You see process servers do some pretty crazy things in movies and TV, but what is a process server allowed to do, actually? Continue reading to find out.
A process server is an individual who has been hired to deliver legal documents.
They can also file court papers and work to retrieve court documents.
Process servers exist in the United States because individuals and entity’s involved in legal action are required to have “due process.” This is the privilege of letting them know that there will be a court hearing involving them. Typically, this involves a civil lawsuit, family law proceedings and sometimes delivering documents pertaining to a criminal case.
The process servers must deliver papers to an individual, a business, an entity’s representative or lawyer. In the latter case, they can deliver evidence or information from the opposing party’s counsel.
You may have seen process servers on television and in movies. This may have led you to ask, “What is a process server allowed to do?”
In this article, we’ll go over some of the do’s and don’ts of a process server’s job.
For now, we’ll keep it specific to service of process in California. Be aware that there are variations in each state.
What is a Process Server Allowed to Do?: Serving Papers
A process server’s main function is to give notice to the opposing party of a pending action, so that party, knows about it and can respond to the matter. He or she will typically show up at the defendant’s door or at their work and hand them the papers. This is to let a party know someone has filed a complaint against them.
Depending on the state, there are a few complex rules about serving the papers. In some states, a process server may trespass to gain access to the defendant or his or her property. In other states, these warnings cannot be ignored.
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Breaking and Entering
A process server may not break into a home or business to serve papers, no matter the state’s rules on trespassing. Instead, they will have to come back to the home or place of business another time to see if the defendant is available then.
If a Defendant Does Not Answer the Door
A process server cannot compel a defendant to answer the door. In some cases, people who know a lawsuit has been filed against them will attempt to avoid service. They may erroneously believe that this means the case will simply go away. It won’t.
However, a process server can still not force someone to open the door. He or she will have to come back on another date if the defendant refuses to open the door.
A Process Server Cannot Pretend to Be Law Enforcement
Although you may have seen a process server do something similar on television, they cannot pretend to be part of the law enforcement. They cannot tell a party who refuses to open the door that they are the police, sheriff or any member of law enforcement and that they need them to open the door.
If you have any questions about this process or need help finding the right professional process servers for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can ensure a fast, reliable and easy process service for you.
Getting Creative
A process server may be required to get creative when it comes to locating defendants who have decided to make themselves scarce. This may include waiting outside the home until they leave so that the process server can serve the papers. It may also include waiting outside a workplace or friends or families home to do the same thing, this is known as a stakeout.
But a process server may not break state law to do so. This means he or she cannot serve papers or gain access to a building under false pretenses. He or she must be forthcoming with who they are and why they’re looking for the defendant but being general about who you are and why you are there is allowed.
Mailing Papers
This is generally not available in California except for very specific documents or circumstances, like service by Special Court Order. This is much more common in several other states, so make sure to check your specific states laws.
Leaving Papers with Someone Over the Age of 18
If the defendant is continually evasive, you can leave the papers with someone else in the household over the age of 18. You can also leave the papers with someone in his or her place of employment. This will count as service only if the document you are serving allows for this or the judge has signed of on a Special Court Order.
If I’m Being Served, Do I Have to Open the Door?
If you’re being served papers, you do not have to answer the door legally. You can call the police if the process server is trespassing and this is not legal in your state.
You should know that even if you do not open the door, this does not mean you can hide from or evade the lawsuit.
Alternatives for Inability to Serve
A process server may spend several hours or days attempting to serve an individual. If the person is particularly evasive, he or she will submit a sworn affidavit saying they were unable to serve the defendant.
In this case, there are a few ways that the court can go about service. In some states, putting an ad for service in the paper will suffice. This shows the party was served via public notice.
At this point, the defendant is considered served and the process server no longer needs to continue to hunt down the defendant and can move on.
A defendant can drag on lawsuit proceedings initially by attempting to avoid service. But after a certain amount of time, the court will not continue to allow it.
Bottom line: if you have someone attempting to serve you papers, they will find a way to do so. It is best to accept them and begin to build your case with your defense team.
Process Servers and Their Rights
“What is a process server allowed to do?” is a question for which the answer varies tremendously from state-to-state. You should not assume that one law goes for all 50 states. If you have questions about your rights as a defendant or process server, it is best to research your own state’s laws.
For more information on process servers and the law, fill form on a Contact us page or call us today to discuss your specific needs at 1-510-797-9996.
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Can a process server leave your papers rolled up and sticking through a chain link fence
It Depends… what type of documents they are, what court they are filed out of, wheather or not they were talking to some one or could see someone old enough to serve the documents to and they refused service.
Is it legal to leave papers the were barely legible, at a front door, no person?
It would depend on what kind of documents you were served with, what court or state the action was served in. If the subject or another resident were really home and just wouldn’t answer the door. I would need more informaton on this question.
Hi I’m Jared Kelly feel free to mssg me on my email @ [email protected].
My question is in the state of California. Can a process server just leave papers at your door. And see you through the window and say it’s court docs and I’m have a description of you so you don’t need to take them. Is that legal do I still have to go to court even though he didn’t hand them to me?
Yes, sounds like you have been served.
Can a process server show up at your residence, verify your identity and then NOT serve papers, but instead hand over his business card and say “call me to set an appointment” regarding “documents and a legal matter”. ?
It’s weird for sure. I do have clients, who want me to go out to an address and confirm if it’s still good for a person sometimes. I always make them give me a letter or documents to serve on them when I do those. So maybe this one does not have that requirement. It’s just awkward to not have something to give you, assuming this was that.
What does it mean if the process server serves you papers at your work and your not there are they allowed to leave them with the front office and they give them to you. Is that legal in California and is that considered as the person being server. Because it was not directly served to him or her.
Assuming the documents can be Sub Served, they can be left with any adult at your place of business after proper diligence.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=415.20
Can a process server leave papers taped to the door of my old address after they were told I don’t live there anymore?
Depends on the type of documents and what court they are filed out of.
Can you be server by means of a wife that no longer lives in the home. WA state, Pierce county. credit card debt. If not can this be used to have case dismissed?
Maybe… depends on the state rules and if your mail still goes to that address or if that state allows service at the subjects “Last Known Address.”
I was trying to serve someone at his workplace, but after the supervisor asked me what I was there for, she rejected to let me get inside the office and said I am not allowed to enter and wait at the waiting area. My question is does the supervisor have the right to refuse the sever entering the office and wait at the waiting area?
Depends on what state you are in.
Can a process server show up at your residence, verify your identity and then NOT serve papers, but instead hand over his business card and say “call me to set an appointment” regarding “documents and a legal matter”. ?
I supposed they could do that but it would be Stupid and I would never set an appointment with them.
Can a process server stand in the doorway, with an unbuttoned holster like John Wayne ready to draw, and scream at me to call my effing buddies and quit wasting his effing time. He didn’t touch the gun but he stood like Jesse James ready to draw. Can he chase someone down the road and scream at a car. Can he try to stand in my doorway after the cowboy incident and try to stop me from closing the door. Then beat on the door once I get it closed screaming obscenities heard by neighbors.
Probably not, I would defenantly report that to the police and file a complaint. What state is this in?
state of Missouri… can server have documents with wrong name and still state that you are harboring them? never new that name… but he later came up with name but not on the papers…. he was using his height, stature and forceful demands to intimidate with threats of arrest by sheriff… all in front of cliente at place of business
No idea… reach out to a Missouri Process Server.
Hi Jason:
I have a process of service problem. I want to sue a former employer for illegally garnished wages (no court order exist) just wages were taken away from my spouse on payday. The problem is the Company’s address does not pick up certified mail. So I tried to use the Secretary of State website in CA. The problem here is all of the registered agents have left their address as incomplete. So a USPS agent can’t deliver it to them. I’m not sure what to do here.
I would give it to the Secretary of state but they cant accept it without a court’s order 1st. So its a catch 22. I cant get it to a judge or a hearing officer unless there is a way to contact them formerly 1st, which there is not… So whats my next move here ?
Give me a call when you get a chance. Jason 510-797-9996
Califormia Agent for Service of Process Look Up https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business
Can a process server throw the papers at someone as they drive away?
