Absolutely! Just because someone is dodging service doesn’t mean they can escape the legal system. Courts recognize that some recipients go to extreme lengths to avoid being served. Fortunately, legal solutions exist to ensure your case moves forward—no matter what.
1. Personal Service – The First and Best Attempt
The law requires that you first attempt to serve papers in person.
What Happens If They Avoid Personal Service?
If the person refuses to open the door, a process server can still complete service by leaving the papers nearby and stating they are served.
If they won’t confirm their identity, the server may be able to verify it visually and proceed with service.
If the person is never home, multiple attempts must be made at different times of the day.
Many believe that avoiding the door means avoiding the lawsuit—it doesn’t. A skilled process server will get the job done one way or another.
TPS specializes in tracking down evasive recipients—we don’t take no for an answer.
2. Substituted Service – Serving Someone in Their Place
If the recipient is actively avoiding service, you may be able to serve another responsible adult at their residence or workplace.
How It Works:
Documents can be given to a co-resident (family member, roommate, or anyone 14 years or older who lives there).
In workplace service, papers can be left with a manager or HR representative if legally allowed.
The process server must follow up with a mailed copy to the recipient’s last known address.
Even if they dodge personal service, their household or workplace may still legally receive the papers.
TPS doesn’t wait around—we find legal ways to complete service fast.
3. Surveillance & Stakeouts – Catching Them Off Guard
If the recipient refuses to answer the door or keeps disappearing, process servers can track their movements.
Stakeout Tactics Include:
Observing when they leave for work or errands—catching them outside.
Following routines to identify frequently visited locations.
Waiting near their home or workplace for the right moment to serve.
If someone is hiding, they will eventually slip up—and a professional process server will be there.
TPS has expert surveillance techniques to outmaneuver even the most elusive recipients.
4. Skip Tracing – Finding Hidden Defendants
If the recipient has moved, changed jobs, or disappeared, skip tracing locates their new whereabouts.
Skip Tracing Uses:
Public and private databases (address history, utility bills, DMV records).
Credit and employment tracking (where they work, bank, or rent).
Social media monitoring (location tags, recent check-ins, activity clues).
Interviewing neighbors, co-workers, or landlords for new leads.
Even if someone thinks they’ve vanished, digital footprints never lie.
TPS uses advanced skip tracing tools to find anyone, anywhere.
5. Alternative Service – Court-Approved Methods When All Else Fails
If all reasonable attempts fail, you can request "alternative service" from the court.
Common Alternative Service Methods:
Service by Posting & Mailing – Allowed in evictions; the process server posts the papers on the defendant’s door and mails a copy.
Service by Publication – If the recipient is completely missing, a judge may allow legal notice to be published in a newspaper.
Service by Certified Mail – Some courts allow papers to be mailed with a return receipt.
Alternative service ensures the legal process moves forward—even if the recipient never accepts the papers.
TPS knows exactly how to request and execute alternative service so you don’t lose time in court.
6. Workplace Service – Serving Them on the Job
If they’re avoiding home service, process servers can serve them at work.
How It Works:
Process servers can serve the recipient directly at their workplace.
If entry is restricted, they can wait outside for shift changes or breaks.
Some workplaces allow HR or management to accept legal documents.
No one wants to be served at work—but it’s a highly effective way to complete service.
TPS knows when, where, and how to serve people at their jobs—without disruption.
7. Law Enforcement & Court Orders – When Necessary
For high-risk cases or individuals who resist legal service, law enforcement assistance may be required.
Legal Backup May Be Needed For:
Restraining orders & protective orders.
Cases involving known violent individuals.
Defendants who threaten or assault process servers.
If safety is a concern, law enforcement can ensure the papers get served properly.
TPS works with local authorities when necessary to ensure secure service.
Final Takeaway: Evasion Won’t Stop Legal Service—But Hiring the Right Process Server Matters
If someone is avoiding service, don’t panic—the law provides multiple ways to ensure they are legally served.
Ways to Serve Evasive Defendants:
Personal service with multiple attempts.
Substituted service at their home or job.
Surveillance & stakeouts for evasive targets.
Skip tracing to track their location.
Alternative service (posting, mail, or publication).
Serving them at work when home service fails.
Involving law enforcement for high-risk cases.
Testimonials from Our Clients
What Clients Say About Our People-First Approach
Take the Next Step with The Process Server
Need a professional who can track, serve, and confirm delivery—no matter how hard they hide? Call The Process Server (TPS). We get the job done.
"*" indicates required fields
Ready to Talk?
Journey with The Process Server (TPS) and experience the simplicity and comprehensiveness of expert legal support by TPS.
We're here to assist you with any legal support services you may require.
We're here to assist you with any legal support services you may require. Although our main office is located in Phoenix, we have dedicated local teams to handle all location-specific tasks efficiently. Here's how you can get in touch with us.
The Process Server
13416 North 32nd Street #110F, Phoenix, Arizona 85032, United States
Phone: +1 (602) 675-2333
Email: [email protected]
For further details, please refer to the Justice Courts Case Search.