The Process Server (TPS) How to Choose the Best Method for Serving Legal Papers

When legal action needs to move forward, selecting the right method for serving legal papers is critical. A wrong move could result in delays, dismissed cases, or legal challenges. But the right strategy ensures documents are delivered fast, legally, and without complications.

So, how do you pick the best method for the service of process? That depends on the type of case, urgency, and whether the recipient is cooperative or evasive.

1. Personal Service – The Gold Standard

Personal service is the most effective and legally secure way to serve documents. A process server physically hands the papers to the recipient.

Best For:

  • Lawsuits (civil cases, debt collection, contract disputes)

  • Subpoenas (witness testimony, document requests)

  • Restraining orders (ensuring defendants are properly notified)

  • Divorce or custody papers (family court matters)

Why It’s the Best Method:

  • Immediate proof of service – The process server can confirm delivery.

  • Legally airtight – Harder for the recipient to challenge in court.

  • Eliminates delays – No waiting for mail or alternative service approvals.

Whenever possible, opt for personal service—it’s the fastest and most foolproof option.

2. Substituted Service – When Personal Service Fails

If the recipient can’t be served directly, process servers can leave the papers with another responsible adult.

Best For:

  • Evictions & rental disputes (tenants dodging service)

  • Defendants who travel frequently (spouses, business owners)

  • Cases where the recipient refuses to answer the door

Key Requirements:

  • Papers must be left with someone 14 years or older who lives at the same residence.

  • The process server must mail a second copy of the papers to confirm service.

  • This method is only valid if personal service was attempted first.

Substituted service is a strong backup option when direct delivery isn’t possible.

3. Posting & Mailing – For Evictions & Landlord Cases

For eviction notices, Arizona law allows service by posting and mailing. This means taping the notice to the property and sending a copy via mail.

Best For:

  • Evictions (when a tenant won’t answer the door)

  • Foreclosures (legal notices to property owners)

  • Landlord-tenant disputes (court-ordered removal notices)

Key Requirements:

  • The process server must attempt personal service first.

  • Papers must be posted in a visible location (e.g., the front door).

  • A certified mail copy must be sent to the tenant.

This method ensures tenants are legally notified—even if they refuse to cooperate.

4. Certified Mail – For Cooperative Recipients

Some legal papers can be sent by certified mail—but the recipient must sign for them.

Best For:

  • Cooperative defendants (who are expecting the papers)

  • Business-related legal matters (contracts, agreements, formal disputes)

  • Cases where physical service is difficult or unnecessary

Key Requirements:

  • The recipient must personally sign for the document.

  • If someone else signs, service may not be legally valid.

  • A signed return receipt is required for proof of service.

Certified mail is only reliable if the recipient willingly accepts it.

5. Service by Publication – When the Defendant Has Disappeared

If someone is completely missing, a judge may allow service by publication—publishing a legal notice in a newspaper.

Best For:

  • Divorces & child custody cases (when the other party is missing)

  • Defendants who have moved and left no forwarding address

  • Cases where all other service attempts have failed

Key Requirements:

  • The court must approve alternative service before publication.

  • Plaintiff must show proof of diligent efforts to locate the defendant.

  • The legal notice must be published in a newspaper for a set time period.

This is a last-resort option—but it ensures the case moves forward.

6. Workplace Service – Catching the Recipient Off Guard

If the recipient avoids service at home, process servers can serve them at work.

Best For:

  • Defendants who never answer the door

  • People who travel frequently but have a known job location

  • Cases where personal service is needed but home delivery fails

Key Considerations:

  • Some workplaces restrict serving employees on-site.

  • If entry is restricted, the server may need to wait outside.

  • Public areas like parking lots can be used for workplace serves.

This method is highly effective for dodging defendants—but must be handled carefully.

7. Law Enforcement or Sheriff Service – When Required

In some cases, law enforcement officers can serve legal papers—but it’s usually slower than hiring a process server.

Best For:

  • Criminal-related cases (court orders, subpoenas for law enforcement matters)

  • Defendants with a history of violence (added security needed)

  • Court-mandated sheriff service (if required by law)

Key Downsides:

  • Law enforcement is often too busy to prioritize process serving.