There was no communication, no confirmation of identity. The person she was trying to serve was on their scooter and she threw the papers on the ground. Looked at me and said “the papers are on the ground for him. “ I said “I don’t know you.” She said “you know what they are for.” I responded “no, I don’t.” I then continued to walk in the direction I was going. The papers remained on the ground.
Could be properly served but might depend on the state.
If a process server shows up to my job and ask me am I joey? I say no, and he throws the papers on the ground and walk away…is this lawful?
Yes, Don’t avoid service, it just makes you look dumb. Assume the Process Server has more information than you do. Picture, car info, etc.
I was asked to serve someone at work for my coworker. The person being served, my coworker, and I all work together in the same hospital on the same floor. My first attempt was unsuccessful as they refused to take the papers and walked away, so my second attempt I was able to serve them on their lunch and I just left the documents in front of them. My question is was any of that not allowed as far as serving him on his lunch or at work being that’s it’s a hospital and I’m not sure what the rules/regulations or policies are. Second question is he got upset and told a higher up about it, so legally is my work able to push any disciplinary action for what I did? Basically did I do anything illegal?
It sounds like valid service. Only issue I could see is the employer having an issue with it, since you work there too.
Can the person filing legal papers be present while the server is serving the legal papers?
Generally yes… but they should only really be there to point the person out. We don’t really want them there because they tend to cause problems.
Can a process server serve papers to a relative not living in the same house?
Depends on the Documents and the Court they are filed out of. Some allow for the documents to be served at the Last Known Address.
Like if it was for a car accident?
Possibly
If a process server is in an intimate relationship with someone and lives with that person, can he serve her ex husband with court papers? I believe that would make him an involved party in the case and legally and ethically could not. If so and the relationship can be proven, what could be done? This actually happened to the point that she used him to get alternate service for her ex husband.
It probably doesn’t matter. Most states require a minium, that the person serving the dox be Over 18 and not a party to the action.
May very from state to state.
A process server made an opinion, belief, or speculation that I was evading service on a signed affidavit under penalty of perjury after his failed attempts. He stated “I feel like subject may be evading”. Our whole family was out of town for two weeks. I have never evaded a server, I am not afraid of being served I have been in court many times and always cooperated. Not everyone understands that they are just doing there job and lawsuits just don’t go away. I have evidence of my airline tickets along with the entire family. The server signed an affidavit with his opinion gave it to the attorney. The attorney then presented this to the court as factual information stating that I was in fact evading service so she could recklessly and maliciously discredit my credibility and character in court in order to sway the courts decision for her own personal gain. This caused significant damages. This happened in California Probate court in Orange County
Can I sue the process server and the attorney for Liable Defamation and or damages? I understand both may be protected somehow, but presenting an opinion on a singed affidavit and presenting that opinion as a fact in court has to be wrong somewhere somehow…Thank you for any insight you may have…
I doubt you could sue the server; our declarations are what we saw and experienced. If the server was seeing lights on inside or could hear or see movement inside or we clipped the door, and that clip moved or disappeared because you had someone come by to feed a cat. That could be interpreted as signs the person was avoiding service. You should be able to provide your evidence to the court and maybe they would change things but if it would not have made a difference to the judge anyways, they would likely keep the same order.
What if they never serve you? I have twice been notified that I would be served between certain hour and no one showed up! (They left a phone message notifying me.) I called the phone number they left for information. The person answering told me the attempt had been made. When I explained that it hadn’t been, she scheduled another one for yesterday. Still, no show!
I feel like this is an attempt to get me to NOT be at court and have a summary judgement against me. (On a credit card I never had that is from a clam 14 years ago, well past the statute of limitations.)
What can I do? I am in Montana.
Most Process Servers Don’t call ahead to schedule appointments to serve people but if you are willing to set an appointment with them, then I guess it’s worth it. What is the Process Server Company name? Might be best to email me directly through the website.
Just a basic question: What typically happens when someone comes by your house and mention that they need you to sign some documents for you and your insurance company?
Need more information on this. Are they delivering legal documents to you or is it your insurance company needing you to sign something? If you are served legal documents and your insurance would or should cover it, you should contact your insurance company right away so they can deal with it for you.
Is a police officer a process server when he serves these papers or is he still a police officer. I had a police officer come serve me child support papers that never existed. But I did have an out standing warrant that I didn’t know about. He texted me one day at work and said he needed to serve me child support papers and I needed to come to the office to sign them. When I got there they took me into custody for the warrant.
A Police Officer is ALWAYS a Police Officer. Watch this video… Superbowl Tickets for Warents.
https://youtu.be/1LsNBA2XwXU
Someone called looking for my son in law whom I have no contact with. They said they are trying to locate him. I told them I don’t know where he is. They said they would come to my apartment to look for him. Can I get in trouble if I tell them to get lost? I told them on the phone not to come, and if they do, there would be trouble
Probably not get in trouble but if you honestly don’t know where he is and he does not live there. Just tell them that. If they are serving papers on him, the more helpfull you are the more likely they will believe you and likely to not come back looking for him. Thinking that you are lying to them and helping him avoid service.
Can a process server serve you legal documents if I’m at court for another matter?
Yes. Take the documents and don’t make a scene.
Can a process sever who is now my neighbor openly discuss a civil case which he served papers to me on 2 years ago at a prior address? Are there any ethical barriers here ? While it is public record the case is out of another state and nobody would have reason to know about it without his gossiping.
Probably nothing illegal about it but it certenly is not a good look for a process server to do that. I hope our phone call today hellped you out.
Is it illiage to run up to a person with small kids,don’t say anything ,scare them so they run and the person Chase’s them ,while the their screaming and throw a paper and leave.im assuming it’s a court paper like child custody
Likely not illegal but why it was done that way would really depend on what has happend previously. Are you avoiding service, have they attempted to serve you previously and you refused to answer the door. Generaly a process serve does not need to chase you. They would announce service and drop the dox at your feet or if you are in a car put the documents under the winshield wipers, tell you they are legal papers and leave.
I did recently have a simular situation. I started walking up to a subject’s car, who was avoiding serivce and they started backing the car up. I then had to run and catch the car, put the dox under the winshield wiper and then start walking back to my car. Their kids were likely in the car, they got out of the car yelling at me but they caused the entire action. Had they answered the door previously, none of this would have happened and the service would have looked a lot more like a delivery.
I got lucky that I was still sitting at the community gate talking to the landlord, and they drove up, probably taking the kids to dinner. Even if they had just stopped, rolled down the window to take the documents it would have looked a lot more civilized, but they didn’t and they got served anyways.
What happens if the process server gave papers to a guest at the house and the next day they left but the homeowner that is being served is out on vacation? Is this way still properly being served even if they are not in town.
It might depend on the state you are located in and the type of documents that are being served but probably not a valid service. Generally sub-service needs to be completed on a resident of the home. In California you are considered a “Resident” if you have lived at an address for 30 days. But some states allow service on “a person of suitable age and discretion.” You should reach out to a local process server or an attorney in your state and ask that question.
Ok thank you so much I’ll let them know
A friend of mine wants me to serve someone cause I’m the only person they never met… am I allowed to put the papers in a box and say they delivered a package to the “wrong address”? (I’m in Colorado if you need to know)
I would not do it that way, they person may never open the box or just claim they did not know there were legal papers inside the box. I would reccomend highering a process server in Colorado or at least calling them to see what you are allowed to do in your state.
No. You cannot do that. You must serve the person directly or another person over the age of 18 in the home. If you don’t want to do this for your friend, tell them to call a process server.
Hey so i can’t afford a process server so my friend went to serve papers she was home looked out the window and never open the door.my friend waited for 10 minutes before leaving he knocked and knocked but no response..
Well she did this alotif times even with police tried to serve her. What could I do to get her served. I tried everything that I Kno of..
I live Seattle Washington
I would recommend contacting a Washington Process Server, they would be able to tell you what valid service is in your state. In California we would have served it assuming we could verify the person looking out the window was the subject. But I don’t know the specific rules for the State of Washington.
Is it valid if the server leaves the papers with a person older than 18 such as a secretary in the first attempt knowing that defendant will avoid service, and continues to attempt personal service, then file a substituted service?
It depends on the documents you are serving and what court, the documents are issued out of. In California, a Summons and Complaint for example, this could possibly be done like this. There is nothing in the code section stating what order the service and the diligence needs to be completed in but you could have issues with the default clerk, issuing the judgment. Most Process Servers don’t complete service this way and there is currently no case law supporting service like this to my knowledge. What is more common is one server attempts the service and establishes proper diligence, then later a second process server attempts service and sub-serves the documents on their first attempt. Using the previous servers attempts as that established the “Diligent Attempts.”
