Process servers perform a wide variety of court services designed to make various legal processes as easy as possible. One of the most important legal procedures entrusted to a process server is a court summons.
The Time Limit on a Court Summons
A summons is a court-issued document that informs the defendant of a complaint that someone legally filed against him. An authorized individual, such as a sheriff, files the complaint and turns it over to a process server for further action.
The person who receives the summons must answer within 120 days; this prompts the plaintiff into serving the defendant in a timely manner, and prevents unprofessional procrastination or inadequate service.
Since a summons implies the possibility of a trial, the plaintiff is encouraged to settle the claim as soon as possible. He or she must act quickly when filing a case, or risk the possibility of dismissal of the case. Once a summons is filed, the plaintiff must then move speedily in order to attain service.
The time limit also prevents dishonest pontiffs from taking advantage of the defense. For example, a deceitful pontiff could delay making a claim until crucial evidence or witnesses were no longer obtainable.
Alias Summons and Pluries Summons
If the initial court summons is unsuccessful, a clerk must request another summons from the process server before he or she can proceed with the case. This second summons is referred to as an “alias” summons. It is also called a “pluries” summons, a more general term that applies to an additional summons.
Reasons Why Alias and Pluries Summons are Issued
There are many reasons a person might ignore a first summons. Some defendants may move in order to avoid the serving process. It is also possible that the address on the first summons was incorrect, and that it never reached the defendant in the first place.
When it comes to issuing a summons, it is important to find a reliable process server who will allow you to obtain the services you require in a way that is fast and convenient.
