Process servers are tasked with locating a person they have likely never met, in a location with which they may be unfamiliar. They face many obstacles in successfully serving process to its intended recipient. Five of the most common challenges process servers face are:
Evasive defendants and witnesses
It should be no surprise that defendants aren’t usually thrilled about being served. No one wants to be informed that they’re being sued or accused of a crime. Some defendants are so averse to being served that they actively evade the process server! Multiple service attempts to locate the defendant or an alternative form of service might be needed, which all adds unnecessary time and cost to the case.
Violent defendants
Every process server should have a healthy fear of physical retaliation from an angry defendant. There have been many cases of process servers being injured or even killed by unhinged process recipients. Cases that relate to domestic issues, such as divorces and child custody cases, are particularly sensitive.
Jurisdiction issues
There is no statewide process server certification in Florida. Each county or judicial circuit sets its own rules for certifying process servers, and each area’s certification only covers that area and is not transferable to other circuits or counties. Because of this, process servers often run into jurisdiction issues when the defendant or witness that needs to be served moves outside of the area where they are certified to work. For example, in Tampa, all process servers must be certified by the 13th Judicial Circuit, which covers Hillsborough County. Once certified, servers may ONLY serve in Hillsborough County. Even if the intended recipient of the process is just one foot over the county line, they’re out of the jurisdiction and a different process server must be used.
Outdated information
Process servers rely on the individuals hiring them to provide accurate and recent information about the target. If the plaintiff or attorney provides incorrect information, this makes it more difficult for the process server to locate the intended recipient. Extra measures must be done to search for the person, which adds up to extra time and cost for a case.
Changing laws and regulations
Laws related to process serving in Tampa Bay could change at any time. Because of this, process servers must learn to adapt to an environment of ever-changing guidance and regulations. Staying up to date on all changes is important to ensure the service being provided is legal and valid.
Even though process servers are a vital part of the United States legal system, they face many challenges on a daily basis while simply doing their jobs. Experienced process servers, like those here at Accurate Serve® in Tampa, know how to handle any obstacle that comes up while still providing the best service of process possible. Trust our expert team at Accurate Serve® to break down the barriers of the serving process and get your case handled quickly. Call (813) 544-6900 or visit https://www.accurateservefl.com/ to find out how we can help you today.