Can a server stop and question customers and employees at our place of business? That is looking for the boss to serve but questioning everyone and making customers uncomfortable. We are in California. Thank you!
Probably not illegal but likely not very effective at getting the papers served either. Might be best to giove me a call about this one.
I’m in cali, a process server served an unlawful detainer to my mom (I’m the defendant) I was sick she tried twice to serve no luck nd on the third time my mom (who is not named on the summons) answered the door and was served. Process server said she personally served me. How do I notify someone that she’s lying ?
That would be a question for an attorney but what you are describing sounds like Substitute Service, leaving the documents with someone other than the named party after due diligence. Did your mom confirm to the server that she was you when she spoke to the server by mistake? What makes you think that the server believes they personally served you, have you seen the proof of service? You would likely file a Motion to Quash the service if they did in fact say that they personally served you and you were not. Might be best to give me a call or shoot me an email directly.
Does it count as being served if you called them and they told you what your case was about?
Probably not… but it might depend on what state you are located in and what kind of documents you are being served with. I would need more information.
To serve a statement of claim can a process server gain access into a building by forging entry Fobs or disengagingl/manipulating through electronic means the entry doors to be able to make it up to the suite without having to contact the person from below.
If no, would this be a crime?
Legaly… probably not. What makes you think that the server did that? Usually we would follow someone in to a secured building or someone would let us in. If it was an eviction, the landlord would likely provide us access or give us a key to get into the building. There are a million other ways for a server to gain access to a secured building that are less problematic.
My landlord had a process server who is our neighbor serve me papers but she came to the door asked to come in I asked three times what she was there for and she said see how I was doing after the 4 the time she said she had a paper for me she’s friend with my landlord and I have sexual assault case against my landlord,she entered under false pretenses what can I do to file a compliment against her
Your neighbor is likely not an actual process server because there would be no need for them to enter your home. They would have just served you at the door.
Can a process server in California ask you questions about the case to work for the other party as a witness to use the information against you.
Depends on the questions and if it was part of serving the documents or other documents that they had for someone else that you might know. Now it would be 100% no problem that if the “Process Server” was also a Licensed Private Investigator or only a PI. They do serve papers too.
What happens when the name on the service document is not the name of the person being served? Are we required to show ID to a server. Can we simply not accept documents if it’s not our name and don’t know anyone of that name their trying to serve? This is for a service for paternity and child support. This is in CA btw.
You should answer the servers questions if you don’t know who this person is. Generally I ask how long ago they moved out or when you moved in? If you still see mail for this person’s name. If I can get a name, that helps us convince our client that the address is no longer valid and this person has been gone for however long. You want to come off to the server honest and helpfull. They still may leave the documents because the post office may have confirmed the defendants mail is still delivered to this address. Many Documents can be Sub-Served, (Give them to Someone Other Than The Named Defendant) but that usually needs to be an address that the subject works at, lives at or Recieves Their Mail at.
Also… People Do Lie to Us!
I have served documents on someone because they seemed to be lying to me, evasive or just plain an asshole to me and then ended up Bad Addressing the assignment back to my client. But if the client is able to provide me evidence that the address was good or got a Postal Check back confirming Usual Place of Mailing then I could Provide a Proof of Service to the court.
Can a process server bang on your door and yell out loudly your name and they are serving you legal papers or can they just I have a “delivery” loudly
It depends… I will normaly ring the doorbell… wait, then knock on the door… wait, and then knock on the door again and call out “delivery” because I am actually making a delivery. I do my best to not pound on the door or security screen but people will claim that I was when I clearly was not. I think because people don’t knock on doors as much as they did when I started this job people are surprised what it actually sounds like to get a knock on the door anymore. Also, doors are made differently now and metal security screens can sound louder than we intend when we are knocking on them. BUT if I see you inside or know for certin that you are there, but won’t come to the door, I would announce service clearly and tell you that I had legal papers for you and they are on the porch waiting for you.
In California, can an attorney serve papers in a large package box filled with Styrofoam peanuts? Also can they shove open the front door to your house to put the box inside (after you have acknowledged you are who they are looking for and they do not say who they are or why they are trying to force a box into your home)?
Why do you think this person was an Attorney or a Process Server? This sounds like someone who doesnt know what they are doing. I would never put the documents inside a box, for the same reason we don’t serve legal papers in envelopes. People will claim, “I didn’t know what was in the envelope/box.” My dad used to carry a small box to get people to answer the door but once they identified themselves, he would serve them the documents and leave with his box. Some people would still want the box and he would have to tell them it was an empty box. There is no need to open the door or the screen door, they should have just told you what the documents were and left them on the porch or in the security screen if you didn’t want to open the door.
Thank you. After the man forced the box into my house he started saying “You’ve been served lady!” Then when I let him know I would be contacting law enforcement he told me to go ahead because he was the attorney and an officer of the court. He did not open the door. I cracked the door open to see who was at my door, but it was late and my dogs were present so I only opened it enough to see who was there. Once I acknowledged I was who he was looking for he began shoving the package into my door to get it into my house. I had to contact the sheriff because I was to afraid to open the box with current RO in place.
This person is lucky that they did not get shot. That is NOT how things are done. What did the shreriff’s department tell you when they came out? I would think that could be considered breaking and entering, if not assault and battery when they forced the door open into you.
If they are in fact an attorney, you might be able to make a complaint with the State Bar of California. If you were served with legal documents there will eventually be a proof of serivce filed with the court, detailing their name and contact information. I would be curious to see that proof of serivce.
Can a process server serve me custody papers through someone my sons father suspects is the only person who has contact with me? I haven’t heard from him in 5 months after telling me to raise our child on my own and he messaged my friend to say happy birthday on my sons birthday. I messaged his number and sent him a picture, he claimed I was keeping my son from him … 2 days later a process server shows up. Someone else answered the door, they were looking for the friend that my sons father messaged. Is he trying to serve me through my friend? Is that even possible? Or allowed?
Depends on the state and the kind of documents. If you and your friend live together, then the documents might be allowed to be sub-served to them. For instance, in California a Summons and Petition for Parental Obligations can be sub served where a Request for Order generally cannot. If that friend is located at your Usual Place of Mailing then the documents might be sub-served at that address.
In most states a friend can serve papers for them, but they would have to fill out and sign a proof of service and send it back to the court or the other party. You would want to reach out to a local attorney or process server to ask this question.
Keep in mind that visitation generally comes with child support and if you two can work things out it could be an opportunity to make things easier on yourself and the child.
Can a process server ask personal questions such as age, marital status, height to a secretary receiving a document on behalf of a company? When asked why, the server said it was standard and she was within legal rights. This occurred in Florida.
I believe this is required by Florida. BUT there is no requirement that you answer their questions if you don’t want to. They will just put “Refused” on the proof of service and guess on the height and weight.
Does a process server have to include the location(s) service was attempted on an affidavit of non-service?
Normaly the declaratoin would list the address. I would have to see exactly what you’re talking about. You can email me at the address at the top of our website.
Is it still legal for a process server to still come to my house to serve me papers even if my case has been closed?
What makes you think that the case has been closed or that this process server has anything to do with that “Closed” case?
Dose a person serving family court papers do they have to give you their name. And who they are. And what they are doing if you ask them..?? If they are on private property in South Carolina
And the papers where no for me but they where on my property.. and would not tell me who they where..
And he told me he was a detective while he was filming and never told me who he was until I told him it was my right to know while he was on private property he told me he was detective when I asked him for his badge number he wouldn’t give it to me and he was filming me the whole time and didn’t tell me that he was filming
Hello,
I would like to file a civil case against someone. I know their P.O. Box mailing address. I know what neighborhood they are renting a house in, but I dont know the actual physical address of the house. Do process servers have any way of finding out the actual physical address so the person can be served? I have gotten nowhere every attempt to find out the physical address. Silly question, I know! thank you for your time in advance.
A Postal Check can be completed to see what address they opened the box up with. This is normaly completed by a process server but the post office may let you do it after filling out the proper form. A Private Investigator May be able to locate the correct address through database searches. You can provide the neighbors address so the server can locate the property and then get the numbers off the curb or home.
