Process Server Houston

How to Properly Communicate with a Process Server?

Jail Service, Process Service
A Process Server Talking to scared defendants.

Whether you’re a process server or just someone who’s dealt with one, you may have noticed that the job itself is often a little…misunderstood. Some think process servers are bounty hunters, while others believe they’re just glorified paper carriers. In all of this confusion, one thing remains true: the world would be a much better place if we all knew how to communicate effectively with a process server.

 

The point of a process server is to continue the operations of a legal situation or case. Their role is to deliver documents to someone who is a legal entity in a case. That could be for a lawsuit, contracts, or a requirement to appear before a court. Regardless of the situation, you should always treat these working professionals with the same respect and courtesy you would expect in return.

 

A few key reminders of how best to communicate with process servers include:

 

Never Be Aggressive

There is no reason to be aggressive with a process server. These are human beings performing an essential service that has been authorized and certified by the Supreme Court. They have the same rights and expectations of life as you do.

 

Swearing, threatening, or acting aggressively in any way towards a process server will most likely be recorded in their verification documents and passed on to the courts. That can reflect poorly on your situation, and you will want every advantage possible so that you can come out the other side as favorably as possible.

 

Keep the Conversation Respectful & Simple

You should be polite and respectful when you talk to a process server. Don’t argue with them, don’t be aggressive with them, don’t be rude or condescending, and definitely don’t make any threats. If you decide to be argumentative because you think it will help your case in court or whatever other reason, keep in mind that the only thing it will do is make the process server more determined to serve you.

 

Also, don’t ask questions that can quickly be answered with a yes or no response (in fact, avoid questions altogether if possible). And most importantly: never ever attempt sarcasm! This is not a friend or an enemy, simply someone representing a courthouse or judge.

 

A Process Server serving legal documents to defendants
© Houston Process Servers, LLC. All rights reserved

 

Understand the Rights of a Process Server

Yes, a process server is conducting the business of a court, but they are also a human being afforded the same rights as you. If you act in any way violent toward a process server, you could be punished by jail time, especially if the server reports these actions to the police. The simple truth is you wouldn’t attack an Amazon delivery driver just for leaving your package at the door, so why treat a process server any different?

 

Keep Your Responses Limited

This is a legal case. A process server writes a detailed report that could include any language or facts you say. Do not ask the process server about their personal life. Do not ask them about their job, religious beliefs, political views, or sexual orientation. Not only is it probably none of your business, but this can also be considered harassment and could get you in trouble with law enforcement agencies. A simple “thank you” is all that needs to be said.

 

Think About the Judge

An easy way to communicate with a process server is to imagine a judge overseeing your interaction. You do not want a bad reputation or something as small as a poorly timed joke to make the judge look unfairly on your position. Instead, stay professional and focus your energy on contacting your legal counsel to clear up the situation so the process server can move on to their next assignment.

 

 

Wrapping it Up

Although being served is an intimidating experience, it doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable one. If you are calm and respectful with the process server, your case will run much more smoothly. It’s also a good idea to be honest about your location to avoid any further legal issues down the road. Remember that there’s no need for violence or confrontation when a process server comes knocking on your door—they’re just doing their job!

 

That is why all our team members at Houston Process Servers treat each client and recipient with the utmost respect and dignity. We take no sides in the cases and simply want to offer professional, reliable, and accurate service. To learn more about our team or engage with our process serving services around the greater Houston area, please use our intake form. We are happy to work with law enforcement, courts, law firms, government agencies, and other legal entities.

Should a Process Server Be Allowed to Record Serving Papers?

Locate Service, Process Service
Defendant shows middle finger to a process server trying to record a video.

The mass proliferation of cell phones and other mobile technology has led to a considerable increase in video surveillance in the United States. Some would say this is highly valuable in those situations when your word is not believed or there is another party bearing false witness against your sworn statements. Others would say they should have their privacy respected in all cases and not be recorded without consent.

In the case of process servers, things are a bit different. Because this job role often includes situations involving legal documentation, it may be wise to introduce video surveillance into the regular duties of a typical day.

