Legal proceedings involve extensive paperwork that must be distributed to all parties involved in the case. This is where process servers come into play. Accurate Serve® of Orlando, serving not only Orlando but also the surrounding cities of Kissimmee and Lake Mary, provides expert process service that always gets the legal documents where they need to go. Our process servers are trained and certified to deliver various types of legal documents, ensuring that they reach their intended recipients efficiently and effectively. In this post, we’ll explore the different methods of serving legal documents and the situations in which each method is most appropriate.
Personal Service
Personal service is the most direct and reliable method of delivering legal documents. In this method, the process server physically hands the documents to the intended recipient. This face-to-face interaction ensures that the recipient has received the documents, providing the highest level of assurance that the legal case can proceed without any interruptions. Personal service is often the preferred method due to its effectiveness and the clear evidence it provides of delivery.
Substituted Service
When personal service is not possible, substituted service may be an option. This method allows the process server to deliver the documents to another responsible individual at the recipient’s residence or workplace, such as a family member, roommate, or employer. Additionally, the process server must send a copy of the documents via certified mail to the recipient’s last known address. In Florida, substituted service requires judicial approval before it can be attempted, ensuring that this method is used appropriately and effectively.
Service by Publication
If the recipient cannot be located despite exhaustive search efforts, including skip tracing and diligent search, service by publication may be employed. This method involves publishing a legal notice in a local newspaper for a specified period. Once the publication period has elapsed, the recipient is considered served, allowing the legal case to proceed. Service by publication also requires judicial approval, making it a method of last resort when other options have failed.
Electronic Service
Electronic service is an emerging method in Florida and may be allowed by a judge if other service methods have been unsuccessful. In certain situations, electronic service via email may be permitted, particularly when serving certain types of businesses. While not yet widespread, electronic service is becoming more accepted as technology continues to evolve and integrate into the legal system.
Certified Mail
Certified Mail, a service provided by the United States Postal Service, requires the recipient to provide identification and a signature upon delivery. This method is often used in conjunction with other service methods, adding an extra layer of assurance that the documents have reached the recipient. While Certified Mail is rarely used as the sole method for serving initial legal documents such as summons and complaints, it is frequently used for other court-related documents like motions and pleadings.
Work with Orlando’s Premier Process Service Agency – Accurate Serve®
Choosing a knowledgeable process server who understands the various methods of service and knows when to use each one is crucial for the success of your legal case. Whether you are an individual filing a lawsuit or a legal firm managing numerous cases, Accurate Serve® of Orlando is here to assist you. We offer comprehensive legal support services, including process service and document retrieval. Our team is committed to ensuring that your legal documents are delivered accurately and on time.
To start working with Orlando’s most reliable process service team, call us at (407) 868-5992 or send us a work request online.
