Questions to Ask When Hiring a Process Server

The obvious question that you might ask first is how much the service will cost, but there are other important considerations to make when hiring a process server.

Turnaround Time for Service

As you are probably aware, the local Sheriff’s Office is more cost-effective Process server when it comes to process serving, but it takes longer. Since you are hiring a process server to have your papers served more quickly, you need to ask the company’s standard turnaround time.

If you require rush service, make sure you ask how much you will pay for this additional service. With rush service, the first attempt should be made within 24 hours.

Numbers of Attempts That Will Be Made

Many times, it will require a number of attempts before papers can be served to the correct individual or a family member old enough to accept the documents. Make sure you inquire as to how many attempts are included in the rate that you were quoted. For instance, standard rates may include four attempts with the first attempt made within four business days.

Geographic Area Served

While you may live in the Jacksonville, FL area, the person who you need to have served may be located elsewhere in the state, in another state, or they may even be outside of the country. In this case, you need to find a company that has professionals who are able to serve in the specific location.

Familiarity with Rules of the Jurisdiction

When making your choice, it is crucial to select a process server who is aware of and complies with the rules of the jurisdiction in which your papers are being served. A process server who is unaware of the jurisdiction in which the papers are being served and who serves the papers improperly might adversely affect your case. In such a case, court proceedings may have to be delayed while re-service attempts are made.

Accreditation and Associations

While a few states allow any adult over 18, without any felony convictions, and no interest in the case involved to serve process, most states require that process servers be licensed and bonded. Be sure to check a company’s accreditation’s.

In Jacksonville, FL, you should look for a process server who is an Accredited Florida Process Server and has an active membership with the Florida Association of Professional Process Servers as well as an active membership in the National Association of Professional Process Servers.

Additional Services Available

Along with serving papers, these professionals provide other services. Find out what the company offers. You may be in need of surveillance or investigative services to locate an individual. A skip trace may need to be filed.

You also may be in need of document services. As your case proceeds, you may need assistance with retrieving court documents. These legal professionals can help you with document retrieval. Something else to ask is if they can provide notary services.