How Service of Process Works for Pro Se Clients with Freestate Investigations

A clear, step-by-step guide to ordering service, picking the right speed, skip tracing, timelines, affidavits, and what to expect.

1. Start at FreestateInvestigations.com

Go to freestateinvestigations.com. Click “Pricing” to review options or “Order Now” to begin.

• Each service level lists included attempts, first-attempt timing, and included printed pages.
• Rush and Same Day options show turnaround windows on the pricing page.

2. Pick the service speed that fits your need

• Routine: Attempts occur when a server is in the area. Could be morning, afternoon, evening, or weekends. No specific times. Weekend attempts depend on workload.
• Two-Day Rush: Faster completion target. Use this if your due date is within about two weeks.
• Same Day: For urgent files received by the cutoff time listed on the pricing page.
• On Demand: One scheduled attempt at a specific time or date. Call before submitting to confirm availability.

If you find yourself calling often for updates, you probably chose a speed that’s too slow. We’ll recommend a faster option so you get results sooner.

Service area rule: Routine, Rush, Same Day, and On Demand apply within Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. If service is outside those areas, select “Nationwide Service.”

3. Skip trace options and costs

A. Need an address before you file
Select “Skip Trace” as a standalone. Cost is $175 per person. You receive a skip trace report with likely addresses, real property ties, and contact info from public and licensed private databases.

B. Want to save money
You can file using a last known address if you make a good faith effort to serve. After placing your order, choose the option for Freestate to update the address. This saves $125 or more compared to a separate pre-filing skip trace.

No one can guarantee service. Results depend on access, timing, and cooperation at the address.

4. Choose your service area

• Central Maryland: Frederick to the Pennsylvania line, down to the Potomac, east to the Chesapeake Bay.
• Washington DC
• Northern Virginia
• Maryland Eastern Shore: All counties east of the Bay.
• Western Maryland: Washington County and west.
• Extended Area: Only if outside the zones above. Call first.

Each area also offers a “Locate Address / Basic Skip Trace” add-on for quick checks when you’ve already filed.

5. Complete the order form

Contact information

• Company: If you are pro se, enter your first and last name.
• Email: Use an email the recipient cannot access.
• Phone: Must be your direct line. Freestate only talks to the person who submitted the case.

Case and recipient details

• Include court name, county, state, case number, plaintiff, defendant, and court date if known.
• Add recipient name and description (age, sex, height, vehicles, phone numbers if known).
• The recipient address is where you want service. If you list your own address by mistake, the trip still counts and the fee applies.
• Each person and each address require a separate fee.
• Provide service instructions to help servers find the right entrance or timing.
• Suggested times are welcome, but only On Demand guarantees a specific time.
• Due dates drive service speed. Tight timelines may require a Rush upgrade.
• Upload clear PDF files of your documents. Do not upload photos. Illegible packets create risk for you. You can include a photo of the recipient.

Billing and confirmation
Enter card details and submit with the green button. You’ll see a confirmation number and receive a generic email.

6. What happens after you submit

For every speed except On Demand, you should not expect to hear from Freestate immediately—that’s normal.

For On Demand, if you confirmed availability by phone before submitting, you’ll receive immediate scheduling confirmation.

Freestate contacts you if:

• There’s a problem with your documents or address.
• Your timeline needs adjustment.
• Service is completed or all attempts are exhausted.

Routine and Rush usually see a first attempt within five business days, depending on area and workload.

If you call frequently for updates, Freestate will recommend a faster service speed next time.

7. Affidavit and filing

If your case is filed in Maryland, DC, or Virginia, Freestate files the signed affidavit with the court.
If your case is filed elsewhere, they’ll email the affidavit for you to file.

8. Common questions