When you need to serve legal documents, you have two main options:
- Hiring a private process server
- Using the local sheriff’s office
While sheriffs can serve legal papers, they lack the speed, expertise, and flexibility of a dedicated process server.
So, why should you hire a process server instead of relying on the sheriff?
Let’s break it down.
1. Faster Turnaround Times – Get Your Papers Served Quickly
Sheriffs prioritize law enforcement duties, not process serving.
This means your documents may sit on their desk for days—or even weeks.
Comparison:
- Process Server: Offers same-day or next-day service, ensuring documents are delivered quickly.
- Sheriff: Serves documents when they have time—your case is not their priority.
Example:
A law firm needs a subpoena served immediately before trial.
- The sheriff’s office says: “We’ll try within the next 7-10 days.”
- A private process server completes the serve within hours.
When time matters, process servers deliver—sheriffs don’t.
2. More Effective at Handling Evasive Defendants
Some defendants actively avoid being served.
A sheriff will make a few attempts and move on.
A private process server will track them down.
Comparison:
- Process Server: Uses skip tracing, surveillance, and strategic service tactics to locate hard-to-find individuals.
- Sheriff: Makes a few attempts during business hours—if they fail, they give up.
Example:
A landlord needs to serve an eviction notice to a tenant who won’t answer the door.
- The sheriff knocks once, leaves a note, and walks away.
- A private process server waits outside, serves the tenant when they exit, and provides proof of service.
A process server WILL get the job done—even if the defendant tries to hide.
3. Flexible Service Hours – Nights & Weekends Included
Sheriffs serve papers on their schedule—not yours.
Process servers work when you need them.
Comparison:
- Process Server: Can serve papers at night, on weekends, and even holidays.
- Sheriff: Only serves during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM).
Example:
A process server waits outside an evasive defendant’s workplace at 7 PM and serves them.
The sheriff? They stopped working at 5 PM.
Process servers work when you need them—sheriffs don’t.
4. Advanced Technology – GPS Tracking, Video, & Photo Proof
Modern process servers use technology to prove service.
Sheriffs? Not so much.
Comparison:
- Process Server: Uses GPS tracking, timestamps, video/photo evidence, and digital affidavits.
- Sheriff: May write a basic report but usually does not provide photo or GPS proof.
Example:
A process server provides a photo and GPS coordinates of the exact serve location.
The sheriff’s return of service just says: “Attempted, unable to locate.”
If your case gets challenged, digital proof from a process server can protect you in court.
5. Process Servers Are Legal Experts in Service Laws
A serve must follow strict legal guidelines.
One mistake? Your case could be delayed—or even dismissed.
Comparison:
- Process Server: Knows state and local service of process laws to ensure the serve is legally valid.
- Sheriff: May not be fully updated on specific court requirements, leading to service errors.
Example:
A process server follows special rules for substituted service to ensure validity.
A sheriff misunderstands the service laws, causing the serve to be invalidated.
One mistake can ruin your case—choose an expert.
6. Higher Success Rate & Cost-Effectiveness
Sheriffs may charge less upfront, but a failed serve means you waste time and money.
Comparison:
- Process Server: Has a higher success rate because they are dedicated professionals.
- Sheriff: If unsuccessful, you may still need a process server anyway.
Example:
A creditor hires a sheriff for $50, but the sheriff fails after three attempts.
They then hire a process server for $75, who completes the serve in one attempt.
Hiring a process server FIRST saves time and money.
The Bottom Line: Why You Should Hire a Private Process Server Over a Sheriff
| Speed of Service | Same-day / Rush Available | 7-10+ days |
| Success with Evasive Defendants | Uses skip tracing & stakeouts | Minimal effort if avoidance occurs |
| Availability | Nights, weekends, and holidays | Business hours only |
| Proof of Service | GPS tracking, photo & video proof | Basic written report |
| Legal Expertise | Up-to-date on service laws | General law enforcement knowledge |
| Technology & Digital Filing | E-filing, real-time tracking | Limited technology use |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Higher success rate = less money wasted | Cheaper upfront, but less reliable |
Final Thought: The Smarter Choice for Legal Document Delivery
If you need legal documents served fast, professionally, and without errors, a private process server is the clear winner.
Don't risk delays—hire an expert process server today!
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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.