When it comes to legal matters, the role of a process server is crucial. They are responsible for delivering legal documents to the parties involved in a lawsuit. However, not every process server out there is genuine. So, how can you tell if you’re dealing with a legitimate process server or a fraud? Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision.

Check for Proper Certification

The first step in verifying the legitimacy of a process server is to inquire about their certification. In states like Florida, process servers are required to be certified in the judicial circuit or county where they operate. For instance, if you’re dealing with a process server in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, they should have completed an approved training course and be certified by the circuit. If they can’t produce a certification or if you can’t find their name on the official list, it’s a red flag. Continue reading →

In our line of work as process servers at Accurate Serve, we often come across individuals who think they can dodge the consequences of a lawsuit or court case simply by avoiding the process server. While this may seem like a savvy tactic, the reality is far from it. The act of serving legal documents, known as process serving, is an integral part of maintaining the due process of law. However, if you’re tempted to evade a process server, here’s what you should know – and what can happen if you do. Continue reading →

When it comes to legal proceedings, ensuring that due process is followed is of utmost importance. This is where a process server plays a crucial role. Many people are unfamiliar with the role and responsibilities of a process server. In this post, we will delve into the world of process serving and shed light on what they do to facilitate a fair legal system. Specifically, we will focus on Accurate Serve, a prominent process service agency operating in Ft. Myers, Florida, and the surrounding areas of Naples, Labelle, and Port Charlotte.

What is a Process Server?

A process server is an individual who serves legal documents to parties involved in a court case. These documents can include summons, subpoenas, complaints, and other legal notifications. The primary purpose of a process server is to ensure that all parties are aware of their involvement in a legal matter and have been properly served with the necessary documents. Continue reading →

Being served process in Florida can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal procedures involved. Understanding the reasons for being served, who can serve you, and what steps you need to take afterward is crucial. In this post, we’ll provide you with important information to help demystify the process and guide you through what to do if you find yourself being served in Florida.

Reasons You May Be Served Process in Florida

The serving process is an essential part of the legal system, ensuring that individuals are informed of legal actions taken against them. There are various reasons you may be served process in Florida, including: Continue reading →

As one of Florida’s premier process service agencies, Accurate Serve® understands the importance of hiring a trustworthy and reliable process server. Unfortunately, not all process servers are legitimate, and it can be difficult to differentiate between real and fake ones. In this post, we’ll provide some tips to help you identify if a process server is real or fake.

Check their Certification

One of the most important things to look for when hiring a process server is their certification. In Florida, all process servers must meet the certification requirements of the judicial circuit or county in which they operate. For example, in the 20th Judicial Circuit, which includes Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties, process servers must be certified by the 20th judicial circuit, which includes completing an approved training course. Continue reading →

At Accurate Serve® of Ft. Myers, one of the most common types of legal documents we are asked to serve are child support papers. These documents can be sensitive and emotional, and it’s important to handle them with care and professionalism. In this post, we’ll go over the steps for serving child support papers in Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit.

Step 1: Get the Proper Certification

All process servers who intend to serve documents anywhere in Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit, which includes Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties, must be certified by the Chief Judge of the Administrative Office of the Court. If a process server is not certified, any process they serve in the counties listed above is invalid. Continue reading →

We have seen many mistakes made by process servers over the years. While serving legal documents may seem like a straightforward task, there are many complexities involved, and even the most experienced process servers can make mistakes. In this post, we will discuss the most common mistakes made by process servers.

Lack of Preparation

A common mistake made by process servers is the lack of preparation. Process servers should be prepared for every case and have a plan for serving the documents. They should be familiar with the legal requirements for serving legal documents and have the necessary equipment, such as cameras or notepads. A prepared process server will also map out their route ahead of time and familiarize themselves with the area before attempting service. Continue reading →

We’re going to get into the specifics of why, but let’s not even beat around the bush…

No, you cannot serve the court documents (i.e. process) for a legal matter in which you are a named party in the state of Florida.

Who is Allowed to Serve Process in Florida?

You must use the local sheriff’s office or a private process server to serve legal documents such as summonses and complaints in Florida. Here in Lee County, private process servers must be certified by Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit, which governs Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. Continue reading →

Using a certified or otherwise appointed process server is required in Florida, so it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of scammers out there waiting to take advantage of any individual who files a civil lawsuit. Unfortunately, people are deceived every year by people pretending to be certified process servers. In this post, we’ll go over some of the top signs you’re dealing with a process server scammer and how to avoid them in the future.

They’re Not Certified

Process servers in Ft. Myers must be certified by Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit in order to legally serve process in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. A list of currently certified servers can be found on the 20th circuit’s website. If the server you’re talking to isn’t on this list, then they’re not approved to serve process here and should be avoided. Continue reading →

Skip tracing is simply locating a person or entity who is not easily found. Skip tracing is an important tool in any process server’s toolbox.

Who Can I Find With a Skip Trace?

Skip traces may help locate defendants, witnesses, suspects, debtors, runaways, and more.

Why Do I Need a Skip Trace?

The most common reason we receive orders for skip traces are to locate case defendants or witnesses who the server has been unsuccessful in locating. There can be many reasons that a process server cannot find someone, and they’re not always intentional. People move, jobs change, and records are lost. Skip tracing can help in almost any situation to find people who seem to have dropped off the map. Continue reading →