There was a recent Texas case involving Stephen Hartman, who was attempting to serve a judge that had been accused of disrupting court proceedings and arrested. During what should have been a regular interaction, the process server was accused by the judge of overstepping their boundaries and acting belligerent. Even worse, there were testimonies of 5 other attorneys and two deputy sheriffs, all giving different inaccurate recounting of the situation.

No one realized that Mr. Hartman had a pen camera on his person at the time of the serving and recorded the entire event. When that recording was permitted in a court, all the charges were dropped, and his license to practice was reinstated.

This means that without that video evidence, this process server would, at the very least, face a loss of a career and probably have to deal with criminal charges as well. So, this is a pretty reasonable argument for having video/audio recording active while performing process serving duties.

 

The Rule of Consent

The thing to keep in mind is that not every state allows for recording. Careful consideration always needs to be paid to the local laws governing recordings before they are used in regular practice.

For example, even if a state allows video recording, it may not allow audio. Or, if they do, it may be a one-party or two-party situation where you may need consent. There is also the question of privacy in general. No one is allowed to record another person when trespassing or when breaking what is known as a “reasonable expectation” of privacy. This would be in situations like using the restroom or trying on clothing in a retail store dressing room.

Always ask the process serving company you are hiring if they do record while performing their duties. Most will follow guidelines outlined by the local court system for verification. That usually involves photographic evidence of visiting a home, business, or place of employment to document they are doing their due diligence in an attempt to serve papers.

 

 

When to Record Process Serving

There are three primary reasons to record the attempt to serve papers that include:

  • Recording all services and uploading them to a cloud storage system with a date and time stamp for later use in a court of law.
  • Only record services as they are performed and keeping a record of those with a problem or complex situation.
  • Recording situations that an experienced process server anticipates may be a problem in the long run.

Odds are the debate around privacy and recording is not going to go away anytime soon, so each process server will have to do what they can to protect themselves.

In our case at Houston Process Servers, we provide photographic proof of each attempt. This includes the date, time, and GPS coordinates in a verifiable stamp. This is completed through a specially designed process server app that allows these images to be 100% proof in a court of law. This kind of dedication to service and integration of modern technological solutions boosts our reputation for exceptional service with our clients.

 

The Process Servers of Tomorrow

Video recording is going to only get easier in the future. More mobile devices and wearable technology will make this more straightforward and cheaper to perform. You should expect to find it across many industries as days go by.

A process server is just like any other legal professional doing their best to ensure the safe running of our legal system. Having a video surveillance option ensures the job is done professionally and reliably every time.

That is why it is imperative to hire a professional firm like Houston Process Servers. We have spent years building our reputation for exceptional service with entities like law enforcement, courts, legal teams, and businesses around the greater Houston, Texas area. That allows us to be trusted and upstanding in the eyes of the courts. They know the best way for us to maintain our business is to stick to the guidelines and ethics of our profession so all of our clients can get the reliable and trustworthy service we guarantee. Fill out our intake form today and let our expert team help you with any process services you may need.

 

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Process Server

Jail Service, Process Service
Black male pointing his finger on question: How to Hire a Process Server.

Process servers are a crucial element in the legal and business system many clients rely upon for day-to-day operations. From a top legal firm working on a significant case to an independent business needing clearly signed and documented paperwork, process servers save you time and money trying to track down the critical targets of your operations.

When you are considering hiring a process server, you should ask some fundamental questions to ensure they will be a good match for your specific means. It does not matter if you are working with process servers in Harris, Montgomery, or Fort Bend County, Texas. The team you hire should be professional, reputable, and reliable. Here is a quick list of the more important questions you may wish to ask:

 

What are your credentials?

Process servers receive different credentials based on the state they operate. For example, Houston Process Servers of Houston, Texas does not need a license. Instead, we are certified by JBCC (Judicial Branch Certification Commission). It is important to make this differentiation because, in the case of JBCC, this is not a baseline certification but a nod of approval from the same body that oversees court interpreters, guardianship programs, court reporters, and other essential auxiliary services for a court of law.

