Everything You Need To Know About Process Serving

Learn all about process serving and how Freestate Investigations, LLC Legal Services is your trusted process serving experts.

Three registered process servers in suits talking

The Difference Between Process Servers and Sheriffs: Which Is the Better Option?

Every legal case starts with one critical step: notifying the involved parties. This is done through legal document delivery, a formal process that ensures individuals are aware of the legal action and given the opportunity to respond. The court requires this step to satisfy due process requirements, and failure to serve documents properly can delay or even dismiss a case. When it comes to serving court papers, you typically have two main options: hiring a registered process server or using a sheriff. Both have the authority to deliver legal documents, but each offers different advantages depending on the situation. So how do you decide which

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What Happens If You Avoid a Process Server? Understanding the Penalty for Avoiding Service of ProcessThe Risks of Avoiding a Process Server

When faced with legal action, the first step in the judicial process is often service of process—where a process server delivers official documents to notify the involved parties. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a legal requirement that ensures everyone has a fair opportunity to respond in court. Still, many individuals attempt to avoid being served, assuming it will delay or nullify their legal obligations. But does avoiding a process server really work? What happens if someone avoids being served? This article explains the reality, explores the penalty for avoiding service of process, and highlights why engaging with the legal system is always the smarter

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A man wearing a suit and holding a blue clipboard talking on a mobile device

How Process Servers Handle Difficult or Dangerous Situations

Process servers are essential to the legal system. They ensure that individuals involved in legal actions are properly notified—upholding due process and allowing the judicial process to move forward fairly. While many people accept service without issue, others attempt to avoid it. Some become hostile or confrontational. In these situations, process servers must be both persistent and professional. A common question arises: can you refuse to be served papers? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. While a person might try to avoid or reject service, the law provides remedies to prevent the legal process from being derailed. In this blog, we explore how

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A man becoming a certified process server

What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Process Server?

The legal system depends on precision, compliance, and due process. Without proper notification, legal proceedings cannot move forward, and justice can be delayed—or worse, denied. This is where process servers play a key role. However, not every process server is “certified,” and whether or not certification is required depends largely on where the service is taking place. In some states, formal registration, training, or certification programs exist; in others, anyone who meets basic requirements may serve legal documents. This guide explores the role of process servers, what it means to be “certified” in states that require it, and why proper service of process matters to

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A man trying to Find Someone to Serve Court Papers

How to Find Someone to Serve Court Papers?

Serving court papers is a fundamental part of the legal process. It ensures that individuals are formally notified of legal actions against them, giving them the opportunity to respond. But what happens when the person being served is difficult to locate? This is where process servers step in. If you’re wondering, “how do process servers find you?”, the answer lies in a combination of investigative techniques, legal knowledge, and persistence. Whether serving papers in Washington, DC, or elsewhere, professional process servers use a range of strategies to track down individuals and ensure proper service of legal documents. 1. How Do Process Servers Find You? A

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What’s the Difference Between Apostille and Authentication?

What’s the Difference Between Apostille and Authentication?

When it comes to legalizing documents for use in another country or validating them for specific purposes, you’ve likely encountered the terms “apostille” and “authentication.” While they may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes and are required in different situations. So, what is the difference between apostille and authentication? This guide will walk you through the key differences, use cases, and how to determine which one you need. Apostille vs. Authentication: A Quick Overview The U.S. Department of State currently processes federal apostille requests within 6 to 8 weeks. This timeframe applies to documents such as FBI background checks and other federally issued documents that

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Fake Process Server Calls: How to Know If It Is Legitimate?

Fake Process Server Calls: How to Know If It Is Legitimate?

Receiving a visit or call from someone claiming to be a process server can be intimidating. It’s not just about the stress of legal matters—it’s the uncertainty of whether the person is legitimate or a scammer. Scammers posing as process servers are becoming more common, using fear and confusion to target unsuspecting individuals. If you’re asking yourself, “Did a fake process server come to my house?” this guide will help you identify the red flags and confirm whether the call or visit was genuine. What Is a Process Server? A process server is an individual authorized to deliver legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, or

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Can You Sue Someone for Hiring a Private Investigator?

Understanding Your Rights and the Limits of Private Investigations Private investigators often operate behind the scenes, gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, and providing insights for legal, personal, or corporate matters. But what happens if you find out someone has hired a private investigator to follow you or dig into your personal life? Can you sue someone for hiring a private investigator? What are the legal rights and limitations when it comes to private investigations? In this blog, we’ll address these questions in detail, covering the legalities of hiring private investigators, situations where lawsuits might arise, and the rights and boundaries both clients and investigators must respect.

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How to Serve CT Corporation System and Where

How to Serve CT Corporation System and Where

If you’ve been tasked with serving legal papers to a business represented by CT Corporation System, you might wonder where to begin. As one of the largest registered agent services in the U.S., CT Corporation System handles legal documents for countless companies—but serving them must be done correctly.  Whether you’re a law firm, individual, or organization, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from locating the right address to ensuring compliance with legal requirements. What Is CT Corporation System? Think of the CT Corporation System as a legal mailroom for businesses. When companies register with a state, they must designate a

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How to Serve Papers to Someone You Can't Find

How to Serve Papers to Someone You Can’t Find

Serving legal papers is a critical part of the legal process, ensuring that everyone involved in a case is properly notified. However, what happens when the person you need to serve is intentionally hiding or difficult to locate? Serving papers to someone who is deliberately evading service is a challenge that many legal professionals, businesses, and individuals face.  In this blog, we’ll explore proven strategies for serving legal documents to someone you can’t find, including methods like skip tracing, alternative service options, and working with professionals to ensure compliance. Why Is Serving Someone So Hard? Before we dive into strategies for serving papers to someone

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