The word “process server” is relatively common in the legal community. Many people are clueless about who a process server is and what they do.
A process server is a person whose job is to supervise legal document processing, give legal notices to defendants, retrieve documents, and submit court papers.
Process servers are also known as the closest friends to lawyers. They’re occasionally hired by courts or law firms to track down people and serve legal documents.
Suppose you live in a state like California. In that case, you may be asking yourself questions like how can I find a reliable process server in Dublin. Dublin is a big city, and locating the right process server might be one hell of a task.
Well, look no further as this article covers all you need to know about process servers and how to locate the right one.
Why Do I Need a Process Server?
A process server can make life much easier for you if you live in the United States. Process servers are key members of society who ensure that legal documents are served in a timely and efficient manner.
Suppose you have a court case and your papers weren’t served properly. In that case, the court won’t be able to make a legal decision on what to do with your case, and the entire case might not be taken seriously.
This is where a process server comes in handy. A process server will ensure that the court is legally aware of your case and that you get the necessary legal notices.
How to Know If a Process Server Is Legitimate
It can be quite frustrating when you run a google search for “The best online process server in Dublin, CA,” and you can’t tell which process server is genuine or fake.
If you’re looking to hire a professional process server, here’s how to easily differentiate the real ones from the fake.
1. Does the Process Server Ask You for Payment?
This first tip should stand as a big red flag when dealing with process servers. As a rule of thumb, a recipient shouldn’t make direct payment to a process server.
Process servers get paid by the people or firm who hired them. So make sure you don’t hand cash over to anyone.
2. Do You Know the Person Trying to Serve You Papers?
Although not all states in America enforce this law, a process server isn’t allowed to present you with legal documents if he or she is the person suing you or is somehow involved in the case.
In a state like California, a process server in Dublin can’t be a party to a defendant’s case.
3. Is the Process Server a Child?
A person who scams can use every trick in the book to convince you. One of these tricks may include using a child to get your attention. By law, a process server less than 18 years old can’t legally serve you.
4. Do You Feel Threatened?
A process server can’t issue a warrant for your arrest and shouldn’t threaten or force you to do anything. Report to the police if you feel threatened by anyone.
5. Are You Being Asked to Reveal Your Personal Details?
Never share any sensitive information with anyone. Don’t give out any personal information, such as your social security number or your credit card details to anyone, including a process server.
Report anyone trying to force you to give out your private details because this information could be used to scam you or steal your identity.
How to Find and Hire the Best Process Server
You have two options when trying to get your papers served; you can use the sheriff’s department or hire a private process server to get it done. Note that you have a better chance of getting the results you need with a process server.
If you live within Dublin, You can easily locate a process server on a site like https://drlegalprocess.com/process-serving/dublin/.
Here are a few tips to consider when trying to hire a process server:
1. Check With the Courts
Visit your city’s local court and look through their system for a list of reputable process servers you can hire. A local court is the first place to look at if you hope to find the right man for the job.
2. Look at Experience and Success Rate
Your process server should have an excellent track record and lots of experience. If your process server doesn’t know what they’re doing, you’re going to be in lots of trouble.
Look at their experience level and ask for their success rate.
3. Make a Rate Comparison
The cost of serving papers is often determined by the number of attempts required and the expected turnaround time. Same-day or urgent services are usually more expensive. In some areas, a “routine” service that takes between 5 to 7 days can cost between $20 to $100.
Before you hire someone, you should compare prices with a few different pros in your area. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay more if you are hoping to hire a more experienced process server.
4. Look for Association Memberships
A process server who’s a member of an association is more likely to know about the profession’s ethics and rules. It’s important to hire a professional who is up to date with the appropriate laws in your state.
Check your state’s legislation on process servers to see if they require licensing. If that’s the case, make sure your process server’s license is updated.
5. Find Out How the Server Communicates
A process server that provides online legal services for small businesses should be able to keep in touch with you effortlessly.
Before hiring anyone, make sure you know what communication method the server will use to pass information to you. Hire a professional who responds to calls and emails as quickly as possible. This will come in handy if you have a tight deadline.
6. Provide as Much Information as Possible
Don’t keep any information from your server that could be useful. Give the server as much information as possible to make the job easier. The more information you provide, the more likely you’re to succeed.
Conclusion
Overall, a process server should be local, experienced, and communicative. For example, a process server in Dublin will provide better services within that region than another server outside the state.
Serving a business is no different from serving an individual. A professional process server will make you forget about the court stress, long lines, and stressing about how to get your documents properly served.
