Process servers play an incredibly important job within our country’s legal system, but most people don’t realize what it takes to succeed in such a difficult role.
It is a law in all fifty states that a defendant involved in any lawsuit receives proper notice of the impending case, and it is largely the responsibility of process servers to deliver such notices in a legally recognized manner.
This means that process servers are very often the people who deliver bad, stressful, and unwanted news to countless Americans. Some recipients react with fear, others with desperation, and still some with violence and anger.
This places process servers on the front lines of the law, face to face with people who often react in dangerous and unpredictable ways. If you want to handle these situations like an expert and become the best process server you can be, follow these tips.
Gather Information Before You Serve
One of the most important parts of being a process server occurs before you ever arrive at your destination. While you’re still at your desk, research as much information as possible about the person you are serving.
For example, what is their schedule? What car do they drive? What do they look like? It also helps to research the type of property where you are attempting service. Armed with this information, you can make faster and more effective service of process.
Observe the Location Before You Knock on the Door
Once you’ve arrived, get the lay of the land. Observe the building and look for signs of activity. Take note of how the property is laid out, where you have escape routes available, and where you’d be most likely to find your recipient. It’s also perfectly legal to lift the lid of trash cans on a public street to do some investigative work and confirm your recipient still lives at the address provided.
Be Courteous and Polite
You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, so the old saying goes. Use this to your advantage. The more friendly and polite you are, the more you can distract from your visit’s actual purpose to hand over papers and make a getaway.
If you’re looking to become a process server who carries out the important mission of delivering legal papers, call the team at Accurate Serve Detroit for more information.
