In the legal world, some individuals will go to great lengths to avoid being served. Whether it’s dodging calls, ignoring the doorbell, or even disappearing, professional process servers have the skills and tools to ensure legal documents are delivered—legally and efficiently.
So, how do process servers successfully serve even the most elusive defendants? Here’s how the pros get the job done.
1. Skip Tracing – Finding Those Who Don’t Want to Be Found
If a defendant has moved, changed numbers, or is actively avoiding service, skip tracing is the first step.
How It Works:
Database searches – Accessing private records, utility bills, credit reports, and DMV information.
Social media tracking – Monitoring check-ins, tagged locations, and updates that reveal whereabouts.
Interviews – Speaking with neighbors, family members, or co-workers for leads.
Vehicle tracking – Identifying and monitoring the recipient’s car at common locations.
Bottom line: If someone is hiding, a skilled process server will find them.
2. Stakeouts – Catching Them Off Guard
For individuals avoiding service at home or work, process servers set up surveillance.
How It Works:
Monitoring the home to determine departure and return habits.
Waiting outside their workplace before or after shifts.
Tracking common routines—such as gym visits or coffee stops.
Using discreet disguises (delivery driver, contractor) to approach unnoticed.
Reality check: People can’t avoid service forever—eventually, they slip up.
3. Public Place Service – No Escape
If a recipient refuses to answer the door, servers take legal service to public spaces.
Best Places for Service:
Workplace – If permitted, serving at the office is highly effective.
Gym or coffee shop – Catching them in a relaxed, unprepared moment.
Restaurants or family events – Public places remove the option to avoid service.
Fact: It’s tough to dodge service when you’re out in the open.
4. Workplace Service – No More Hiding at Home
When a recipient works a steady job, serving them at work is a powerful strategy.
How It Works:
If legally allowed, process servers enter the workplace to deliver papers discreetly.
When entry is restricted, they wait outside during breaks or at the end of a shift.
Co-workers may unintentionally provide helpful scheduling information.
Reality: No one wants to be served at work—so many defendants let their guard down there.
5. Substituted Service – Serving a Trusted Adult
If the recipient refuses direct service, Arizona law allows “substituted service.”
How It Works:
Documents can be left with a responsible adult (14+) at their residence.
A follow-up mailing confirms service.
If the defendant still avoids court, a judge may issue a default judgment.
Key takeaway: Avoiding service won’t stop a case from proceeding.
6. Service by Posting & Mailing (Evictions Only)
For evictions, process servers can post documents at the property and mail a copy.
How It Works:
The server must attempt personal service first.
If the tenant is unreachable, the notice is taped to the door.
A copy is sent via certified mail.
Important: This method ensures eviction notices proceed—even if the tenant refuses to open the door.
7. Service by Publication – When Someone Completely Disappears
If a defendant cannot be located, a judge may allow service by publication.
How It Works:
The plaintiff must prove multiple unsuccessful service attempts.
Court approval is required before publishing in a local newspaper.
After publication, the case can proceed—even without direct service.
Fact: Once a court grants publication service, the defendant can no longer claim they weren’t notified.
8. GPS & Video Evidence – Proving the Serve Happened
Some defendants claim they were “never served.” Process servers use technology to prove otherwise.
Methods to Prove Service:
GPS tracking – Timestamped location records of when and where service occurred.
Video or body cam footage – Capturing the moment of service.
Detailed affidavits – Legal documentation of the serve.
Truth: Even if someone denies being served, digital proof shuts down false claims instantly.
Why Avoiding Service Doesn’t Work in the Long Run
Many people believe avoiding a process server means escaping legal action—it doesn’t.
What Happens if Someone Avoids Service Too Long?
The case may proceed without them (default judgment).
A judge may approve alternative service (posting, mail, publication).
A bench warrant could be issued for failure to appear.
Eviction or debt collection cases won’t go away—just get worse.
Lesson: Running from legal papers only delays the inevitable—it never stops the case.
Final Takeaway: No One Can Dodge a Professional Process Server Forever
Evasive recipients may try to hide, but skilled process servers always find a way.
How Professional Servers Handle Evasive Recipients:
Skip tracing to locate their current address.
Stakeouts to serve them when they least expect it.
Public service at work, coffee shops, or gyms.
Substituted service when direct service fails.
GPS and video proof to confirm the serve.
Court-approved alternative methods if necessary.
Testimonials from Our Clients
What Clients Say About Our People-First Approach
Call The Process Server (TPS) today We get the job done.
Need a professional who can track, serve, and confirm delivery—no matter how hard they hide?
"*" 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.