What Is a Process Server and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Are Process Servers?
As a Process Server, you deliver legal documents such as notices, complaints, court summons, and subpoenas to people or defendants involved in lawsuits or court proceedings. You must follow state and federal laws when serving papers to individuals. For example, you cannot pretend to be law enforcement or use harrassment to serve the papers. Some documents are recquired to be deliver personally by the server, who must identify the recipient of the document. Most Process Servers need to be registered.
How to Become a Process Server
The minimum qualifications to become a Process Server include having a valid driver’s license, passing a background check, and being at least 18 years old. Your state may require you to complete a training program or obtain a license or certification to work as a Process Server. You need to know the state and federal laws for serving papers, so attending a training program is the best way to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and skills. Colleges, sheriff’s offices, and state associations offer training programs for Process Servers. You need excellent communication skills and manners to be a Process Server. Learning a foreign language is not necessary but may be helpful in the field.
How Are Process Servers Paid?
As a process server, you are paid by your employer or by your clients if you’re self-employed. You can find process server jobs at law offices, collection agencies, and in criminal justice systems. Whether you work for a company, an agency, or yourself, your job duties as a process server will remain the same: to serve legal documents to defendants and other individuals involved in legal proceedings.
Process Server Job Description Sample
With this Process Server job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Process Server role.
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced and reliable Process Server to serve legal documents to defendants and other parties in the court process. The ideal candidate is organized and able to work independently to ensure legal documents are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve legal documents such as subpoenas, summons, court orders, and other documents to defendants and other parties in the court process
- Utilize various methods to locate and serve documents including public records and online databases
- Follow legal protocol when serving documents
- Maintain records and files of documents served
- Provide proof of service to the court or other parties
- Travel to various locations to serve documents
- Communicate with court officials and other parties as necessary
- Stay informed of applicable laws and regulations
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous experience as a process server or in a legal field preferred
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Able to work independently and remain organized
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
