As you know, a process server is the person that is hired to serve or deliver legal paperwork, such as subpoenas or summons and complaints, to individuals or companies.
When a process server accepts a job, they are sure to take down any important information regarding the person that is to be served. Their address is pertinent, but if the intended recipient cannot be found there, it is important that the process server has his or her work address. The more details the process server has, the better chance he or she has at finding the individual.
Usually, a process server arrives at the given address, knocks on the door, asks for the person that he or she is looking for, and hands the papers to that individual. This only happens a percentage of the time, however.
The truth is, most people are not too thrilled to receive legal papers. Such documents usually do not contain the best of news. This means that some recipients choose to act aggressive, argumentative, and even physically confrontational towards the process server, who is, at his or her essence, just a messenger. Sometimes, the person expects the papers, and, as such, he or she chooses to go off the grid. They simply do not want to be found.
How Do You Serve the Elusive?
Well, when a person is barely home, hiding, or avoiding the process server, the best chance of serving him or her is usually to simply observe his or her property or work location. Observing the property means staying close enough to survey a residential or commercial location, without being seen, until the person in question arrives. At that point, the process server will serve him or her with the necessary paperwork.
What Does Observation Entail?
Observation, or surveillance, as some call it, can be time-consuming and boring, but it is a necessary part of a competent process server’s job. The process server must have a keen eye out and not take it off the area for a second. That means no social media, texting, or games on the phone, no fumbling with the radio, and no reading books or magazines. Process servers in this situation must do nothing but watch for the people they are looking for, so they can get their jobs done effectively.
Surveillance can consist of several hours of boredom that is interrupted with a sudden rush of activity. Once the individual is in sight, it only takes a few minutes to approach and then serve him or her. Process servers use unmarked cars and are dressed in plain clothes, so many difficult-to-locate would-be recipients do not realize that they are being served until it is too late. Just remember, the person does not have to accept the documents willingly in order for him or her to be considered legally served.
At Lafayette Process Servers, we are always willing to go the extra mile for you. Scott Frank and his team of process servers are willing to observe those that must be served and do it in a discreet and proven manner. We guarantee that we use such methods to get your paperwork served on time, every time. Give us a call to learn more about our services.
Donna Lee Hellmann is a New Orleans-area copywriter. The foregoing article has simply been presented for informational purposes only. She, and those at Lafayette Process Servers, are not attorneys. If you seek further information about this topic, contact an attorney in your local area.
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