FAQs About Process Servers

Published September 15, 2021 | By Accurate Serve Detroit

What is the service of process?

Service of process is the act of officially delivering court-related documents, known as process, to parties named in the case. This includes defendants, witnesses, subject matter experts, etc. Defendants are typically served with a summons and complaint, while witnesses and experts will receive a subpoena.

What is a process server?

A process server is an expert trained to deliver legal process to its intended recipient. Process servers receive assignments from both attorneys and individuals. After accepting a service job, a process server locates the intended recipient, delivers the process, and provides proof of service.

What types of documents does a process server deliver?

Summons, complaints, and subpoenas are the most common types of process served. Motions, orders, and writs are other types of process. Private process servers work on all case types, including:

Divorce
Child custody disputes
Civil lawsuits
Evictions
Foreclosures

Can the process be served by substitution?

Service by substitution will only be approved in Detroit after a diligent effort has been made to serve the process in person. A judge must approve the request before service by substitution is allowed.

Who can be a process server?

The Courts of Michigan set the eligibility rules for who can be a process server in Detroit as follows:

Be 18 years of age or older
Be legally competent
Not be a party to the case being served
Not be a member of a corporate party to the case being served

How do I apply to become a process server in Detroit?

If you meet the eligibility requirements above, you can apply to become a private process server by contacting Accurate Serve of Detroit at (313) 385- 3703 or online at https://www.accurateservedetroit.com/.

What can a process server do to locate someone?

Process servers can use various means to locate their intended recipient. They may:

Go to the recipient’s residence.
Go to the recipient’s workplace.
Go to the recipient’s school.
Directly call the recipient.
Go to any place they believe the recipient may be found.
Use various online resources such as social media.
After court approval, give the process to a third party, or publish it in the local newspaper.

What should process servers avoid?

Serving process in any case in which they are personally invested.
Touching the recipient’s mailbox or mail slot.
Lying about who they are.
Using drugs or alcohol while serving process.
Making threats.
Using offensive or vulgar language.
Physically contacting the recipient.
Accepting tips or bribes.

At Accurate Serve in Detroit, our process servers have the knowledge and resources necessary to serve process in your case quickly and discreetly. We make sure our process servers comply with all relevant laws, so you’ll never have to worry about improper service affecting your case. We focus on serving your process within the set timeline, giving you much-needed peace of mind. Visit www.accurateservedetroit.com to find out more about how we help the entire Michigan court system run smoother.