  • Sheriff’s service may take weeks compared to private process servers.

  • More expensive than standard process service in some cases.

When speed matters, private process servers are the better choice.

Final Takeaway: Choose the Best Method Based on Speed, Legality & Efficiency

Not all service methods are equal—the best one depends on your case and how cooperative the recipient is.

Best Methods by Situation:

  • Fastest & most reliable: Personal service by a process server.

  • Best for evasive defendants: Stakeouts, workplace service, skip tracing.

  • Only used in extreme cases: Service by publication.

  • For evictions & landlord cases: Posting & mailing.

  • Best for cooperative recipients: Certified mail.

Testimonials from Our Clients

What Clients Say About Our People-First Approach

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C PAN
05:36 16 Jul 24
Excellent work. Right to the point with instructions what to send them and what their procedure was. Had my papers served right after the holiday weekend and a copy of the declaration was emailed to me and one was mailed led to the court. No surprises. I’d recommend them to others. Oh! Before I forget, what I like the most was that they answered the phone both times I called. This is rare nowadays.
evelyn alvarez
23:39 15 Jul 24
Good service
christine Taylor
02:44 14 Jul 24
I contacted this particular process server office and spoke with the gentleman named Justin. Justin was extremely helpful and patient helping me through the process. I found it extremely impressive how well he communicated and responded so quickly to all my phone calls, emails or concerns.I highly recommend this business.
Lupe Valencia
19:36 13 Jul 24
The process server who helped us was Justin, he was on time with everything and professional during the whole situation, and served my ex wife in a timely manner! Highly recommended.
A D AD
18:41 08 Jul 24
The best process service in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Very professional staff, people friendly, and detail-oriented. Addressed all my concerns and treated me like a "human" not an object.-Thank to all the team members at "The Process Server" for such an amazing job! They care about people.
Dan Dodson
13:53 28 Jun 24
Worked with me on a difficult serve, last minute changes, high traffic area delivery. Good communication skills, professional, efficient and tactful. Would use them again!!! Many Thanks !!!
Breanna Kudamik
05:23 28 Jun 24
I cannot stress how excellent this process server was. When the sheriff's office told me it could take weeks to months to service, I immediately called these guys and they got it done the next day. Cannot tell you how safe i feel now thanks to this wonderful company. Thank you!
mary rincon
23:16 27 Jun 24
Very polite and easy to work with
Berlin Gatow
04:16 22 Jun 24
Justin and his server processer are fabulous and professional. My gratitude to all, who had participated in this legal matter.
Shalina Madrigal
02:25 18 Jun 24
I’ve had to use them over the years and always had the best customer service. Great communication and great timely manner. Highly recommended!
Greg Asay
01:17 28 Apr 24
The Process Server was outstanding. They responded quickly to our request, including making sure our documents were served the next morning. Their customer service was excellent and really compassionate about our situation. They quickly uploaded proof that the documents were served to AZPoint. I would definitely use them again! Thank you!
takten3
03:48 18 Apr 24
Justin is the office staff member that did the coordination and John is the staff member that performed the actual document serving.Both super great individuals. Both professional. Both communicated extremely well. I received a follow up phone call from Justin (after the serve) to ensure I filed my paperwork with the court (given that this was a rush serve situation). I also received a confirmation call from John after the serve was completed, informing me how the serve was received.I would definitely use them again! You have to be careful what process servers you use. These guys are really good and professional. —Todd
Alicia Amador
15:18 14 Mar 24
Tried using a different process server prior to them to save some cash, but the other company struggled every step of the way from the very beginning. Decided to reach out to this company and they handled everything very smoothly and were able to get my person served quick. Communicated along the way, answered all of my questions and overall made me feel much more at ease over the whole situation. Will be using them more in the future and have already recommended them to anyone who needs a process server
Victoria Moreno
20:56 05 Feb 24
They were amazing! And when they say fast service they mean FAST! Process server John was proficient and got the job done in less than a week. I communicated with Justin the whole way and he was amazing on letting me know what steps I should take next! I really appreciate them and will for sure use them if I ever need any paperwork served!
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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.