Posted by Kathi Conahan-Baltzelle on 4/23/08 1:34pm
Msg #244711

Process Servers

I am looking into becoming a process server to supplement my notary business. Anyone out there that would like to share some insight I would truly appreciate it.

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 4/23/08 1:56pm
Msg #244717

I know you can serve any type of subpoena (Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allows it for Federal Process).

Depending on your local rules of court, you may be able to serve other types of process like domestic relations, court notices, summonses, etc.

In MA a process server (non-constable) may serve subpoenas, domestic relations process, probate process, all letters/notices, and certain eviction process.

Reply by Kathi Conahan-Baltzelle on 4/23/08 2:51pm
Msg #244724

Thanks for the info Korey.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/23/08 3:26pm
Msg #244729

Check on local rules

In Texas some courts require a special order to be signed per case or per server....I think. It's been a long time since I needed process servers.

Reply by Kathi Conahan-Baltzelle on 4/23/08 3:30pm
Msg #244731

Re: Check on local rules

Thanks, Brenda
It looks like in Virginia the only requirement is that you have to be at least 18 years old. Just really trying to think of income possibilities especially during these slow times. Really don't want to go back and work for corporate america.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/23/08 6:05pm
Msg #244754

18 years old is your state requirement. Check your

"local" requirements where you will be serving process.

(In Texas that would be the district court and the county court where the cases would be tried that you'll be serving process for--for instance, your own home county. District court would include family court, larger civil suits and felonies. County courts would include probate, smaller civil suits and misdemeanors.) The state has it's rules, the local courts may have their own. If it were me I would start with the county clerk's office, then the district clerk's office. The civil division may have different rules than the criminal and family.

Local Texas courts can make their own rules about process service. At least that was my experience when I used to pull subpoena's for service on witnesses or have lawsuits served on defendants. If you cannot find a website to give you that information, it would be wise to check with your local clerk's offices by phone.

For instance, some courts may not care who serves the papers as long as they are over 18 and not a party to the suit. However, other courts require a short one page order to be signed by the judge to make the process server's entrance into the suit in that capacity official.

Do a little LOCAL research by calling the courthouse.

Reply by Kathi Conahan-Baltzelle on 4/24/08 8:14am
Msg #244821

Re: 18 years old is your state requirement. Check your

Thanks for the good information Brenda.

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 4/23/08 4:01pm
Msg #244736

In MA it's called a "4c Motion"

its purpose is to ask the court to appoint a person as a special process server.

Reply by desktopfull on 4/23/08 7:54pm
Msg #244774

Check with your court and see what the requirements are and what you are and aren't allowed to serve. Generally, they have a class for you to take to make sure you know the laws for your state pertaining to service of process. Every state and or county could be different. In Florida, you have to be approved in every judicial district and sometimes they split the district and you have to be certified in each. Gets expensive here in Florida, especially with the gas costs and you have to make at least 5 attempts to serve the paper.

Reply by Kathi Conahan-Baltzelle on 4/24/08 8:15am
Msg #244822

Thank you also for the good information desktopfull.