1. Deliver Legal Documents
A process server's primary responsibility is to physically deliver ("serve") legal documents to individuals involved in court cases, ensuring they are formally notified. These documents include:
- Summons and Complaints: Notifies a defendant they are being sued and must respond
- Subpoenas: Orders someone to appear in court or produce documents
- Divorce Papers: Petitions and related family law documents
- Personal Protection Orders (PPO): Court orders protecting individuals from harassment or abuse
- Restraining Orders: Immediate legal protections requiring urgent service
- Eviction Notices: Landlord-tenant legal notices
- Writs and Orders: Court-issued directives
- Small Claims Documents: Notices for minor civil disputes
2. Verify and Document Service
After serving documents, a process server must provide detailed proof of service through an affidavit or declaration, including:
- Date, time, and location of service
- Description of the person served (name, appearance, identification)
- Method of service (personal, substituted, or certified mail)
- Number of service attempts and their outcomes
- Signature of the process server under oath
This documentation is critical legal evidence that proper notice was provided, ensuring the case can proceed without challenges to service validity.
3. Locate and Identify Recipients
If someone is avoiding service or their location is unknown, process servers use skip tracing techniques to locate them:
- Database searches (public records, voter registration, property records)
- Social media and online research
- Interviewing neighbors, relatives, or employers
- Surveillance at last known addresses or workplaces
- Vehicle registration and utility records
Confirming the recipient's identity at the time of service is essential to prevent serving the wrong person.
4. Comply with State and Local Laws
Process servers must follow strict legal rules that vary by jurisdiction regarding:
- Who can serve: Michigan requires process servers to be licensed or authorized by the court
- How to serve: Personal service, substituted service, or certified mail depending on document type
- Where to serve: Some documents cannot be served at workplaces or during certain hours
- Time limits: Many documents have strict deadlines for service
- Special protections: Rules preventing service on Sundays or at places of worship in certain cases
Improper service can invalidate legal proceedings, so professional knowledge of these rules is critical.
5. Maintain Professionalism and Confidentiality
Process servers must conduct themselves with integrity:
- Remaining calm and respectful, even when recipients are hostile
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
- Keeping case details confidential
- Never misrepresenting their identity or purpose
- Adhering to ethical standards and professional conduct codes
6. Coordinate with Clients and Attorneys
Process servers work closely with law firms, attorneys, and individuals to:
- Provide status updates on service attempts
- Advise on the best service methods for difficult cases
- Meet tight court deadlines
- Offer rush or same-day service when needed
- Answer questions about service procedures
7. File and Return Completed Proofs
Once service is complete, process servers return the proof of service to the client or court. This includes:
- Completed affidavits with accurate details
- Original documents with service notations
- Digital copies for client records
- Court filing assistance when required
8. Offer Related Services
Many process servers also provide additional support services:
- Court filing services: Filing documents on behalf of attorneys
- Document retrieval: Obtaining certified copies of court records
- Stakeouts: Extended surveillance for evasive individuals
- Record searches: Background checks and public records research
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We can also deliver notices, letters, or time-sensitive documents for attorneys, businesses, and private clients — anywhere in Michigan.
Need Professional Process Servers?
Our experienced process servers are ready to assist with all your legal document service needs throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw Counties, as well as across the State of Michigan.