Process serving is more than just delivering legal documents. It's about navigating evasive defendants, legal complexities, and unpredictable situations.
Whether it's a simple summons or a high-stakes subpoena, challenges come with the job—and only the best process servers know how to overcome them.
1. Evasive Defendants: The Professional Runners
Some individuals will go to great lengths to avoid being served.
Common Evasion Tactics:
Refusing to open the door.
Lying about their identity.
Hiding at work or changing addresses.
Sending family or roommates to turn the process server away.
Solution:
If you can’t be found, you can’t be served—right? Wrong.
Professional process servers use skip tracing, stakeouts, and surveillance techniques to track evasive individuals. If you're hiding, we'll find you.
2. Hostile & Aggressive Recipients
Not everyone takes legal papers well—some react with anger or even violence.
Common Reactions:
Verbal threats or aggression.
Slamming doors or destroying documents.
Physical altercations (in rare cases).
Calling the police on the process server.
Solution:
The best process servers stay professional and composed. They use de-escalation techniques and document all interactions. If things escalate, law enforcement can assist.
3. Gated Communities & Secured Buildings
Luxury apartments, gated communities, and corporate offices often block process servers from access.
Common Barriers:
Security refusing entry.
Doormen or receptionists blocking access.
Strict company policies against service.
Solution:
Experienced process servers use legal strategies to gain access. This includes waiting outside, serving at an alternative location, or leveraging workplace loopholes.
4. Incorrect or Outdated Addresses
Serving someone who has moved or given false information makes the job more difficult.
Common Address Challenges:
Defendant recently moved with no forwarding address.
Wrong address listed on legal paperwork.
The person never actually lived there.
Solution:
A bad address doesn’t mean the case is over. Process servers use skip tracing tools, public records, utility bills, and DMV data to locate individuals.
5. Legal Restrictions & Service Rules
Every state has strict laws about when, where, and how legal documents can be served.
Common Legal Challenges:
Restricted service hours (some states prohibit late-night service).
Limitations on workplace or alternative service.
Affidavit of Service requirements.
Solution:
Professional process servers know the laws inside and out to ensure every serve is legally valid.
6. High-Risk Serves
Some cases involve restraining orders, domestic disputes, or criminal charges, making service dangerous.
Most Dangerous Serves Include:
Domestic violence or restraining orders.
Criminal cases where the defendant has a violent history.
Gang or organized crime-related cases.
Solution:
Process servers aren’t law enforcement, but they know when to call for backup. High-risk serves are completed with police assistance for safety.
7. Recipients Claiming They Were Never Served
Some individuals attempt to deny ever receiving legal documents.
Common Excuses:
“I never received anything.”
“The process server served the wrong person.”
“The documents were left but never handed to me directly.”
Solution:
Reliable process servers use GPS tracking, body cams, and signed affidavits of service to provide rock-solid proof.
9. Process Server Scams & Fraudulent Practices
Not all process servers are legitimate—some fake service attempts or overcharge clients.
Scam Warning Signs:
"Phantom serves" (fake service claims without proof).
Overcharging for standard service.
Unlicensed or uncertified servers (where certification is required).
Solution:
Avoid costly mistakes by hiring trusted, experienced professionals like The Process Server (TPS). We provide verifiable proof of service and operate with integrity.
Final Takeaway: Process Serving is Tough—Only the Best Get the Job Done
Process serving isn’t just about handing over documents. It requires problem-solving, conflict management, and a deep understanding of legal compliance.
Biggest Challenges & How the Best Process Servers Handle Them:
Evasive defendants? → Skip tracing & surveillance.
Aggressive recipients? → De-escalation & professionalism.
Gated communities? → Strategic delivery & alternative service.
Bad addresses? → Advanced tracking tools.
Legal restrictions? → Expert knowledge of laws.
High-risk serves? → Law enforcement assistance.
False claims of non-service? → GPS tracking & video proof.
Rush deadlines? → Fast, precision-based service.
Scam servers? → Only hire licensed professionals.
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Need a process server who can handle ANY challenge?
Contact The Process Server (TPS) today. We get the job done.
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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.