 

Do you go through training or join associations?

Training can be done in-house by the process server firm. The more important question is about memberships. In order to join organizations like the Texas Process Servers Association or the National Association of Professional Process Servers, you must meet requirements that verify your ethics, experience, and practice. You also need to be recommended by fellow members. For example, the National organization requires two people (lawyers, process servers, and judges) to recommend your membership, and you must pass a background check.

 

Have many years of experience does your team have? 

Hiring a process server with experience will help ensure the documents are served correctly, which is essential for your case to move forward smoothly. That means they will be able to handle any situation that comes their way efficiently and effectively, including knowing which people and conditions could lead to papers not being served. Experience directly relates to what allows them to anticipate potential problems before they arise.

 

What kinds of organizations and individuals do you work with?

Different process server firms will target their business towards various client segments. In our case, we primarily work with courts, law firms, law enforcement, government agencies, and other professionals.

 

What other services do you offer? 

Many process server firms offer services like notaries and skip tracing because those are so well aligned with the primary objective of serving legal documents to people that are hard to locate. You can often measure the experience and expertise of a process server firm by the types of auxiliary services they provide to legal entities and courts.

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

It’s essential to ask about a process server’s background for your legal needs. You should be looking for someone who is licensed and insured, has experience in serving papers, and is reliable and affordable. A licensed process server can help you serve court documents in person or by mail (as allowed by law). They will also have practiced in their field long enough that they can identify whether there are any potential problems with serving documents on a business or legal representative.

The final thing to keep in mind is that hiring a process server should be pleasant and professional. After all, this is a crucial part of your legal journey, and you deserve to work with someone you can trust. The questions we’ve asked here are designed to help you find just that—a trustworthy process server who will take care of your needs efficiently and effectively.

We at Houston Process Servers encourage our clients to ask any questions they may need about our services and background. We have years of experience working with all kinds of entities around the greater Houston area and pride ourselves on our reputation with law enforcement, courts, legal firms, businesses, and other organizations. Feel free to use your intake form to begin your process server journey and let our professional team help you with your needs.

How To Avoid a Process Server in Texas?

Jail Service, Locate Service, Process Service
A process server pointing his finger on you. People avoiding a process server.

A process server is someone who carries out the legal process of serving documents. This can be a formal legal document, such as a summons or subpoena, which requires that it be personally handed to the recipient.

These are working professionals authorized and certified by the Texas JBCC to deliver legal documentation and notices. They have no opinion or interest in the cases involving these documents. That is why asking a process server for legal advice is pointless. Regardless of a process server’s background, experience, or education, they are not legally allowed to offer advice on a case.

The sole responsibility of a process server is to take a document from point A to point B and then provide verification that everything has been conducted legally. So when you try to avoid a process server, you are not stopping action from occurring. If anything, you are only delaying the steps that will happen next.

 

What Happens if You Avoid a Process Server?

When a law firm, government body, or court hires a process server, they initiate legal contact with you. If you try to avoid that contact, it does not stop whatever lawsuit or legal action from happening. There will not be a hearing that is canceled. Or, if it is, it will only be slightly postponed to a near-future date.

This means that trying to avoid a process server will end with you and your legal counsel having less time to prepare for a hearing. That can be detrimental to your case if you need that time to collect evidence in your favor and support your argument about why these legal actions do not hold water.

A far worse situation is that your active attempts to avoid a process server could be taken personally by the judge. This is a dedicated working professional committed to upholding the law. If you demonstrate a disregard for the processes of the law, like not accepting legal documents, they may be less inclined to hear your side reasonably because these actions can be interpreted as disrespectful. It may seem small, but you want as much advantage as possible in a court case.

 

What if I Successfully Avoid a Process Server?

A professional process server is often trained to make multiple attempts at your home, place of business, or any other public location they are allowed to make delivery. If you successfully avoid them after one, two, or more attempts, expect the process server to prepare an affidavit of non-service.

This is a legal notice that, when approved by a court, authorizes what is known as substitute service – also called a 106. You do not want this to happen because it takes control completely out of your hands. A 106 means a judge has deemed your case worthy of simply leaving the legal documents with anyone in your household over 16 years of age or taping the documents to your door.

