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.
Are you properly certified and/or approved per Florida law?
In Tampa (Hillsborough County), process servers must be certified by Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit. For Lakeland (Polk County), certification from Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit is required. Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg (Pinellas County) and New Port Richey (Pasco County), the local Sheriff’s office must approve process servers.
All of Accurate Serve’s process servers have the appropriate certification or approval, adhering strictly to Florida state laws. They are qualified to get your job done correctly every time. Hiring a process server without proper approval for these areas may jeopardize your case with the risk of delays or case dismissal due to improper service.
Can you describe your experience?
Knowledge about a process server’s training and experience is crucial, particularly if your attorney firm handles a significant number of cases. Ask for previous employers and clients’ names to verify their experience or read their online reviews. If they hesitate or refuse, you might want to reconsider your choice.
How will I get updates on my case?
Timely service of process to defendants and witnesses is the backbone of your case. So, how can you be assured of this? At Accurate Serve, we offer access to a 24/7 online status tracker. The moment your job is done, we update your case status. Plus, we file proof of service with the court, taking one more stressor off your plate.
How much do you charge?
The cost of serving process varies, depending on the difficulty of locating the target and the types of documents to be served. Evasive targets may incur a higher fee due to the extensive research needed to locate them. However, Florida law mandates that process server fees be reasonable. You can assist in keeping these fees down by providing as much information about the target up front.
Don’t Waste Time With Low-Quality Process Servers…Choose Accurate Serve Today!
Choosing a reliable process service agency is an essential step in your case. At Accurate Serve in Lakeland, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and New Port Richey, we are here to assist you. If you need our services, don’t hesitate to call us at (863) 873-6691 or send a work request online. If you’re outside our service area, visit theaccurateservefranchise.com to find the location closest to you. We look forward to serving you today!