A process server is a person who delivers a court order and/or documents that compel a defendant’s presence in court. A process server must actually hand these documents to the defendant in the case, and often says, “You have been served.” In instances when it is not possible to hand the documents to the defendant directly, the process server can also give them to management at the defendant’s place of business, or to another adult resident (18 or older) in the defendant’s home, who then becomes the agent of the defendant.
The process server cannot be a party to the particular case mentioned in the documents. The process server must also show proof that the documents were in fact served, which is typically accomplished with a notarized proof of service. In many states, a process server is also required to carry a specific license and in some cases must have insurance as well.
What Documents Does a Process Server Deliver?
Process servers deliver a variety of legal documents, including writs, subpoenas to testify in court, a summons to appear in court, and formal complaints. In addition to serving these documents, process servers can also assist with filing appropriate documents in court, retrieving documents for you, and helping you track down a defendant.