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How Process Servers Handle a Non-Serve

Even though having a non-serve isn’t a favorable situation for a process server, they are faced with this unfavorable condition in some situations. A non-serve is when a process server is unable to serve someone their client hired them to serve. Since the main goal in this scenario is to get the job done, it can be frustrating for both parties when mutual ground is hard to find.

Unfortunately, this can happen for a lot of reasons, and knowing how you can prevent a situation like this is imperative. To help you get an understanding of the topic, here’s a brief explanation of the scenario by EGA Process Serving.

Why Does a Non-Serve Happen?

When a process server is unable to serve an individual after several attempts, it is considered a non-serve. There are several reasons this can happen, and lack of trying is never one of them. For instance, it may be possible that a person no longer lives at the address they’ve provided. In this situation, the server is responsible for conducting due diligence.

In the same way, it is also important to know if the client wants the process server to find the new address with the help of skip tracing. Another scenario in which a non-serve may happen is when the address for a particular defendant does not exist. For instance, if the address given by them is in the middle of nowhere, there won’t be many ways of reaching out to them. But yet again, the process server must conduct their due diligence to ensure they don’t have the wrong address or haven’t arrived at an incorrect location.

In some situations, a process server can be put into a dangerous scenario if they aren’t able to serve a specific client. This can happen when the client is hostile, but no serve is worth your life!

Documenting a Non-Serve

Essential documentation is important for all kinds of serves, but in a non-serve, it is critical. Every serve requires a service affidavit, and in the case of a non-serve, a process server has to complete the essential affidavit that clarifies why they weren’t able to serve a person. In this document, they have to list every detail of their service attempts and also provide proof of service. A GPS can help in this scenario as it proves where the server was at a given time and date.

However, regardless of what kind of proof is available, it is imperative the server takes detailed notes of everything: the color of the person’s clothing, the surroundings, the person’s tone, etc.

Maryland Process Servers

The harsh truth is that non-serves happen all across the country. Servers are put in a situation like this several times in their careers and there isn’t much that can be done. That said, proper due diligence and documentation can make the process easy for process servers.

EGA Process Serving has process servers that have prior military and police experience and have been expertly trained to govern the process. To get in touch, call us today on 1-888-565-7774, or fill out a form by clicking here.