The court process can be a daunting experience for both the parties involved, especially if it involves serving legal documents. The legal statute of limitations and court deadlines are strict, making it vital to have accurate and timely documentation. Serving court documentation is an essential part of the process and must be done in a professional and prompt manner.
Many people believe that government-run Sheriff’s Departments are the only option when it comes to serving court documents. However, there are many benefits of using privately-owned Process Servers instead. In this blog, we will explore why Process Servers are better to use than the Sheriff’s Department for serving court documents.
1. Faster Service
Possibly the most significant benefit of using Process Servers is swift delivery. The Sheriff’s Department handles a vast range of tasks, so serving court documents usually isn’t their priority. Because of this, it can take weeks or even months for documents to be delivered, which negatively impacts those waiting for a response.
In contrast, Process Servers are solely dedicated to serving court documents, so they are much faster at delivering them. They have established efficient working processes and can often deliver documents within a day or two of receiving them. Some Process Servers offer same-day service, which is especially important if the statute of limitations is nearing.
2. A Higher Success Rate
Process Servers are successful in serving even the toughest and most reluctant defendants. With years of experience and expert knowledge in their field, they have an array of techniques and methods to serve documents effectively. If a defendant refuses to accept documents, the Process Server can give the documentation to a family member or co-worker or even post it on the door. In many cases, the Process Server will persist and ensure the recipient receives the documents.
On the other hand, Sheriff’s Department deputies may not be as forceful in serving documents and may give up on an attempt if met with resistance. Their primary responsibility is to maintain law and order, not necessarily to serve court documents. This, combined with a large workload, can result in a lower success rate for delivering legal documents.
3. Cost-Effective
Many people believe that using the Sheriff’s Department is free; however, it can be more expensive than using a Process Server. The Sheriff’s Department charges for each attempt, and if they need to serve the paper multiple times, the cost can quickly add up. Furthermore, if the defendant can’t be found, you may need to hire another party to locate them, incurring further expenses.
Process Servers generally offer flat rates for their services, regardless of the number of attempts. This means you can make significant savings, especially for cases involving multiple defendants or numerous serving attempts. It also means the total expense can be accurately determined from the beginning, ensuring there are no unexpected costs down the road.
4. Comprehensive Reporting
A significant benefit of using Process Servers is the record-keeping and detailed reporting they provide. They are meticulous in their documentation and make sure everything is properly recorded. All attempts made at serving the documents are reported to the client, who will have clear evidence of all communication and attempts to serve their documents. This is particularly useful in cases where you need to prove that the documents were served.
In contrast, the Sheriff’s Department may not be able to provide as comprehensive reporting. They may not have records of each attempt, and the reports may not be as detailed as those provided by Process Servers. This lack of documentation can hinder your case and make it difficult to prove that the documents were indeed served.
Conclusion:
Process Servers are an excellent alternative to the Sheriff’s Department when it comes to serving court documents. They offer faster service, a higher success rate, are cost-effective, and provide detailed reporting. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone wanting to ensure their legal proceedings run smoothly.
It is essential to work with an experienced and reliable Process Server who is familiar with the state’s legal guidelines. Chatting with a process server will help you understand the process involved. Doing adequate research and working with the right legal professional will go a long way in helping you win your case.