I’m wondering if a process server would even know WHY the person is being served? I’ve lived in quiet comfort on a desolate farm for more than 3 years now; have no debt, no enemies, no real estate problems. I’m a senior citizen with a terminal illness. Life is good such as it is. Why would a process server be looking for me? No, I don’t even know anyone nefarious – and oddly, the server went to an address I left more than 3 years ago. That resident told them, honestly, they had no idea of my current address.
I just want an idea of why?
The Process Server would have the documents and could give you an idea what they were about if you were willing to set an appointment to recieve them. Some times you are just being given notice that a sale of a property for taxes is taking place of a relatives property, that you could have an interest in or a conservatorship or addoption of a relative is going on and they have to give everyone notice so you could object if you needed to.
Can a process server (in Georgia) block you in, while in your car, in a parking lot so as to hand you documents thru the car window? And documents I might add that have already been served by the local sheriff’s department one week ago.
Probably but you would want to check with a Georgia Process Server / Law Enforcement in Georgia. Check those documents carefully and make sure they are exactly the same and that changes have not been made to the new documents. They could be Amended, but likely the client did not cancel the service with the Process Server.
Is it a valid serve when a processor throws legal docs at a person’s moving car in California?
Generally we try to get it under the winshield wiper but if we can only get it to the winshield because you are trying to run us over that would likely be considered good service. Even if you flip the documents off the car or they fall off driving away or turning. Aslong as they leave the documents there in the middle of the road that would be considered service. They are your documents after you have been served with them, you can do whatever you want with your papers. Tear them up, leave them in the middle of the street or parking lot. You Own Them!
DON’T AVOID SERVICE!
What if the summons was left with an incompetent person and I never received the documents because I was never notified by the person who excepted the papers .
Depends on the documents and the state the documents are filed out of. Also may depend on the severity of the mental disability. In most cases when the documents are Sub-Served they are followed up by mailing a copy to the named defendant. If the person who the documents were left with doesn’t give you the dox, then you would get a copy in the mail as well. You could probably challange the service but it would be up to the judge and wheter you could prove it was invalid.
And the summons says they left the papers with a competent person . But I can prove the person is incompetent through mental health and disabilities
Can I server leave paperwork with ur neighbor if u are not home? Askong that they give them to there neighbor when they get home.
Would depend on the court your documents are filed out of and what you mean by neighbor. If it is a roommate or both units have the same address, you rent the bottom level and the “Neighbor” rents the top level but each unit is not seperated by unit numbers or street address’s then probably could sub-serve the documents to that person. If it is clearly a different address, different families then probably not. You would need to check with a local process server or attorney.
We would see this more with business’s where one company sub-leases out space to another company, they have the same address but 2 different companies in the same space. In California we could sub-serve the documents to the “Person Apparently in Charge” for the business that is always there but the people from the other company is never there.
Can a process server send you a picture of the order.
Depends on the State and the Court. Sounds like electronic service, likely authorized by a special court order.
In, Ca. Server put the loose paperwork on my husbands windshield as he was leaving for work. The paperwork blew off the car all over the street. I can’t imagine this was the right way to go about this. There’s pages missing, I can’t make heads or tails of it.
Normally documents are stapled together, but the service is 100% valid. I would recommend the next time your husband gets served that he take the documents from the server and not try to avoid service. You can get a copy of the file from the court, maybe even from the courts website if they are imaged and available there.
If I was serving divorce paperwork (financial forms), am I allowed to serve the forms/attachments as digital files on a thumb drive, or do I need to print/serve hard copies of every form and attachment?
Depends on the court. I know some courts allowing eService, generally email. But if the other party has agread to receive them on a Thumb Drive then you are Probably OK. If they are not agreeing then I would serve physical copies of the documents.
Apparently I have a server trying to contact me, I’m never home so I had no idea. My brother just told me today and they said something about if they come 2 more times something about me getting into trouble? Could I get in trouble for not knowing anything about it up until the last day? They left their info for me to call, but I have no idea what it’s about
You are probably not getting in trouble but you could end up with a Judgment Against You and not knowing about it and being able to defend yourself, if they end up serving you through publication. In most cases it is best to contact them and set an appointment for service. Assuming it is a Process Server, they are giving you notice of a pending case or action. You Should Never Give them Money or anything like that, that is not a process servers job.
Does a process server have information as far as state, county, case# and named parties? If so must they give that information if requested?
If they are serving a document in that case they would likely have that information. They would not be required and not likely to give that information out unless it helped them serve the documents or that information was subpoenad. I would need to know the situation and what was said to give a better answer.
In a civil matter, does a lawsuit have to be first filed with the court before the process server is able serve documents on defendant?
In most states yes, it is filed first and then served on the other party, BUT there a a few states that do not file them before serving the documents.
Can a process server(sheriff) read the papers they are serving you?
Yes, we have to have an idea of what we are serving on you.
Can a processor stand at your door for 15 minutes banging on your door so loud they knock the pictures on your wall off. I have PTSD really bad from being stalked and attacked and attacked anyone who knows me knows NEVER to come over with out calling. I was in the shower and heard a very loud and agressive banging at my door this naturally startled me. I looked out the peep hole and did not recognize the man at the door. He literally banged on my door for 15 minutes straight he pounded so hard on my door that the pictures on my wall fell off. My sister finally showed up and asked who he was and he identified himself when I came to the door he literally shoved the papers into my chest with force laughed in my face and laughed said have a great day
Depends on your state but likely not illegal. It is defantly not the best look for a process server but you did contribute to the situation by not answering the door, or at the very least talking to them through the door. Instead you made it look like you were avoiding service, looking out the peephole, (They can see the peephole go dark) and they likely can hear you moving around inside. A lot depends on the information they were provided with the assignment and previous attepts to serve you with documents.
If it was me, I probably would not have handled it that way but in the end it did get you served.
I work at an inpatient treatment for mental and behavioral health. I was wondering after experiencing today, it seems like a process server had been trying to ask about a client which with hippa laws with out having a ROI for the individual we can not disclose any information. For what I have been told, which we are investigating, is that the process server had just dropped the open legal documents that had very detailed information about a filling for custody, parental rights, as well as divorce.
Now the part that I though would be unethical is that the documents were not enclosed in an envelope and seemed to be dropped on the floor with said clients info for any other client to see. Which is what ended up happening, another client had saw the documents and brought them to the front door of the clinical building. Which a client getting access to documents that seemed to be just dropped underneath our gate, has violated her HIPAA rights. This was something out of her control by the time another employee found the documents and brought them to her.
I would imagine that doing so would be directly violating the clients rights under the HIPAA laws.
I wanted to ask you if this was something that crossed a legal line, by leaving the exposed documents on the group where any other
Would not be a HIPPA Violation, Documents are not normally served in envelopes. Since the documents were found near a gate it sounds like they were drop served on someone, an employee, maybe the subject if they would be allowed out to that area. It being a valid service would depend on what state you are in, if the documents are sub-servable… assuming it was served on an employee and if this is a mental facility, then they may not be considered competent to receive process.
Hi there!
Upon searching for answers I came across your page. I’m from the state of NJ and today I was served with documents for my mother in law. The man wasn’t rude, however he asked for my 1st and last name, and relation to her. Because I was on the phone in a rush at the time and extremely caught off guard, I gave him my name (first and last) without thinking. After this incident and realizing he wrote my name down.. I felt as though it shouldn’t have given him my name. Am I being super paranoid? Or should I have something to worry about?
Help! Thanks!
Was him taking my name down simply for the reason of verifying who received the documents? Or will this be a problem for later?
We generally have to put the persons name and relationship on the proof of service, to let the court know who the documents were left with, through a sub-service. If the documents were not for you, just make sure the person who’s they are gets them.
I just saw a video from Othniel Penn in Memphis. He was serving eviction papers, but only the children were home. The parents were still at work. One of the first things Othniel Penn said was ‘Are the dogs put up? I don’t want to shoot them.’ Are they allowed to use such force?
Don’t they have to wait until the parents, whom I assume is on the lease, get home to start the eviction process?
I have no idea what the eviction process is in Tennasee and don’t watch the show, so I’m not sure what he was doing.
How many times can a process server come to your house in California?
