What Kind of Papers Does a Process Server Serve?
A professional process server is authorized to deliver any type of legal document that is required to be formally served to a person or business. In short, if it’s a court document, we serve it.
While many people think of a process server just handing over a summons for a lawsuit, the reality is much broader. As the leading process servers in Baton Rouge, our team at Lafayette Process Servers LLC handles a wide variety of documents every single day. This guide breaks down the most common types of papers we serve.
Key Takeaways
- A process server serves all types of legal documents, not just lawsuits.
- The most common documents include Summonses, Subpoenas, and Petitions.
- We also specialize in serving Family Court papers (like divorce and child support) and Eviction Notices.
- The goal is always to provide a legal, notarized Affidavit of Service as proof of delivery.
1. Civil Lawsuits and Summonses 📄
This is the most common and well-known type of service. When a lawsuit is filed, we serve the Summons (or “Citation” in Louisiana) and Petition (or “Complaint”). These documents officially notify a defendant that a case has been filed against them and that they have a legal obligation to respond.
2. Subpoenas 👨⚖️
A subpoena is a direct order from the court. It commands a person to either:
- Testify in court or at a deposition.
- Produce documents (a “subpoena duces tecum”).
Furthermore, serving a subpoena correctly is critical. If not served properly, the witness is not legally required to appear, which can jeopardize your entire case.
3. Family Court Documents 👨👩👧
Family law cases are sensitive and require a professional, discreet approach. We have extensive experience serving all types of family court documents in the Baton Rouge area, including:
- Petitions for Divorce
- Child Custody and Visitation Orders
- Child Support Papers
- Community Property Petitions
4. Eviction & Landlord Documents 🏡
For landlords in East Baton Rouge Parish, proper service is essential. We handle the two key steps:
- The 5-Day Notice to Vacate: The initial notice delivered to the tenant.
- The Rule for Possession: The official court summons for the eviction hearing, which we serve after you file at Baton Rouge City Court.
5. Other Common Documents We Serve
In addition, our team regularly serves a wide variety of other legal notices:
- Garnishments
- Notices of Seizure
- Petitions for Injunctions or Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs)
- Small Claims Court papers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can a process server serve papers from any court?
- A: Yes. We serve documents from any court, including the 19th JDC, Baton Rouge City Court, Federal Court, and from any other parish or state for a case involving a resident of Baton Rouge.
- Q: Do you serve papers for individuals, or only for law firms?
- A: We proudly serve everyone. We work with major law firms, small businesses, and private individuals who need to file their own legal documents.
- Q: What if the person is hiding or hard to find?
- A: That’s where our expertise shines. If we can’t serve them, we use our professional skip tracing service to locate a new address and get the job done.
Your Trusted Partner for All Legal Documents
No matter what kind of papers you need served in the Baton Rouge area, our team is equipped to handle it. We combine local expertise with the highest standards of professionalism.
for a free quote on serving your documents.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Please consult with a qualified Louisiana attorney for advice regarding your specific legal case.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
- Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure – Service of Process: The official state laws governing how we serve documents. [Link to the Louisiana Legislature]
- 19th Judicial District Court (East Baton Rouge Parish): The primary court in our service area. [Link to the 19th JDC]
- Lafayette Process Servers LLC (serving Baton Rouge): Your expert partner for service of process. [Link to Baton Rouge Process Servers]
- Standard Legal Notices Handled by Process Servers
- Types of Documents We Serve: From Divorce Papers to Eviction Notices
- Ignoring a Summons
- Process Server Louisiana
- Can someone contact you to serve you with legal papers?
About the Author
Scott Frank is the founder of Lafayette Process Servers LLC with over 20 years of experience in Louisiana legal support. He is an expert in the rules of service of process for all types of legal documents.
