Process serving is an important part of the legal process. A process server has to deliver legal paperwork and court summons to someone who is being served that material. However, this act, which seems so simple on the surface, is strictly governed and must be done in a very particular way. It is important that every procedure be followed to the letter, or the whole case could fall apart later on. Regulations are different between jurisdictions, but can probably be divided into several big categories.
Delivery Method
In nearly every jurisdiction, hand delivery is thought to be the best way to serve legal paperwork to the person who is designated the recipient. Hand delivery means that the server physically places the papers into the hands of the recipient. It is really, really hard to challenge hand delivery in court. However, if the recipient is trying to evade you or not cooperate, it can be really hard to pull off hand delivery.
The Locations, Times, And Places For Process Serving
In some places, you can serve the paperwork whenever, and wherever. However, some special rules apply in some places. You might be barred from serving someone who is traveling to or from a courtroom. You might be forbidden from serving papers on Sundays and special holidays.
Other Stipulations
Some places necessitate a process server be bonded or licensed. Some areas even let a process server carry a weapon to defend himself in case a recipient tries to attack the process server out of anger or irrationality. Some areas give out laminated IDs to process server. Before you actually go out and act as a process server, it is necessary that you understand the local laws, regulations, and rules. You would not want to break any laws in the performance of your duties, because what you are doing is a legal and good way to earn a living if you do it right.
