What is Process?
According to Cornell Law School, the process is paperwork relevant to a specific court case that needs to be served on the case’s defendant.
What is a Process Server?
A process server is a person who delivers legal process to its intended recipient. The recipient could be a case defendant, witness, subject-matter expert, or other stakeholders in the case.
What Types of Paperwork Do Process Servers Serve?
Process servers serve papers for all types of cases, including:
Can I Send Process in the Mail?
It is generally preferred to deliver the process in person, but sometimes the intended recipient cannot be located. In these cases, the process server may request an alternative service, which could include service by mail. These requests must be approved by a judge before implementation.
Is a Process Server Required to Serve Process?
Yes, in Duval County, you must use either the Sheriff’s office or a private process server approved by the Sherrif’s office for the service of process to be valid.
Who Can Be a Process Server?
In general, process servers must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have no mental disability
- Be a Florida resident
- Have a clean background and criminal history
- Possess a Certificate of Good Conduct filed with the court or sheriff’s office
- Passage of a training course and exam
- Post a surety bond
The exact requirements will vary by county.
How are Process Servers Approved?
The process for approving process servers in Florida varies from county to county. In Duval County, private process servers must be approved by the county Sheriff’s office and are called Special Process Servers.
How Do I Apply to Become a Process Server in Duval County?
Unfortunately, there are no applications being accepted for new Special Process Servers in Duval County. Renewal applications for existing Special Process Servers are available.
Are Process Servers Prohibited From Doing Anything?
Process servers approved to work in Duval County should NOT:
- Serve process in any case in which they are personally invested
- Serve process on a Sunday
- Serve process in any other county unless also approved to work there
- Put the process in the recipient’s mailbox
- Wear a disguise
- Lie
- Abuse substances
- Engage in criminal behavior
- Do anything that a judge might deem inappropriate for a person in a position of responsibility
Process Servers in Duval County
If you need a Special Process Server in Duval County, you’re in the right place. We have servers who are ready to deliver your court process without delay. Just give us a call at (904) 735-7810 or send us a work request online to get started today.
