Tips for Service

Never inform an individual whether a defendant, witness or respondent you’re going to serve them, even if they appear to be friendly. Over the past three and a half decades, Placer County Process Service has served an estimated 63,000 individuals and/or businesses across the United States. Although a few may routinely accept service without incident, the vast majority of them will go to great lengths to avoid or evade service. This is nothing more than everyday human behavior as people are either inconvenienced by testifying or irritated at being sued over a particular matter. Some take evasion to extreme measures and this can raise the cost of completing service. Remember, the clock starts ticking the moment service is complete so as long as they can evade, the matter cannot move forward unless other legal measures take place.

Be aware of imitation process servers. Unfortunately, misleading advertising and inexperienced individuals have invaded the service industry. There is an abundance of individuals who have obtained a service license and then feel they are an experienced process server. They come in many forms and most are simply looking for extra cash. Using an inexperienced individual like this could jeopardize your case let alone waste time and money. As you call around to different businesses, be sure to ask the right questions as a cheap price is not always the right answer.

Provide enough copies for the service requested if you intend to hand deliver them to our office, utilize our drop box or use a courier service such as UPS, Fed-Ex or USPS. Placer County Process Service requires an identical copy of your service documents for our records. If you are serving (1) Defendant, please provide us with (2) service packets. Should you be serving (2) Defendants, please provide (3) service packets so on and so forth. We are happy to make those extra copies for you should you need the assistance.

Verify the address if possible. Verifying the address will save us time and you money. Each service is allowed (3) attempts, therefore having a verified address will utilize each attempt to its best. We do not consider internet or the Secretary of State as verified. Should you be unable to verify the location or simply do not have a current address, Placer County Process Service is an expert at locating individuals and/or businesses. We would be happy to provide you with that information.

Don’t procrastinate. All service documents have a time line attached to them. From small claims to summons and complaints, service of process must be completed within a certain time frame in order for the matter to be heard. Placer County Process Service schedules our services in the order they are received so the sooner you provide us with the service documents, the sooner we can schedule and complete your assignment without a rush fee attached.

Each service is unique in its own way. Although there are some situations where service of process is a smooth event, each service has its own characteristics. Some locations are gated, some have security guards and some locations are simply service proof all making the service a bit more challenging. These situations require creative thinking to complete the service. Many have the misconception that its “drive there and hand them the papers.” Service of process is anything but, especially in our 21st century. People are busy and on the move. Placer County Process Service is well educated in human behavior and completing service of process requires attempts (7) days a week at all hours of the day and night. Please feel free to call our office and discuss your situation or circumstance with us.