There are five reasons choosing a process server makes more sense than using the services of the sheriff. The primary reason is that process servers make sure the defendant receives the legal documents. Sheriffs follow a predictable schedule when performing a service, making it easy for the recipient to dodge them.
Feb 12, 2019 · There are five reasons choosing a process server makes more sense than using the services of the sheriff. The primary reason is that process servers make sure the defendant receives the legal documents. Sheriffs follow a predictable schedule when performing a service, making it easy for the recipient to dodge them.
Sep 16, 2018 · This is where the special process service can often help to obtain service before the summons expires. It is true that a special process server can …
Feb 27, 2018 · But there are only two parties that legally can perform this service: process servers and sheriff servers. Experts in the field agree: a process server is the way to go. Here’s why. More Reliable. Sheriff’s offices who serve legal documents are also responsible for a number of different jobs, involving law enforcement or other pressing ...
Mar 15, 2020 · First, it can sometimes be more expensive than the private process server. Second, the sheriff’s department isn’t going to prioritize service of court documents, and you’ll get faster service from a private process server. Why Not Registered Mail? Some clients wonder why lawyers can’t send papers by registered mail.
Service takes place after the case has been filed and the court puts together a summons to go with the pleadings. If the parties do not request a special (or private) process server, the pleadings are going to be given to the sheriff. The sheriff is employed by the county in which the case takes place. The sheriff in many instances can obtain ...
Many summons can also expire after 30-days days. This is where the special process service can often help to obtain service before the summons expires. It is true that a special process server can often cost more than the sheriff. But the reality is that it is often worth the cost when going through divorce or family law litigation.
The reason is they generally get paid by the hour or after service has been obtained. This gives them a greater incentive to obtain service. Parties can also directly communicate with the special process server to help give them information helpful to service .
That is usually because process servers have more resources and time at their disposal to track down parties involved and make sure they’re contacted in an appropriate manner.
Again, a sheriff’s office is often concerned with other responsibilities, let alone the serving of legal documents. And technically, it is a government agency, so having a personal phone number or hotline that you can contact at any time with questions is more difficult to obtain. Process servers, meanwhile, are always on hand to help with your concerns, and are happy to address any questions you may have. And when serving legal documents, customer service like this is crucial.
Sheriffs have a variety of important duties, and may not be able to dedicate much time to serving papers when they have more pressing matters at hand. Process servers, on the other hand, spend every day in the field conducting serve attempts.
Process servers know that you have the option of going elsewhere if you’re not satisfied with their service. Sher iffs, on the other hand, don’t have to compete in the marketplace and consequently, don’t rely on customer satisfaction to keep their jobs.
In fact, the only similarity between the two is that they’re both legally qualified to serve legal documents to the intended parties. There are certain specifications that are required of process servers that sheriffs aren’t necessarily legally obligated to fulfill. In essence, licensed process servers in Texas are empowered and even expected to go above and beyond their normal call of duty to ascertain that legal documents are delivered and served to the correct party. Sheriff’s department officials, on the other hand, are usually busy with other legal priorities and sometimes they’re understaffed which can cause major delays in locating individuals, delivering important papers, and filing them with the court’s clerks on time. In other words, the sheriff’s department isn’t as reliable as hiring a private process server in Texas and oftentimes, they’re bound by the restrictions of their own hours of operation.
Most law firms, paralegals, and legal assistants have reported a significantly higher success rate when they hired process servers as opposed to using the sheriff’s department to serve papers . The reason for this is that process servers have a veritable larger spectrum of resources to work with when trying to locate certain parties and they’re not afraid to use them, whereas sheriffs will only make minimal attempts to try to locate someone due to severe time restrictions. Process servers will usually interview neighbors, closely survey the areas frequented by the intended individual (s), and even hire a private investigator if necessary to find the person. Of course, they’ll always inform their clients and obtain their permission prior to taking any of those courses of action.
In the United States, a sheriff is an elected government official whose main priority is to obtain the highest letter of the law within their appointed jurisdiction (s). The outline of the sheriff’s responsibilities can vary from one state to another, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws and legal responsibilities ...
In other words, the sheriff’s department isn’t as reliable as hiring ...
What Is a Process Server? A process server is someone who’s either independently contracted or works with a company with the sole purpose of serving legal documents to intended parties. Most states mandate that process servers must be fully licensed to work within certain jurisdictions.
Professional Court Services (PCS) is a highly esteemed process serving firm located in the heart of Texas. We have extensive experience and knowledge of local process serving laws and regulations throughout the entire state of Texas with a specialty in Dallas and Fort Worth. To find out how we can assist you with your legal case and fulfill your process serving needs, please contact us.
Crystal Schuder is part-owner of Professional Court Services. She has been in the process filing industry since 2004 and has years of courthouse experience under her belt. Crystal has worked with numerous attorneys, judges, and other court house personnel over the years and has developed a strong reputation for her professionalism within the industry.
Private process servers are citizens, not law enforcement. Therefore, they can’t go on private property if trespassing signs are posted.
Sheriff’s departments do not have the time and resources to locate individuals for service. If this is the case, the sheriff may return the papers to the court as undeliverable. This could lead to a dismissal of your case or the judge granting alternative service.