The holidays always seem to bring up the same old question – can process be served on any day, including holidays? At Accurate Serve of JAX, we understand why those with pending legal issues may be concerned about the delays brought on by the holidays. In this post, we’ll shine some light on this common holiday question and hopefully put some minds at ease.
What is Process Serving?
Process serving is a critical component of the legal system, involving the delivery of legal documents such as summonses, complaints, and subpoenas to individuals involved in legal proceedings. This ensures that all parties involved in a legal case receive the necessary information and that it can proceed with fairness and transparency.
Florida Does Not Prohibit Service of Process on Holidays
In Florida, the law does not specifically prohibit process serving on holidays. This means that, legally, process servers in Florida can operate on holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other national or religious holidays. However, this isn’t a universal rule across the United States. For instance, Minnesota explicitly prohibits serving process on holidays. Furthermore, Florida, along with several other states, restricts process serving on Sundays, as per the Florida Statutes §48.20.
Holidays Should Still be Avoided if Possible
Although serving process on holidays is legally permissible in Florida, it is not typically considered best practice unless it’s an extraordinary case or it has been ordered by the court. Serving papers on a holiday can be perceived as intrusive and insensitive, as holidays are generally regarded as personal time for rest and family gatherings. Therefore, process servers must exercise discretion and professional judgment when deciding to serve papers on holidays.
In situations where the urgency of a legal matter requires serving documents on a holiday, the process must be conducted with utmost professionalism and respect. Such decisions are often made with careful consideration, sometimes in consultation with attorneys, and under specific court directives.
Accurate Serve of JAX Operates Legally & Ethically
At Accurate Serve in Jacksonville, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in process serving. Our team is knowledgeable about the intricacies of Florida’s process serving laws, including the regulations regarding serving on holidays and Sundays. We ensure that legal documents are served timely and respectfully, adhering strictly to legal and ethical guidelines.
We Offer Top-Quality Legal Support Services
Beyond process serving, we offer a range of legal support services, including document retrieval, skip tracing, and diligent search services. Our expertise and dedication to client service make us a reliable partner in Florida’s legal community. You can reach us at (904) 735-7810 or send a work request online. Our team is ready to provide you with efficient, reliable, and respectful services, ensuring your legal matters are handled with care and professionalism.
