Process Serving Help Articles

Learn what it typically costs to hire a process server, what raises or lowers the price, which extra fees to ask about and how to get an accurate quote.

How serving legal papers developed, from sheriff's summoners in medieval England to GPS-stamped photos and online ordering. Learn what changed, what stayed the same, and why proof of service still matters.

Courts set a deadline for serving a lawsuit, from a few weeks to a year or more depending on the state. See the deadline in all 50 states and DC, and how to hire a process server in time.

Starting January 1, 2027, California's SPARE Act (AB 747) requires photo, time and GPS records for service attempts. Here's what changes for anyone hiring a process server, and what to look for before you order.

An Affidavit of Service is what you receive once a process server has completed service of process, and it can be crucial to your legal matter. Learn more about what an Affidavit of Service is here.

Learn how to serve divorce papers: what to serve, who can serve them, what to do if your spouse avoids service, and how to file proof with the court.

Which states license, register or certify process servers, and where a court appointment is needed instead. Includes how to check a server's credentials before you hire. Reviewed October 2026.

Fake process servers and debt collectors are common. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you doubt a process server is rightfully serving you with documents.

A summons is a legal document notifying you or your required appearance in a court of law. Summons notify an individual of a civil case filed against them, or their need to defend themselves in a court of law or hearing.

Hiring a professional process server, regardless of gender, is a safe bet that your papers will be served within your state’s rules and regulations, and in a reliable and accurate manner.