In that case, a process server will take a photo and instantly update your case so that a court can move forward with your legal situation. In other words, by avoiding a process server, you just waste your time! The documents you hope will disappear will eventually show up at your home, and now you will have to deal with possible negative impacts on your reputation and legal case.

 

 

Is there a Better Option?

Yes! When a professional team of process servers like those at Houston Process Servers attempts delivery of documentation, you should accept it. All they are is a legal delivery service trying to do a well-documented job.

Instead of trying to avoid a process server, call your legal counsel and immediately send them copies of the documents you receive. This way, you have as much time as possible to prepare for what is coming next, and a judge will view you as a rational human willing to go to bat for your side of the story.

Courts appreciate those willing to stand up for their rights and take responsibility for their actions. This places you on equal footing with whoever sent you the documents so you can move forward with legal proof and arguments about your case. Anyone who has had a bad situation with the law knows this is much more preferable.

If you want to learn more about process of serving around the greater Houston, Texas area, fill out our contact form. Houston Process Servers works with law enforcement, courts, government agencies, law firms, and private attorneys to execute services as smoothly and reliably as possible. That is why we have so many return and referral clients. Reach out today and schedule your next delivery with our professional team.

Leave a Comment
Related videos

How Process Servers Identify Someone Avoiding Service of Process?

Locate Service, Process Service
Scared woman hiding from process server
The job of a process server is often straightforward, performing each delivery effectively and efficiently so the courts can move forward with whatever case may be involved. While that is how most situations unfold, there are those rare cases when someone who is being served with documentation does their best to avoid being identified. That is when the expertise and experience of a process server come into play. Avoidance of service is a common occurrence in the legal process. For example, if you are sued for a debt that you do not owe, you may choose to avoid service and avoid being involved in the lawsuit. In addition, people may wish to remain anonymous and not be served with divorce papers or other legal documents such as subpoenas or notices of eviction. While the need to prevent the headache of a court hearing is understandable, it only becomes much harder to present both sides of the equation if one party is doing everything possible to avoid detection. Process servers will spend a great deal of time on the initial preparation of information before serving papers. This includes verifying addresses, contacts, and up-to-date records on a subject. Once all the details have been ironed out and a process server is confident they have the correct and most recent data, they will attempt delivery.  

Confidence & Kindness are Key

A process server will remain calm and collected during delivery. This includes not answering questions or being intimated by someone trying to avoid service of process. It is far more effective to speak clearly and politely so that any evasions by a subject do not prevent delivery. This could be things like they cannot meet at a prearranged time or are not the person the process server is seeking. All of these evasions will be met with respectful but assertive verifications of information. That is why it is not uncommon to see a process server with a documented photo of the subject ready to present on their phone. The internet makes it extremely easy to verify the identity of someone. If they are trying to evade over the phone or in-person with false claims, a process server can verify information like their image, pointing out the residence address, or place of business, and the registered agent.  

Process Servers Can be Creative

Sometimes, a process server may find that a defendant avoids the service of process by using a different name. For example, the plaintiff might be trying to serve one defendant when in fact, it’s another person who shares the same name and address. Or maybe the defendant is trying to avoid receiving papers by giving out an address where no one lives or putting his/her phone number on “do not call” lists. Here is when a process server will get more creative about their duties. If the address being used is actually owned by someone else and they’ve provided false information on their credit report (e.g., they say they live at an apartment but really don’t), process servers may go ahead and try serving them at that location anyway. This way, they can ask neighbors where they think this person lives or look around town for any signs of life at this particular location before making service attempts there. Sometimes people will open their doors even though they aren’t expecting visitors because they’re bored or lonely living alone without any family members nearby or just aren’t getting enough sleep. You could even see a process server calling out a name in a crowd at a park and seeing who responds. Nothing about legal duties or paperwork has to be mentioned at all, just a name. People who avoid process servers should expect to receive notices frequently and at various locations. This could include:
  • Visting the residential address and leaving notes
  • Visiting previously documented addresses and leaving messages with those residents
  • Going to a place of business and speaking with employees/employers to get in touch with the subject
  • Leaving messages on a car
  • Reaching out via social media
  • Leaving voicemails on a phone
 

