As a legal professional, you have a lot on your plate. Whether you are an attorney, a paralegal, or a legal secretary, the burden of making sure that papers are served falls on you. In order to keep yourself from being overwhelmed or missing out on other tasks that need to be done, it might be better to switch from the sheriff to a private process server. Here are three signs that you should invest in a private process server.
You Don’t Know What’s Going On
Unfortunately, the sheriff’s department is often not very good about keeping in touch about serves. If you have a time-sensitive case, it can be very frustrating not to know whether service has been made or what problems have arisen in trying to serve the papers. Calling the sheriff’s department for an update can also be frustrating, and you might not get an answer for days. If not knowing what is going on with serves is affecting the outcome of your cases, you need to consider investing in a private process server who is more likely to keep you updated.
Service Is Too Slow
In time-sensitive cases, you need service to move quickly. The sheriff’s department has a lot of responsibilities, and serves are often at the bottom of the list. Sheriffs also may not be able to serve the individual at the time that they are available, whereas a private process server can serve papers whenever and wherever you specify. This all leads to private process servers getting papers served in a more timely manner.
You Have a Lot of Non-Serves
In order for a case to move forward, you have to be able to show service of process. Not getting papers served can stop a case in its tracks. If you have a lot of cases falling to the wayside because of non-serves, it is a sign that you really need to consider investing in a private process server who has more time and tools available to them to get papers served in a number of situations.
If these frustrations or other frustrations with your current service of process procedure seem familiar, switching to a private process server could be your best option. Contact us today for more information or to get started.