How many days do I have to get my documents served?
A: The counties and states all have different rules, consult the local court clerk or a representative of our office.
Q: Do I need to prepay for the service(s)?
A: No, but we will not release details, or the proof of service until payment is received.