It is All About a Professional Interaction

In all cases, a process server will act professionally and with respect. People who avoid these servers need to keep in mind that as long as every effort has been made by the process server, the case will still move forward. It is always far more effective to simply accept the documentation and contact legal counsel to either prove your side of the story or mitigate any damages from the situation. At Houston Process Servers, we pursue all avenues of contact as thoroughly as possible without violating our duties and code of conduct. This commitment to professionalism is why we have so many return and referral clients around Harris County from law enforcement, courts, law firms, government agencies, and businesses. We do our best with each project and have an excellent delivery rate. Reach out today and use our contact form to schedule your next need for a process server so you can save your team time and money and focus on other matters of the case.
Leave a Comment

Can a Process Server Serve Papers on a Holiday?

Process Service
Unhappy woman served on Holiday

The job of a process server is often complex because of the data that needs to be verified before conducting a delivery. Even then, there are occasions when someone tries to avoid service or maintains an online or public profile that is not updated with the latest details of their home, work, or other contact information.

In those rare cases, a process server may attempt delivery on a holiday to ensure they are reaching the intended target. As of right now, process servers may deliver documentation on any day, at any time. The only exception in the state of Texas is on Sundays. Those deliveries require exceptional circumstances like injunctions, attachments, garnishments, sequestrations, or distress proceedings. Almost all of these will need a citation of some sort for a court of law.

That means holidays are fair game as long as they do not fall on a Sunday. Some courts may even provide special notices to get around this issue, but those are rare. The only states that do not allow delivery on a holiday are Minnesota and New York.

 

 

Is it Wise to Serve Papers on a Holiday?

The question for a process server business is not whether or not they can serve papers on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or some other family holiday, but if they should. In most cases, a process server wants to remain as professional as possible and lower any risk to the client for likely “court of opinion” situations where a subject is served while serving Christmas dinner. Court dealings should always be conducted in an actual court, not in the newspapers.

However, Holidays are a great time to serve papers logistically. Almost always, the subject will have their guard down and be in a location that is easy to access. That way, a process server can quickly make delivery and then move on to complete the whole interaction before the subject even fully understands what is happening.

It often comes down to the question, “have we tried everything else?” Texas is famous for its hospitality, and a quality process server will do everything possible to remain cordial and professional. This ensures future business with law enforcement, legal firms, courts, and other clients.

The big exception to the rule is those subjects trying really hard to avoid detection. If a process server has done all the due diligence and attempted every polite method possible, then holidays will become more attractive. Special care will be taken for safety as some holidays involve people celebrating with alcohol, and it is never the goal to embarrass anyone in front of their family. At the end of the day, it is all about performing a critical role in the legal system of the country.

 

Getting the Help You Need

While it may feel uncomfortable at first, there is a reason why Texas allows process servers to conduct their jobs on holidays. There need to be mechanisms in place that allow cases to move forward, especially when people are trying to avoid a simple notification of documentation necessary for their involvement.

If you are in need of a professional team of expert process servers who are committed to a high delivery rate, contact Houston Process Servers. We provide an easy-to-use form on our website where you can proceed with all the details necessary to ensure the best possible delivery outcome. So leave the legwork to our team and trust in the stellar reputation of Harris County’s leading process servers to get the job done right the first time.

 

Can You Be Served By Legal Documentation at Work?

Process Service
Woman served papers on work place.

Being served legal documents is something that happens to a lot of people. It’s normal, and although it can be stressful, the vast majority of people are already familiar with the process.

Process servers are the people who deliver legal documents on behalf of someone else like a court, attorney, law enforcement, or business. Process servers will try to make contact with their intended target of the documents using any method possible.

If they cannot get in contact with you directly, they will usually leave a notice instead so that you know what has happened and why it was you need to get in touch. Sometimes that includes reaching out to your last known place of employment.