There is no limit… The best way to get rid of a process server is to answer the door and take your documents. You will get served one way or another, it’s best to actually know you were served so you can answer the complaint and defend yourself.
Can a process server leave paperwork with minor children with instructions to make sure that their parent gets them? The other party knows that I have an attorney, and they can contact her. Is this even legal?
Depends on the state the documents were filed in. Many will allow sub-service on a 13+ year old. Also if the documents are for the minor specificly they can be served on the minor. For instance in California if we are serving a minor under 12 years old, we only serve the parent or guardian. If the minor is 12 years or older we would serve both the minor and the parent or guardian.
A Constable came to my house for the first time today. I wasn’t home to answer the door. He immediately went to my neighbors house, banging on their door asking questions about me. He asked them if they knew when I would be back, where I was, what my schedule was like, etc. He told them he had papers to serve me, and didn’t want to leave and come back because of gas prices; so he was going to wait outside their driveway for awhile longer until I come back. Then told my neighbors, he would come back and knock on their door over and over again, if they lied to him, and I never showed up.
I literally had just left a few minutes earlier and returned within 30 minutes or less. My neighbor did call me and tell me he was waiting on me. Can he do this?
Depending on the state you live in… Probably. More aggressive than I would be and I generally wouldn’t tell the neighbor I had legal papers, I would say I had a delivery for them usually. Also, Constable’s generally work for the government, Police, Sheriff and sometimes even the court system directly, they may have different rules to follow. But Assholes come in all shapes and sizes.
What if the person serving serves you papers which do not have your name and you have no idea who the names person is? The person serving did not ask my name and just handed me the papers and walked away. I took the papers to the front office two days later due to my current work schedule. In West Virginia. Now the person filing the complaint claims I’m covering up for the person named on the court document. Apparently the named person told the server that they were at my residence which just happens to have the same apartment number as the defendant in a difference building. I think the server got mixed up and is trying to place the blame on me. What do I do?
Might be best to call me on this one but I would let the plaintiff in the case know the documents were delivered to your address by mistake, you are at “address whatever” apartment number “whatever”. Same apartment number, different street address or building address. Tell them what you did with the documents, sounds like you took them to the apartment office.
It’s a bad service, but they may still think they served it correctly and aske the court for a default judgment against the defendant but there is noting you can do about that. It doesn’t matter if they blame you, the server is the one who messed it up and sounds like they didn’t even bother to do their job and ask for the defendant. You might want to let them know if it sounds like they are not going to reserve the documents at the correct address, that you will mail a letter to the defendant letting them know what happened, assuming you still have the name and address for them.
California
Can a process server throw documents in my car window, say my name and then say, “you’ve been served”
? Without anything else being said?
She has been coming around my house and when I do not respond to her knocking on my door (because I did not know who she was or why she was trying to creep me out) she hangs around in my driveway saying, “I can seeee you.”
She was waiting for me when I came home today and threw papers in my car window and told me I had been served.
This person does not sound like they are a process server, just someone over 18 not a party to the action. Mostly because of the “I can seeee you” thing. Yes you can be served in your car when you pull up and are getting out. As long as they know you are the subject, they don’t need to ask your name, they probably had car info and or a picture. Saying that, “You have been served” is not the best but close enough, I would normaly tell you that “I have Legal Papers for You.” Normally I would put the documents under the winshield wiper or drop them at your feet, but in some cases I have had to drop them inside the car window. Sounds like you have been properly served.
So my fiancé is being served child support papers on behalf of the state. However he is not currently in the state and a women claims to be a PI for the state who was there to serve him papers at my mother in laws house (on his license is her address). Now she stated to my mother in law that my fiancé is not being compliant and somewhat mentions hints of his case and my mother in law was able to see the case number. Now to my knowledge papers that are being served are to be sealed and you my not hint about anything about the current case. Mind you the first time they did this, it was illegal of how they sent the court papers, it was sent in the mail and my mother in law sign for them. In the state of Florida that is illegal. You can’t do that because a sheriff or police officer must deliver them to the person being served. When the local sheriff came to my mother in laws house he explain that to her. Further more the sheriff got in contact with my fiancé and my fiancé gave him his current address. However, that PI women said she wasn’t able to find him, now how is that if they are able to pull up that info if the two go hand in hand? Is this legal or are they impersonating someone?
Most documents are served by a Process Server and or PI, not the sheriff’s department (They generally are not good at it and only do it because they are required to do it).
I don’t know what states you are in but the Child Support Departments do have their own PI’s sometimes or contract out to one to locate the people for service.
They are almoste never served in sealed envelopes in most states, generly documents filed with the court ar Public Record, Child support may have a couple of protections in place but they are speaking with his mother and trying to locate the subject.
Depending on the state, DCSS may be allowed to mail the documents and if the subject sighs for them, then they are served. Sounds like when the mailing was inefective, they sent someone out to serve it and when it was found to be a bad address, they attempted to get forwarding information out of the mother. It doesn’t sound like anyone was impersonating anyone and everything sounds legit. She was just willing to talk to a guy with a gun on his hip rather than the PI or Process Server.
Arizona: Can process servers serve papers to an employee at an university? More specifically in the classroom?
Probably. I wouldn’t reccomend if for the very first attempt, but if they are avoiding then all bets are off. And this is all assuming your process server can gain access to the classroom. Generaly If they could be caught at the beginning or end of class that would likely be the best.
Can a process server (in Florida) tell an AC repairman who walked out to the fence of a property, “You do not live here”, and then throw papers over a fence without naming the person he’s trying to serve, or actually serving the homeowner? Is that valid service?
The Ring Camera captured that craziness. LOL
Doubtful that would be legal or the correct way of serving the papers. But I recommend you contact a Floroida Process Server or FAPPS.
Can a process server leave a summons with my daughters 17 yr old boyfriend who does not live at my house?
Depends on the State it’s served in or the court it is foiled out of.
When I came home (Illinois) there was paperwork taped to the front of my apartment building in full view of anyone who walks by or up to the building stating my full name address including apartment number as well as my being a defendent for a small loan that I owe. It was not in an envelope or anything.
Not sure what the rules are in Illinois but generaly postings are not in envelopes.
If a process server was trying to serve me the documents but left document on the floor telling my boyfriend I saw her in the house, when I was not even in the house, am I served?
Depends on the type of documents, if they are sub-serveable, then you still may be served. If they are Personal Only, you may be able to challenge the service, assuming you can prove that you were not there and somewhere else.
I am suing a business in Idaho. I know I need to serve the registered agent for that company. The agent’s listed address is a private residence. With personal service, can paperwork be left with a family member or does it have to be handed to the agent?
I have no idea what the service requirements are in Idaho. If your documents are from a different state then it would be their rules that would need followed. I would reccomend contacting an Idaho Process Server and asking them. You can find them through our National Association. https://napps.org/
A process server has been coming to my house taking pictures and asking if a person lived with us. I told him he was not there and has not lived in Texas since 2016. I said I was related to him and sometimes I speak with him but He is Disabled and on SSI . That server kept coming by and asked when this person would be back. I said doubtful if he will. Today he left papers taped on my door for small claims court court. Since his is legally disable and has not ever lived at my current address and I’m not even sure how to get in touch with him.how should I handle these papers ?
Thank you
I would contact the subject and get them forwarded to your relative. I believe in Texas the judge signs off on an order that would allow the documents to be posted at that address. Last known address may suffice.
If you was served a subpoena to go to court and your not home and they give it to your daughter do you still have to go
It would depend on the type of subpoena and what court it was issued out of.
In General a Subpoena needs to be Personaly Served but for instance here in California the DA’s Office can mail them out and then call you and confirm you got it and that would be enforcable.
Do process servers use drones, or tails with multiple cars to serve someone? How about vehicle tracking devices On other peoples vehicles. I am a contractor and I got served 20 minutes after arriving to a customers house I was working at that probably has no knowledge or contact with the petitioner. The server indicated that she had been looking for me a long time cause I had so many addresses listed on whatever she was using to search for me. I though she was a neighbor at first. The papers filed with the court dated 45 days ago, meaning service was probably expected last month.
Probably not, but it would depend on your states laws if that would be allowed. Sometimes servers just get lucky or the client may have driven by the job site and saw your truck and let them know. Not sure if you have to register anything with the planning department or permits but it is possible that could lead to a database that they were going through.
