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Insufficient Service of Process in Florida

No matter where you are in Florida, a court case cannot proceed until all the parties, including all defendants and witnesses, are properly notified. This notification, known as service of process, is a core element of the constitutional right to due process, which demands that court proceedings be fair for everyone involved. However, sometimes service of process is not done correctly, leading to a legal concept known as “insufficient service of process”. In this post, we’ll review the basics of service of process, examine ways service of process can be insufficient, and explain what happens when insufficient service of process occurs. Continue reading

What Are the Different Methods of Process Service?

Court cases come with a lot of paperwork which must be shared with all parties to the case. But how does the court keep track of who has and has not received this paperwork? That’s where process servers come in. Process servers in Florida are specially trained and certified to deliver all types of court paperwork, known as process, to different individuals and entities. Process servers have several methods they can use to deliver the paperwork, each with its own benefits and limitations. In this post, we’ll go over the methods of serving process that Florida process servers have available to them, including when each methods is acceptable. Continue reading

How Does Skip Tracing Work?

What is Skip Tracing?

Skip tracing is a method used for locating a person or entity that has intentionally or inadvertently evaded detection. This practice is commonly utilized in the legal and financial industries, although it can be useful in many others.

Who Orders a Skip Trace?

Anyone can request a skip trace. We often get skip trace requests from: Continue reading

Technology: The Future of Process Serving

In the dynamic and evolving world of legal services, process serving plays a crucial role. As a leading process service agency, Accurate Serve® of Lakeland understands the intricacies involved in this field. With our additional offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and New Port Richey, we are well-equipped to cater to the needs of clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. The legal requirements for process servers vary across these regions, reflecting the diversity and specificity of legal protocols in Florida.

Embracing Technological Advancements in Process Serving

The legal landscape is witnessing a transformative phase with technology becoming increasingly integral to various aspects of legal proceedings, including process serving. These technological advancements are not just about efficiency; they’re about adapting to the changing legal environment which promotes transparency and ensuring compliance with both federal and state laws. Continue reading

How to Avoid Aggressive Situations During Process Serving

Process serving, an essential task of the legal system, can sometimes lead to challenging and potentially aggressive situations. At Accurate Serve® of Tampa Bay, with offices in Lakeland, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and New Port Richey, we prioritize safety in process service for our servers, clients, and process recipients. We serve all areas of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. In this post, we aim to provide insights on how process servers can avoid aggressive situations while still adhering to the regulations of local sheriffs in Pinellas and Pasco counties, and certification requirements in Hillsborough County (Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit) and Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties (Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit).

Legal Framework for Process Servers

Process servers must operate within the legal guidelines established by federal and state laws. In Florida, the state statutes provide the basic requirements for all process servers, but the specific rules vary across different judicial circuits and counties. Many areas have specific certification and approval requirements to ensure compliance and professionalism in process serving in those areas. Continue reading

Traits Of A Good Process Server

Process servers in Florida are professionals who are responsible for delivering legal documents to individuals involved in a court case, ensuring that the legal process moves forward smoothly. At Accurate Serve® in Lakeland, Florida, with additional offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and New Port Richey, we understand the importance of having a reliable process server. We provide services across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties, each with its own set of regulations for process servers. In this post, we will explore the essential traits that make a good process server.

Knowledge of Laws and Regulations

A good process server must be well-versed in federal and state laws governing the service of process. For instance, in Pinellas and Pasco counties, process servers must be approved by the local Sheriff, as per local regulations. In Hillsborough County, which is part of Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit, process servers must be certified by the 13th circuit. Similarly, Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties fall under Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit, requiring process servers to be certified by the 10th Circuit. Continue reading

What are the Federal Rules for Service of Process?

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of federal civil proceedings. For anyone involved in a lawsuit, understanding these rules, especially those concerning the service of process, is crucial. This ensures that the legal proceedings move forward without hitches. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the FRCP and its implications for service of process in Tampa Bay:

Summons Essentials for Federal Court

According to Rule 4 of the FRCP, a summons must encompass: Continue reading

Types of Papers Process Servers Typically Serve

Welcome to Accurate Serve Tampa, your trusted partner in the realm of process serving. We know that the legal world can be a labyrinth of complexities, and we’re here to help guide you through it. Whether you’re an attorney, a private citizen, or a business proprietor, you may find yourself in need of a process server at some point. In this post, we’ll delve into the various kinds of documents that process servers like we usually handle.

Summons and Complaints

Initiating a civil lawsuit, such as a small claims case, begins with the issuance of a summons and complaint. The individual initiating the lawsuit (the plaintiff) is responsible for ensuring that the person being sued (the defendant) receives these documents. That’s where we come in. Our job is to promptly and accurately deliver these papers to the defendant, making them aware of the legal action against them and the necessity to respond. Continue reading

Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Process Server

Hiring a process service agency is a crucial step when filing a legal case. In Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, and Pasco counties in Florida, where hundreds of cases are filed each year, the right process server can make or break your case’s progress. To ensure the service of process runs smoothly, you need a reliable agency…one you can trust to carry out tasks on time and abide by Florida’s legal requirements, ensuring your cases will not be delayed due to process issues.

To find a process service agency that aligns with your expectations, here are some critical questions you should ask. If you want to skip the questions and go straight for Tampa Bay’s top-tier process service agency, make the call to Accurate Serve at (863) 873-6691 or send us a work request online. Continue reading

Why You Should Choose a Process Server to Serve Paperwork

When it comes to legal proceedings, the importance of properly serving legal documents cannot be overstated. In Tampa Bay, if law enforcement is not utilized, state law requires the use of a certified or otherwise approved process server. Let’s discuss why choosing a professional process server, such as Accurate Serve of Tampa Bay, is crucial. Process servers ease the burden on overworked law enforcement, are experts in the field, and can minimize the risk of errors and liability in your legal case. Continue reading