Is it Legal to Be Served at Work?

It depends on the state, but for the most part, a process server is allowed to serve you at your place of employment. They can deliver the documentation to you directly or to someone else at the business that is authorized to accept legal paperwork on your behalf. Those deliveries are usually more for businesses and not for individuals.

In rare circumstances, a process server will need to get permission before entering a legally gray area like somewhere that deals with the private rights of a client or customer of your business. However, these are rare. A process server is allowed to serve papers:

  • At your home
  • In a public space
  • At your work
  • Via certified mail
  • With an authorized designated party

Isn’t This a Bit Humiliating?

The vast majority of process servers understand how being served at work can be embarrassing. Part of the process server’s code of conduct is to treat everyone with respect while being candid and truthful.

That is why most process servers will attempt a delivery aligned with your role. If a business is being served, then you can expect the first attempt to be at the workplace. If a private individual is being served, there is a good chance the first few attempts will be at their place of residence or a public space where discretion is preferred.

A process server can attempt to make delivery any time of the day or night. The only exception is on Sundays.

Can’t I Just Ignore the Process Server?

It is not uncommon for some recipients to feel attacked or targeted by a process server, even when every courtesy has been extended. This is because being served with papers is rarely a welcome situation. It could mean everything from divorce to having to appear in front of a court.

If you choose to while they are performing their duties, they can drop them beside you or leave them on your windshield if you refuse to lower your window. Avoidance is not going to stop legal actions from taking place.

What if I’m Not at Work?

If you are not available at your workplace, a process server can still serve you. Process servers can serve individuals at their place of business, place of employment, place of education, and any other public place where they are likely to be found. Process servers may also serve individuals who do not live in the same residence as the party being served.

It helps to know ahead of time if you are being served. This way, you can better prepare yourself for the situation and turn over the paperwork to your legal counsel. If a server is not respecting your privacy or being intrusive in any way, don’t hesitate to call their boss.

Working with professional and respectful process servers around the Houston area is the best option. Our team is dedicated to performing our services with dignity and pursuing all reasonable opportunities as far as possible. That is why we are well known in the Houston area for our commitment to success and professionalism. If you have legal documents needing to be served, reach out  through our intake form.

What Kinds of Things Will Process Servers Not Do?

Process Service
People said NO to a process server

Being served papers can be uncomfortable, especially if it concerns a highly private matter. While it is never a good idea to try and evade a process server, there are some essential things to keep in mind about what they will not do. 

 

We have put together a shortlist of things that should never occur when you are being served. If you experience any of these, make notes and contact the company doing the serving as quickly as possible. These behaviors not only breach the code of conduct from process servers but also lower the professionalism and public trust of the profession, which hurts anyone else doing the necessary work. 

 

They Should Never Make Threats

 

Process servers will not threaten to arrest someone or threaten to put them in jail. They will also not threaten to sue someone if they don’t accept the paperwork being delivered. These are all prohibited things for process servers to do because it could lead down a perilous path of litigation and conflict between people.

 

There is no need for any kind of legal, physical, or mental threat from a process server because they have plenty of other avenues to pursue delivery. The legal situation will still move forward even if you outright refuse to receive the paperwork. The process server has to show they made every reasonable attempt only. If you are being threatened by a process server, contact their boss immediately.

 

 

They will Not Break and Enter

 

A process server should never break and enter a residence without permission from the resident or business owner. Process servers also won’t enter any private property without proper authorization from its owner or the court, and even then, most will avoid this altogether by contacting you at work, in a public space, at school, or via certified mail.

 

TV shows may have fun making storylines about aggressive process servers cracking a window or two to serve you while you’re soaking in the tub, but the reality is far less extraordinary. Most process servers dress professionally, and the entire interaction happens on your doorstep, at work, or in public, taking only a few moments of your time.

 

They Cannot Give You Legal Advice

 

A process server is not an attorney. Yes, some attorneys make delivery of legal documents, but that is different. Process servers are not trained to give legal advice. They can only serve legal documents and not provide any other assistance. This is designed to keep the process server’s job simple and easy.

