One of the most common questions we receive from our clients is whether process servers call ahead of time before serving legal papers. The answer to this question is not straightforward and depends on various factors. In this blog post, we will discuss these factors and when calling ahead of time is appropriate.
Factors That Determine Whether Process Servers Call Ahead of Time
There are several factors that determine whether process servers call ahead of time before serving legal papers. These factors include:
The Type of Service
The type of service required will determine whether a process server calls ahead of time. For example, if the service requires personal service, the process server may call ahead of time to confirm the person’s location and availability. However, if the service is through mail or posting, there is no need for a process server to call ahead of time.
The Location of the Service
If a process server is attempting to serve a person at their place of employment, assuming they do not own their own business, then the server will need to contact the place of employment ahead of time to schedule a time to meet with the process recipient’s supervisor and pass off the process.
The Specific Requirements of the Case
The specific requirements of the case can also determine whether a process server calls ahead of time. For example, a judge may order that the process recipient be contacted via phone before attempting service due to privacy concerns or difficult scheduling. Each case may have different requirements that dictate whether the process server will attempt contact by phone first.
Do Process Servers Call Ahead of Time?
Based on the factors mentioned above, the answer to whether process servers call ahead of time is, it depends. In some cases, process servers may call ahead of time to confirm the location and availability of the person being served. However, in other cases, they may serve the papers without any notification.
In general, the best practice is for process servers to attempt to make contact with the person being served before serving the papers. This is to ensure that the person is aware of the legal documents they are receiving, and to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. However, in cases where the person being served is difficult to locate or is known to be evasive, calling ahead of time may not be necessary or practical.
Tallahassee’s Best Process Servers
Whether process servers call ahead of time depends on various factors, including the type of service required, the location in which the papers are being served, and the specific requirements of the case. If you have any questions about process serving or need to hire a process server, work with the most reputable and reliable process service agency in Tallahassee – Accurate Serve. Contact us at 850-519-5494 or send us a work request online to get started today.