Can a medical receptionist serve you something after extracting an electronic signature saying it’s for insurance purposes? Then they use the signature as “proof of service” after you sign the pad, and they hand you legal papers?
Probably, generaly a signature is not required or needed from you. It’s the person serving the papers who signs the proof of service. What were you served with? Never heard of anything like this before.
Can should be served by coming home and the documents are on the porch?
Depends on the type of documents and the state the court are in.
Can a process server in Texas call a landlord to verify if the tenant still lives there
Likely. Did they tell the landlord what they had?
They just said they were serving court papers
Can you be served by coming home and the documents are left on the porch?
Depends on the type of documents and the state the court are in.
Is a process server allowed to peek through my front door glass and through my windows as he is ringing the door bell over and over again non-stop? I have the recording on my RING camera.
Depends on your state… but it’s not really peaking if you have glass in the door or next to the door. Generally nothing wrong with ringing the dorbell over and over. I would suggest you answer the door or communicate through the door or the window if you would like it to stop.
So the police department served papers to the manager of my business at her home and her name is not listed on the papers anywhere. Nor is our business or llc listed on the papers. Is that even legal in the state of maine?
No idea, you would need to chack with a process server or an attorney in Maine. May also depend on the type of documents but law enforcement, like the sheriff, etc. can serve legal papers.
Your manager would not happen to be the companies agent for service would they?
Can lore than one process servers attempt to deliver the documents on seperate occasions? In other words, can two people working as a a team switch off attempts in an effort to get documents delivered more efficiently.?
Generaly Yes, happens all the time here in California but may depend on your state.
I had papers served ti me a couple months ago that were illegible so I mailed a request to ask for a legible copy. A process server chased my husband down in a car when he was driving down the street. He flagged him down, walked up to the vehicle and slammed the papers into my husbands chest. Can a process server physically touch a person like that? I’m assuming not because that is considered assault in my book. Mind you, this was a copy of papers I have already received.
Depends on your state… you should probably talk to law enforcemnt.
Can a process server/sheriff’s officer just open your storm door because they see people and force your mother to take summons after she says no by shaking her head and the people there tell him she can’t talk or write because she just had several strokes and isn’t in her right mind and on top of that say he’s not leaving until she takes the papers then he signed them for her and hands them to her
No idea, you should talk to a local process server. Usually the server is who signs, not the person we are serving.
In Kansas, is is ok to leave a summons and complaint for an eviction, on the door, without having tried to serve them personally prior to leaving them on the door? And also, would this issue be addressed at the eviction hearing? Or would the defendant need to file something separate for not having been served properly?
Likely, I suggest checking the following out: https://www.kansaslegalservices.org/node/1934/tenant-issues-and-rights-kansas-renters
I’m regards to my previous comment:
It’s apparent a process server wasn’t used, or a private process server anyhow. It was more than likely just a friend of the plaintiffs who left the summons and complaint on the door of the tenant. But I was under the impression that leaving them on the door is not a way to “serve” a defendant UNLESS they have no other options.
I was notified by my employer’s payroll department they received a court order for garnishment of my check for an old debt accrued during my previous marriage. I was never served properly. When I requested the court docs, it says they had a server “leave them on the porch” of an address that I hadn’t lived at in months. I had actually been living out of state several months at that times. I had a legal change of address at the post office as well as social media i.e. linkedin, etc. Can i sue them for failing to serve me properly in violation of FDCPA/REFDCPA, US code chapter 21, title 42, sec’s 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1988. My state of residence attorney general says that the burden of proof is 100% on the creditor to show due diligence in making sure I was personally served.
That is a question for an attorny… not a process server.
Does or can the members of the same household of a person being served be force to take the subpeona
Generally a Subpoena is a Personal Only Document but there are some states that allow for sub-service of a Subpoena or Consider a Member of the Houshold or a Spouse to be Personnal Service. I hope you are not confusing a Subpoena with a Summons or another type of documents.
what can you do if a process server leaves the papers with a guest, but they say on the return of service form that the person said the person lived there?
also, is there any kind of hard cut off on “suitable age”? Like 14 v. 15 v. 16 or something? Talked to a friend in Georgia, and he had no idea for his own state, let alone the average standard.
Age limit depends on the state. I’ve seen them as low as 12 or 13, most states are 18+.
The guest thing may be state specific as well. Even California has “Suitable Age and Descresion” that I have used before for a person who claimed to not live there but was at the property on several attempts.
Can someone be served electronically via email? My husband claims he didn’t have my address although he did and his attorney chose to serve me papers in my email. I do not see very well and I do not go into my email but a few times a year. Is this a legal way of serving papers?
Depends on the court the documents are filed out of and what type of documents they are. Some places allow for service by email.
Hi I have a question regarding time constraints on personal service in California. I responded to a divorce petition recently, and had the response formally served on my soon to be ex wife one week ago. A friend of mine did the service and filled out the proof of service form. I got extremely ill with COVID that same day and have not made it down to the court house to file the proof of service (the court house is over an hour away from my house. Am I in a time constraint violation for not filing it right away? Can I still go file it being one week later?
You should be fine as long as you already filed the Response with the court.
Hi, if I am not “the guy”being served, do I even have to talk to them, or accept the papework?
You don’t have to… but you will likely get served with them or more people will be serving the dox at your address.
I recomend not looking and acting like you are the subject and who may be avoiding service.
We had a process server call us a few days ago saying she would be bringing us documents. They are for my husband but I asked if she could give me information and she did give me the case number and who to call. I called the number for my husband and they gave me the information about the documents. Everything seems very legitimate. I get a call the next day and the process server said she would be bringing the documents the next day so please try to be home. And it has now been two days since and no one has shown up. Is this a scam? They didn’t ask for any money .
If there is a case filed with the court, not a scam. Maybe they got hung up and couldn’t make the attempt of they attempted and no one was home or answered the door. I’m sure they will be by at some point.
I live in California, in calabasas. I was doing dishes One evening and there is a small 2×2 window to my left. Window was open so he could hear my speaking to my kid. But the blinds were shut. There might have been a slight freak where he might have been able to see through if he really looked closely. All I hear is Ryan, process server. I don’t respond and immediately walk to the door thinking he’s going to knock on the door. He does not. Later on I open the door and see the papers left on the floor. Is this a legitimate service?
Lilely good service, but would depend on how they prepare the proof of service.
I got the proof of service letter, they check marked the first letter (a) box (personal service)
States “ I personally gave copies of the documents to (my name) on this date and this time at this location.
Again the process server never handed me papers, he just shouted my name through the small 2×2 sliding window next to the sink. which the sliding window was partially open and has a dark screen in front as well, the blinds were closed shut, there was only a 2 inch gap (3 fingers wide) from the right side of the window frame to the first blind, which I cannot see anything out, of especially at night time. The man shouted my name then said “process server” and did not say another word. I did not open nor attempt to look out of the window. He Never mentioned anything about having documents for me etc. didn’t knock on the door or make any attempt to have a conversation other than shouting my name and saying “process server”, when my 12 year old son opened the door 20 minutes later to take the dogs out he saw the papers sitting on our door mat. I went outside to see if the man was still around but he had left at this point. Does it still count as a personal serve? I’m under the impression a personal serve would be if I opened the door or the window and the server would tell me why I was being served or just stated that he had court papers for me and if I refused he could then throw it on the floor in front of me. Or at least I have to be outside. At first I thought he was the crazy neighbor trying to scare me. Untill my wife told me what a process serves was.
How do I find out how it is a legitimate serve and how they prepare the proof of service? Thanks for your help!
I got the proof of service letter, they check marked the first letter (a) box (personal service)
States “ I personally gave copies of the documents to (my name) on this date and this time at this location.
I need help getting this person served Can you please help me
Send me an Email, assuming they are in California.
I am in Florida. My wife wants to serve me divorce papers. Can a server serve someone other than myself if I am in the house but refuse to come to the door and accept service?
Maybe, you should contact a Florida Process Server, assiming that is where the documents were filed.
Can a server take pictures of packages on your front porch?
Yes, they are in plain view.
What is the law if any for a server if they threaten me in a voicemail?