 

Process servers will not be able to answer questions regarding how the law works, what your rights are, or how you should proceed with your case. These types of issues are best handled by a qualified attorney who has been approved by their state bar association to practice law within that jurisdiction.

 

Cannot Leave Papers with a Minor

 

Anyone under the age of 16 is considered a minor. There are extremely rare exceptions that are usually only possible by court order, but process servers should never leave documentation with a minor. If this occurs, you have not been properly served.

 

Again, it makes way more sense for a process server to simply wait and try a more reliable method. This way, they can prove to the courts that all legal pathways have been pursued.

 

 

Only Work with Professionals

 

When you need paperwork delivered professionally, and with the respect of everyone involved, you need the expert team at Houston Process Servers. We put out information like this post because we want to reinforce that 99.9% of the process servers are simply doing their job. They have no desire to break the law or make your life hard. Their motivation is to make a successful delivery and then get to the next project, just like anyone else in any other career.

 

If you want a reliable team of exceptional process servers, send us a note through our intake form. We pride ourselves on our quality reputation for successful delivery that is honest and respectful.

What Happens When People Try to Avoid Process Servers?

Process Service
Woman hiding from process serverWoman hiding from process server

It is a bit of an all too familiar scene. Someone is issued a ticket or knows of a legal situation about to unfold and decides the best course of action is to avoid any possible process servers. We see it all the time in movies and funny videos where people go through extreme measures to remain undetectable.

 

Like most entertaining stories, the reality is far less exciting. Our team at Houston Process Servers has been working in the greater Houston, TX area for years and rarely comes across individuals or businesses actively trying to avoid our contacting them. However, in those rare cases, we thought it a good idea to outline what generally happens next.

 

 

Is Avoiding a Process Server Illegal?

 

In most states, it is not illegal to avoid a process server. It is, however, incredibly unwise. Not only are you dragging out a legal proceeding, but you are also now showing your unwillingness to corporate. People do not often understand that if our expert team of process servers working around Harris County cannot do our jobs, we will pursue other legal avenues to ensure your case moves forward.

 

Texas is pretty good about offering secondary lines of contact to ensure all legal attempts are made. A good example is someone facing a large amount of debt. The longer you let the legal proceeding drag on, the more debt and fees accrue. When we finally do reach you or show proof of service through another legal avenue, you will be faced with a much more challenging circumstance.

 

In the end, it makes way more sense to hire legal representation and face the situation head-on.

 

What Could the Consequences Be if I Avoid Papers?

 

We have an exceptionally high success rate with our process server team. This is due in part to the other parts of our business, like being notaries and skip tracing experts. It is also because we have spent years developing a solid network of connections and learned how to best navigate the legal system. In the rare cases someone slips through, they will probably face:

 

Secondary Tactics

If our team has to establish that every effort was made and you were still unreachable. We will pursue other legal pathways that are recognized by the local Harris County courts. This could include serving legal documents to a close relative or showing up at your workplace, which can be embarrassing. There are also phone and technology-based methods that the courts now recognize.

 

Default Judgment

The last thing you want to have happen is the court to make a default judgment against you. We are good at our jobs and will show evidence to a court that every single attempt was made, documented, and sent to our clients. Unfortunately, that leaves little wiggle room and often ends with the courts making a default judgment against you.

 

This is not a good situation to find yourself. It can result in an official court summons, garnished wages, property seizures, and even a warrant for your arrest. When you avoid our process servers in Houston, TX, you are only escalating the legal issues that may be easier to handle than you think.

 

What Happens After I Am Served?

 

Our clients tend to be from large businesses, legal firms, law enforcement, government agencies, and the court system. Our professional process servers are not involved in anything other than the focused area of expertise we provide to our clients.

 

That being said, we know how the process works. Once your papers are successfully served, our team will immediately send a notification to our clients. This means the legal clock has started ticking. Even if you are 100% not liable, guilty, or responsible for whatever legal proceeding is unfolding, you have a set amount of time to respond to the documents before another legal issue is triggered.

