Frequently Asked Questions
Freestate Investigations is a trusted provider of legal support services across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Our experienced team of certified process servers and private investigators is committed to accuracy, speed, and confidentiality. Whether you’re serving legal documents, performing an asset search, or retrieving court records, we bring clarity and professionalism to every step.
Have questions about how process service works, how to get started, or what to expect? You’re not alone. We’ve compiled the most common questions from our clients to help you better understand our services, pricing, and procedures. If you still have questions after reviewing this page, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help.
General Process Serving
What is service of process?
Service of process informs all parties involved in a legal case of the proceedings. It ensures each person has the opportunity to respond and appear in court. It also provides proof that a defendant or witness has been properly notified.
Why should I hire a Maryland, Virginia, or Washington DC process server?
In Maryland and Virginia, anyone 18 or older and not party to the case can legally serve papers. However, hiring a professional ensures your documents are delivered promptly and in full compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
If you need a process server in Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland, our experienced team is reliable, responsive, and detail-oriented. We provide status updates, prompt affidavits of service, and 24/7 availability.
What legal documents do you serve?
We serve a full range of legal documents for law firms, pro se individuals, and businesses. Our team handles summons, subpoenas, divorce documents, writs, complaints, garnishments, eviction notices, and foreign subpoenas across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Can I serve process with non-original documents in Maryland, DC, and Virginia?
Yes. Maryland, DC, and Virginia allow process service using complete and accurate copies instead of originals. This saves time and money while ensuring accessibility. Learn more about this process here.
What is included in your process serving fees?
Our pricing is transparent and inclusive. All process serving fees cover due diligence, affidavits of service, GPS/time-stamped attempt logs, and regular status updates. We also offer skip tracing services throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Getting Started & Legal Basics
How do I get started with service of process?
You can start by visiting our Contact Page to submit your documents or ask questions. We’ll review your request and confirm jurisdiction, timeline, and pricing before proceeding.
How do I pay for services?
Once your service is confirmed, we’ll email an invoice. We accept major credit cards and provide a receipt for your records. For details, visit our Pricing page.
Is process service from Freestate Investigations legally valid in court?
Yes. All of our process servers follow state and local rules to ensure documents are served legally and verifiably. Our affidavits of service meet court requirements in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Coverage Area & Availability
What areas do you serve?
We provide process service throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia, including urban centers and rural regions. Our coverage spans:
- Cities like Baltimore, Bethesda, Arlington, and Washington D.C.
- Counties including Prince George’s, Montgomery, Charles, Anne Arundel, Fairfax, and Alexandria
- Smaller areas such as La Plata, St. Mary’s, and Annapolis
If you’re located outside of our immediate coverage zone, we may still be able to assist or connect you with a trusted partner through our national network.
We are proud members of NAPPS and MAAPPS, enabling us to facilitate process serving across the country.
How long does process serving take?
Timelines vary. Standard service may take several weeks, especially if the subject is hard to locate. Rush service typically results in attempts within a few business days. Case complexity, address accuracy, and cooperation from the recipient can all affect timing.
Why do you go during the day when people are at work?
We don’t just serve during the day. We make attempts morning, midday, evening, and weekends. While many assume evenings are best, people often work night shifts or aren’t home in the evening. Daytime visits can catch recipients off guard, especially remote workers or those with housemates. Our approach is strategic and based on patterns, not guesses.
Challenges & Alternative Methods
What happens if the recipient cannot be found or is avoiding service?
If the recipient is evasive or cannot be located, we use skip tracing and investigative methods. If those fail, the court may permit alternative service, such as newspaper publication or posting at the last known address.
Why do I pay for attempts instead of guaranteed service?
You’re paying for the effort and expertise of our professionals, not just the outcome. We make multiple well-timed attempts and document every step to fulfill legal requirements.
Factors that can impact success include:
- Outdated or incorrect addresses
- Recipient avoidance or travel
- Gated communities and secure buildings
- Uncooperative or dangerous environments
- Weather events or relocations
What can I do to increase the chances of successful service?
Accurate and detailed information is key:
- Provide the most up-to-date address
- Share recipient photos or descriptions
- Include known routines or work schedules
- Tell us about gated communities or restricted access (and provide entry instructions)
Providing this info allows us to serve more efficiently and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Proof & Communication
What is an affidavit of service?
It’s an official document prepared after successful service. It includes the time, date, method, and details of service. This affidavit is then filed with the court as proof that the legal documents were delivered properly.
How will I receive updates on my case?
You’ll receive email updates for key milestones—like completed attempts or successful service. These may take a few days to several weeks depending on the urgency requested. If you haven’t heard back, reply to your confirmation email or contact us directly. Be sure to check your spam folder and whitelist our address.