Posted by Ashley Lea on 11/8/10 3:23pm
Msg #360246

Process server

I was wanting to know what others are charging to serve subpeonas...

Reply by Scriba/NM on 11/8/10 5:07pm
Msg #360265

Don't know about Missouri, but that kind of work in Albuquerque can get you either injured or dead. Don't think they could pay me enough. That's why no one except the Sheriff's Office usually does it.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 11/8/10 5:45pm
Msg #360269

Not a process server, but...

I am a paralegal, and we have a process server firm we uses that charges $35.00 to serve a subpoena within our county, $15.00 up-charge for surrounding counties, and $35.00 up-charge for rush service.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 11/8/10 7:36pm
Msg #360279

Ashley, I used to charge $55.00 for up to three attempts. Before deciding on an amount, I would encourage you to do further research: 1) check the websites of businesses in your area(s) to see what the competition is charging; 2) calculate your costs; and 3) develop a plan. My fees were higher than the competition BUT I offered things that they didn't. I didn't get a ton of business but I got as much as I could handle - being one person.

I agree with the other post about safety. More than once I knew that I was placing myself in harm's way. You can cherry pick the work that comes your way but that will simply cut into your profit. Most law firms want to send ALL of their legal papers to one server. They don't care that you don't want to serve divorce papers on unsuspecting spouses, and garnishment paperwork on men not paying child support.

I learned a lot by studying the websites of my competition. Not only did I get info on what to charge. I learned what was the norm concerning # of attempts, payment methods, etc.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 11/8/10 9:51pm
Msg #360298

You should also check on any registration requirements that may apply in your area. In California, for example, anybody not a party to a lawsuit can serve legal papers. However, if you are going to serve more than 10 papers in a year, you have to register in every county where you serve and post a bond and pass a LiveScan fingerprinting and pay county filing fees.

What I find REALLY interesting about (at least in Los Angeles County) this is that the County issues picture IDs for process servers registered in the county, but not for Notaries.

I have served papers before... but only 3 times, which means I wasn't required to be registered under CA law. It's not something I'd really want to do (registration)... unless there was a big demand for it. I can tell you that all 3 that I did were small claims cases and completely uneventful. Maybe it's the way I did it that defused the situation or something... but none were bad experiences by any means. Of course, I've heard all the horrible stories and I'm not convinced I want to go that route. Though, I know of several mobile notaries in Southern California who are also registered process servers. I believe all of them are men.

If asked, by the right person, though, I have no issues doing it as long as I stay under the 10/year.