 

While we cannot offer legal advice of any kind, it may be a good idea to seek legal counsel when you are served papers. A qualified lawyer can explain what is happening and what steps you should take next.

 

 

Hire an Expert Team Like Ours

 

The best course of action is to accept what is being offered and move on with your life. In most cases, the situation can be clearly explained during legal proceedings, and a resolution can be met, so everyone is satisfied.

 

If you are someone in need of professional process service in the greater Houston, Texas area, contact our experienced team at Houston Process Servers. We have spent years perfecting our craft and have one of the highest success rates you will ever find.

 

Start by filling out the quote form on our main website page. Once we receive your order will kick into action, often making our first attempt within the first 24 hours of your order being placed.

 

We are a dedicated team of experts who leverage every connection and legal pathway to ensure our reputation for excellence remains intact. We even offer process services to the Harris County Jail. So reach out today and let our process server team get your legal document to its intended destination as quickly as possible.

How Long Does it Take for Papers to Be Served?

Process Service
How Long Does it Take for Papers to Be Served

One of the first questions we get asked as professional process servers in Houston, TX is about our timeline. Clients want to be sure their paperwork is filed with the court system or other legal entities within the strict time limits imposed by their individual situations.

We wish this could be an easy answer, but unfortunately, there are many factors that go into how long it takes for papers to be legally served. Even though we have an incredibly high success rate in our industry and make our first attempt within the first 24 hours, extenuating circumstances can always pop up.

Regardless of the situation, we will pursue every avenue possible. That is why our process servers are so valued around Harris County because we do not give up easily. We have the experience and professional network of contacts to ensure every attempt has been made before pursuing the next stage of your legal situation.

 

How Does Process Serving Work?

At its core, process serving in Houston, Texas is all about consistency, professionalism, and experience. Luckily our team has all three in abundance. Whenever someone from law enforcement, legal firms, businesses, or courts needs documents delivered to an individual or business, they hire a team like ours to ensure those documents reach their intended destination.

The benefit of using process servers is that it saves your organization time. Instead of having to do all the busy work of tracking down the correct person, making a documented history of the delivery, and confirming everything with the courts, we handle it ourselves. Our ability to succeed in this industry is why so many organizations rely on our expertise whenever they need a legal document or notice delivered.

The national average is around 5-7 days to serve papers, but we tend to succeed significantly quicker, often making our first attempt within the first 24 hours of your order.

 

What Slows Down the Process?

There are a number of factors that can lead to a challenging delivery. The vast majority of the time, the person or business receiving the legal documents is already aware of the situation, and it is just a matter of physically making the delivery.

In those rare cases where someone is trying to evade delivery, we utilize our experience working with local authorities and leverage our network of connections to ensure the successful completion of your order. We have a team inside our Houston Process Servers business dedicated to skip tracing. That means we have quite a bit of knowledge and experience working with individuals that do not want to be found.

Again, most cases are straightforward. Even when we cannot initially reach a target, it is because they were visiting family, under the weather, or some other personal reason that is quickly handled, so your timeline remains intact.

 

 

Do You Do Anything Different for Faster Delivery?

Yes! We at Houston Process Servers have worked in the local Texas area for years, developing a solid network of contacts and learning the ropes of how to navigate the legal arena. We provide different levels of service from routine to same day, depending on your needs. We can even make delivery within the Harris County Jail.

Part of our business includes Notary services which also speed up the process a bit, especially for those clients looking to conclude certain legal proceedings. We also offer bespoke night or evening hours, meeting precise times of the day, or delivery within the workplace. For us, it is all about ensuring a successful delivery with the appropriate confirmation as often as possible.

 

Where Can I Get Started?

Everything begins by using our quote form on our main website homepage. There you can provide all the information needed to serve your papers. We use technology and automation wherever possible in our business to speed the process up and will confirm every attempt, including the successful delivery of your legal documents.

Stop trying to use process servers that do not know the area or local laws. Stick with a team of professionals right here in Houston, TX dedicated to exceptional customer service and work quality. Contact Houston Process Servers today, and let’s get your timeline back on schedule.