In idaho
No idea, same as the general public I would assume.
can you leave a not on the door for the server to either come back at a certain time or as to meet you somewhere else because your not home at the times they come by? Can I leave my number on the door for them to call me. What can I do to help them get whatever doc to me if I’m not able to be home at their times. (this would be the 2nd time they have some by and I’m not at home I keep missing her)
Yes, but who knows when they may come by the house again. Most states only make 3 attempts, others will make more attempts.
Can they take your license plate numbers and run them through MVD ?I told the server the person she is looking for doesn’t live here and no one here knows that person.
We do usually write down plate numbers. Some states a Process Server, Private Investigator or an Attorney can run the plates. Others cannot or have very specific requirements in order to run plates. We can’t run them here but lots of times the Police Repoort or the other party can verify the car is the defendants. Once we know that car is yours, if we happen to see it out and about we may be able to serve you at the car.
Hello Jason,
I live in California Los Angeles County.
I have a question, Is a process sever able to lie and say he’s with a real estate investor company?
I’m not sure if this gentleman is a process server or not, He showed up to my door step I was not at home , However my husband was taking a shower. I seen and spoke with him on my Ring Video, He asked for me I said I was not home he said ok, he then asked if I owned property out in San Bernardino County I told him I cant answer that he said he was a real estate investor then he walked away, I called and informed my husband a few minutes later after my husband walks out and see’s this gentleman taking picture of our house and as my husband walking toward the car to ask what was he doing he speeds off. Thank you
Process Servers in California do Not have to be 100% truthful. Real Estate Investor is new to me, I don’t see how that would help get the documents served. I guess it all depends on if you own property in SB County and if there could be an issue with that property.
Hello. Will a process server leave a message to demand you are home with a photo ID at a certain time then leave an 888 phone number to reschedule? I don’t know about any debt I owe but I did call the number to reschedule. This lady had my personal information including my social. She started threatening to take my assets and garnish my wages when I asked to reschedule. She also threatened to come to my place of employment. This is in Washington state and I am now thinking it is a scam.
Probably not a Process Server… could be a Collection Agency or a Scam. I do hear about this kind of call often. Do Not Make a Payment over the Phone or Without the Debt in Writing and Verified it is still valid.
If a process server comes on private property with 7 signs that say no trespassing and knocks on your door and u open the door and he is automatically filming you is that legal? And he also tried to give me the papers but I wasn’t the one he was serving it was someone else. Can he just hand over the papers to someone else in the house? It was for a child custody case.
Probably… but could depend on what state you are in, they type of documents they are and what court they are filed out of.
Can a process server move plants and other items to get to a front door? I live in a townhouse and we only go in and out via the garage. The front door has large plants blocking the walk way.
Probably.
Can a process server leave papers under the door without an envelope to an address I don’t live or never lived. My daughters home who my relationship is strained with.
Would depend on what state they are filed out of. Some states allow service at the last known address and/or Usual Place of Mailing and Most documents are not served in an envelopes, people will claim they didn’t know what was in the envelope.
A process server BROKE into my home (I’m assuming to verify it was the correct address to serve me at), and then a few days later, left a Notice of Pending Action taped to my door for me to schedule an appointment to complete service. Breaking and entering is ILLEGAL, regardless of the reason. Is this common for process servers to do????
No… process servers do not break into homes. What makes you think a process server broke into your home?
Hello!
I have been out of town for several weeks, and upon returning to my home, there was a business card from a Process Server, asking me to call him. Do they only deliver for complaints or a lawsuit against me, or can it also be for a summons?
I cannot even imagine what this is about, but any suggestions? Or is it an obvious answer and just call and find out? Will he even tell me over the phone?
It just makes me nervous to find out what it might be, so my knee jerk reaction is to want to avoid something like this.
Thank you!
Generally we deliver Bad News, but sometime we deliver Good News.
Could be a subpoena to appear as a witness in a case or provide documents. Sometimes it’s an attorney trying to get a hold of a client or potental client, or they are required to give you notice that a family member is being adopted or could be in danger of loosing their house for unpaid taxes that you would have an interest in the home through inheritance.
You should call and set an appointment.
Can process servers take pictures of my property and cars?
Yes, they are in public view.
Can a process server tell you if you pay them then it keeps the debt out of the courts? but if you miss a payment then a compliance officer will show up at your house/place of employment?
That’s not a Process Server, that sounds like a Collection Agency or a Scam. I have no Idea what a “Compliance Officer” would be unless they were delivering you legal papers or a demand notice. You should look up Fair Debt Collection Act, to see what a collection agancy is allowed to do.
Can a process server dress in similar uniform like an officer, wearing a bodycam, wearing a holster with gun and displaying a badge, driving a marked car with decals serve a relative – Texas?
I don’t believe they would be allowed to impersanate an officer, but process servers do Have badges and are allowed to wear body cams.
Can a process server leave a court subpoena with the persons wife?
Depends on what kind of subpoena and what court it was filed out of.
hello, I reside in Illinois. I have a property in Illinois. I was not at this property but was notified that someone came to the door stating they had papers to give to me. In that same hour a supervisor in a office out of state in TN that I had a contractor agreement with had a copy of a Illinois foreclosure summons for one of my Illinois property . Is this legal for a mortgage servicer to do this when I am not an employee of this company and only did contract work for them in 2019? what type of due diligence were they suppose to do? I have done contract work at many places so did they try to serve me in multiple locations and can expose my personal business like this?
Would depend on the state the documents are filed out of and what the employer told the server looking for you. But it is very common to have multiple address’s to attempt, so no issue there. They are probably going ogg the info provided at the time of the purchase and maybe whatever they were able to find currently.
Can a process server in Oregon sit at the base of your driveway and lay on their horn until you respond if you have no trespassing signs?
Likely.
Hello,
I am in Texas. A process server was coming by and leaving his card at the door for my mother and then finally taped the papers do the door. I thought this meant she’s officially been served but he has since been back another two times and left his card. Why does he keep coming to the house if she’s already been served?
Could be a new service or the posting did not count as the service.
Is it considered being served if person just puts family court papers on your car windshield as you’re driving off?
You Have Been Served! Next time just take the papers.
I received a voicemail from an unknown number the guy said his name was Alex Garcia and that he was a court processor for my town he was calling because I failed to respond to court documents which I never received. I work from home and have cameras no one has come by. He left me a number to call back 8662435491 so I can reschedule he left a ref#. When I called the first time it kept saying mailbox full called again and the automated system said we will find someone to help you then a gentleman answered legal department I asked what company is this and he said hold on I have another call. I hung up because i heard scammers are doing this to get into your phone and steal your information. I will be going to the police station and going to the court house on Monday.
Could be a Scam but also Could be a Collection Agency. Probably not a Process Server.
Hi is your mail man allowed to serve you court paperwork on landlords behalf
Do you mean the notice was sent through Certified Mail or First Class Mail?
Can a process server knock excessively loud and shine a light in the peephole at 10:40p? Is this done on purpose?
Would depend on what state you are in… but process servers will sometimes try to anoy you into answering the door.
Can a process server open the package of legal documents being served and read them?
also, law states they may not impersonate police officers or UPS,USPS, Or FEDEX delivery employees. Does this now also include impersonating Amazon delivery employees?
The server MUST verify the documents they are serving. So yes they will likely know what the documents are about, at least generly. Do Amazon Delivery Drivers have a Uniform? Mine don’t, and a reflective vest is not a uniform.
I had someone serve me papers today at my place of employment. Prior to that, I received a phone call within area code so I picked up thinking it was someone important or a place trying to hire me or something. It was a guy who claimed to be Anthony who said he was an Uber eats order and gave me my girlfriend’s grandparents address and said the order was from Perry but to me. I found it strange but it was my name, number, and address so I said yeah and they said nuggets and quarter pounder with sweet and sour and that sounded like something I would order so I said meet me at my work. 2 teenage looking kids showed up and said my names not Anthony and gave me the papers and walked off. This seems like false impersonation to me and wanted a second opinion on it, please let me know
Sounds like you were properly served.
a process server put a bunch of folded up papers in my tenant’s mailbox. does that mean that i have been legally served?
I would say it would depend on what kind of documents they were and what court they were filed out of.
Can I contact the process server and ask when he is coming so that I can be home at the time that he does serve the paper?
You could do that. But you would need to have the servers contact info.
If you know who is trying to serve you, ypu could contact them and let them know ypu are cooperative and to have the server call you and set an appointment for service.
If the processor came by twice looking for my husband but he isn’t home at the time. She identified herself as a licensed processor working for the county and has personal services to deliver but refused to tell what it pertaining to and did not want to leave any information for him to call her back. Plus she refused to leave the documents with me. In that case, will make husband just to have to make time to be home so he can receive them or he shouldn’t accept it?
They will try back, let them know when he’s usually around.
I live in iowa and had a process server show up at my home while I was at work. He handed my boyfriend a stack of papers for a petition for money judgement. It was not in an envelope and the papers are disheveled and stapled together. I have never been served with the documents like this before. They always come in an envelope. My boyfriend said the only thing the process server asked was if I lived there and then handed the papers to him. Is that legal?
Sounds like properly sub-served. Documents are rarely served in enveloped.
Are process servers supposed to know what legal documents are inside the envelope when serving people?
Yes, and in most cases we do not serve them in envelopes.
Can they repeatedly scream your name on your porch and peep into windows then threaten to call CPS if you do not open the door because they saw one of your kids while they were screaming and looking through your windows? Colorado.
I would not do that, but also probably not ilegal. I would check with a Colorado Process Server.
Also not a good idea to avoid service.
Can a security guard pull your time card and bring a server to your job? In Mississippi
No idea, you need to check with a Mississippi Process Server, but if it happend then, likely yes.
I belive there is a debt collector sending a process server to my door with a fake summons. I have checked all arizona courts sites and there is no case against me. The debt is less than $1000 and that all I owe. Would I see the lawsuit filed with the court if the summons is legit?
Some states actully serve the docuemnts before filing them with the court. Don’t think Arizona is like that but the dox could be from another state or a demand notice, something before filing the papers with the court.
Can hired third party processing company tip off whomever answers the door of what the party is being served. In my case the process servers said they were unsuccessful and filled out and advidavit saying so but when I went to court the party was there. When asked by the judge how did he know about today’s hearing he said the process server told his mother that he had a court date.
It happens sometimes. The server gets made for a Process Server and does not deny it. Sometimes if I think it will help I may tell them what I have hoping they will set an appointment with me. Others will be 100% honest from the start, it works for some.
Can a processor take pictures of your property if they tried to serve you papers
Yes.
Can a person delivering a summons to another party for a friend in California . Leave the paperwork under the front door of the apartment the person lives at because they wont answer the door?
No.
I was on a business call when a process server came to my door in FL. Obviously I couldn’t answer. He came to my office window and kept knocking until I had no choice but call the police or open the door. When asked for identification, he wouldn’t produce any. Can they harass people to that extent? On a side note, he was at my neighbor’s house 2 days prior banging on their door for about 15 minutes and refusing to leave until the police came. Hopefully he wasn’t trying to serve me and created a scene for my neighbors.
How do you know they were a Process Server?
I would not do it, but it would depend on the state, assuming the police did not arrest him, then it was probably legal in your state.
Someone keeps calling my step daughter, saying they are process servers looking for her ex-boyfriend, who is in prison. They called her dumb, told her to shut up and listen, they told her, your stupid mouth is still moving, I told them to watch their mouth and they cussed at me too. I asked for their name and the name of their company and they hung up. What are they trying to accomplish? They have not asked for money, just keep calling over and over again and being nasty. And it’s not even about her! Wouldn’t a process server know if the target was in a county jail?
I don’t understand what their game is either. Block their numbers and hang up on them. I doubt it’s a Process Server either. Maybe a Collection Agency but no idea.
Can a process server go to a private school’s sporting event to serve an attendee when the event is held at the private school, the event is open to spectators who are not students, but is otherwise considered private property? Or would the process server be trespassing and the service invalid?
Would not be an issue for a California Registered Process Server. It’s open to the public.
Recently in New York, an activist was served a criminal summons from Guyana at his doorstep in Brooklyn. Can you tell me how often New York process servers deliver criminal summons from foreign countries?
No idea, probably not very often. Foreign documents are rather rare.
I get home one day from work and I park behind the complex in a dark alley. There are covered parking spaces. I notice there is a car parked next to mine, which I thought was weird. After I park, I see that there is someone sitting in the car. As I exit my car, I see them exit their car. At this point I am scared. He then walks over, does not state who he is, is dressed in street clothes, does not ask who I am and holds out papers in front of me and says this is for you. I asked, “what is that?” He says, “I don’t know.” So I walked away to get my stuff out of the car. He leaves the papers on the ground and leaves. I never picked up the papers from the ground. As I’m walking towards the gate, he had returned and is driving along side me as I’m walking and is either video recording me or taking pictures. I yelled that I am going to call the cops if he doesn’t leave me alone. He then raised up what looked like a badge, which he had around his neck. He said he works for the county. I then yelled then why wouldn’t you just tell what those papers were for?? He said he doesn’t know because he didn’t look at it. I just went into my complex. Is this legal? I am a single female and a strange man approaches, naturally I am going to be on guard. Also knowing someone would know where I park my car means they have been watching me. This is pretty scary to me. Can someone go to these extremes?
Yes, you have been served. His communication probably could have been better but this is not extreme. This would be a typical stakeout. I would suggest next time answering the door or the call box and acepting service, if you have to be served again.
Hello. I served papers back in November, however, I noticed that some papers were not attached. This was the first time I’ve been served but I live in Texas and the petitioner lives in California. With this said, l was served again by the same constable last Wednesday evening and as I accepted the papers, he proceeded to tell me that this was a revision because not all documents were attached. But the problem I have is my case was yesterday but I was never given form DV-109 nor the petitioner’s evidence to this notice. Wouldn’t this be a default in my case? Btw I lost the case because I couldn’t get all my stuff together and file a response in time.
You would need to talk to a Califnoria Attorney who deals with Restraining Orders.
When someone is serving papers can they sit and bang on ur door for over thirty min ?
Would depend on your state but likely legal but probably not very effective in most cases.
I’m being maliciously sued and harassed by someone. My attorney filed an appearance, and several weeks later, another person with the same name was served papers with the summons to court. Is this typical? I’m concerned because the plaintiff recently called me trying to impersonate an attorney. This service isn’t shown in the case lookup so idk if it was legit.
Your attorney should contact the other side.
For Arizona. What does the process server have to say and confirm if someone else answers the door? As in if the defendant doesn’t answer, but someone does. And they state they don’t know the defendant nor state the person who answered the door lives there. Can the process server still leave the notice at the door and consider it being served?
No idea, check with an Arizona Process Server. Some states will serve documents at the last known address.
Can the process server ask you to come around the corner of your home because you have company, but then don’t give you the opportunity to step away and they just start blurting your paper work, all of it, in front of everyone in a very angry tone to where I asked were they related to the plaintiff. Then talking even louder stating I need to read my contract because I’m wrong, and I am not I have all my paperwork. But he said I’m an idiot and need to read. I’m appalled at the way this man verbally attacked me and for everyone to hear. This is South Carolina. I have read that my papers are not for them to read.. thank you for your help
Doesn’t sound like an actual process server… sounds like a friend or relative serving the documents for the other side.
A process server can and should read the documents, mostly to know what they are walking into and usually
I will tell the people I serve to contact their insurance if it is a case that insurance would be involved with.
The probably should have acted differently and I usually try to keep it quite when I serve someone, but if I asked you to step over here to try and serve you a little more discreetly and you refused. Then I would serve you where you stand, and it might seem kind of loud, I would imagine.
I had someone from this number 346-739-8488 by Sean Dams w/ Texas State processing regarding a summons that they recieved from Eller&Ross requesting to file a motion through Harris County. If I wanted to speak with one of there attorneys before being served to call this number 855-500-8497. Is it normal for them to call you and tell? I figured if they wanted to serve you they would just do it.
Also, there is very limited info on this company
Some servers, especially in other states may call to try and verify an address or set an appointment.
Could also be a Collection Agency. Never give them money or pay a debt over the phone.
I was served papers by it being taped in the lobby of the house and the landlord texting me person that is suing that the papers are taped at the door with a picture is that legal for a server to tape it to the door and the person serving me to take a picture as a way to serve me ? They rang the bell twice but didn’t give me enough time to go down stairs before taping it to the door and leaving
Depends on the type of documents and what state you are in.
3 Day Notice’s are served by Posting and Mailing, here in California, for example.