Being a process server isn’t just about delivering legal documents. It’s about navigating obstacles, handling difficult individuals, and ensuring legal compliance—all under pressure.
While the job is essential to the justice system, it comes with unique challenges that require skill, patience, and strategy to overcome.
So, what are the biggest challenges process servers face—and how can you handle them like a pro?
Let’s break it down.
1. Evasive Defendants – The Art of Avoiding Service
Many people don’t want to be served, so they dodge, hide, and even lie to avoid it.
- Won’t Answer the Door? Some individuals pretend not to be home.
- Constantly Changing Locations? Defendants move frequently or stay with friends.
- Fake Identities? Some people deny who they are when approached.
Example:
A process server attempts to serve a business owner facing a lawsuit. The owner instructs employees to say he’s “never there.” Instead of giving up, the process server tracks his routine and serves him at a local coffee shop.
How to Overcome It:
- Use Skip Tracing – Track addresses, phone records, and public databases.
- Monitor Social Media – Defendants often reveal their locations online.
- Stakeouts & Surveillance – Waiting outside a known location can lead to a successful serve.
The more creative you get, the more likely you are to complete the serve.
2. Hostile & Aggressive Reactions
People aren’t always happy to be served. Some react with anger—or even threats.
- Verbal Abuse: Some individuals curse, yell, or insult process servers.
- Physical Threats: A small percentage becomes violent.
- Weapons & Dangerous Situations: Some process servers encounter firearms or aggressive pets.
Example:
A defendant slams the door and screams threats when served with divorce papers. The process server remains calm, records the interaction, and leaves immediately.
How to Overcome It:
- Stay Professional & Calm – Never escalate a confrontation.
- Use a Body Camera or Record the Serve – Video evidence protects you.
- Know When to Walk Away – If a situation feels dangerous, leave and return later.
Your safety comes first—never put yourself at risk.
3. Legal Restrictions & Compliance Issues
Serving legal documents isn’t just about delivery—it must be done correctly, or the case can be dismissed.
- State-Specific Laws: Some states require process server certification, while others do not.
- Restricted Locations: Service isn’t allowed in some places, like courthouses, churches, or hospitals.
- Time Restrictions: Some states prohibit service on Sundays, holidays, or outside specific hours.
Example:
A process server delivers documents on a Sunday in a state where Sunday service is illegal. The defendant challenges the service, delaying the case.
How to Overcome It:
- Know the Laws in Your State – Study service of process rules.
- Always Document Attempts Correctly – GPS tracking, timestamps, and affidavits ensure legal compliance.
- Check Service Restrictions Before Serving – If unsure, consult a legal expert.
Proper service = A legally bulletproof case.
4. Tracking Down Defendants in Rural or Gated Communities
Some locations make serving papers extremely difficult.
- Gated Communities & Apartments: Security guards block access.
- Rural & Remote Areas: Sparse addresses and long travel times make serves harder.
- Homeless Defendants: No fixed address makes tracking nearly impossible.
Example:
A process server can’t get past security at a gated mansion. Instead of wasting time, they locate the defendant’s workplace and serve them there.
How to Overcome It:
- Find Alternative Serve Locations – Workplaces, gyms, or coffee shops are great options.
- Use Neighbor or Family Information – A friendly neighbor may provide useful details.
- Call Ahead If Allowed – In some cases, arranging a meetup makes service easier.
If one location fails, always have a backup plan.
5. Proving Service in Disputed Cases
Some defendants claim they were never served—so proof is critical.
- Defendant Denies Receiving Papers: They may lie to delay the case.
- Fake Addresses & Wrong ID Claims: Some refuse to acknowledge their identity.
- Judges May Require Extra Proof: Courts sometimes need more than an affidavit.
Example:
A process server records GPS location and takes a photo when serving a difficult defendant. The defendant later claims they were never served, but the timestamped affidavit and photo prove otherwise.
How to Overcome It:
- Use GPS Tracking & Time-Stamped Photos – Courts love undeniable proof.
- Always File a Legally Valid Affidavit of Service – Ensure it’s notarized and court-compliant.
- Record the Serve (If Allowed by Law) – A body cam or smartphone video is powerful evidence.
Proof eliminates disputes—always document everything.
6. Dealing with Fake or Unethical Process Servers
Some “process servers” cut corners—or commit fraud—hurting the industry’s reputation.
- “Sewer Service” Fraud: Some fake servers lie about serving documents.
- Overcharging Clients: Some scammers inflate fees.
- Using Illegal Service Tactics: Some trespass or impersonate police to complete a serve.
Example:
A process server reports a fraudulent serve to the court. The fraud is exposed, and the fake server faces legal penalties.
How to Overcome It:
- Always Maintain Integrity – A good reputation brings more clients.
- Educate Clients on Proper Service – Help clients recognize red flags.
- Report Unethical Process Servers – Protect the industry by exposing bad actors.
A clean reputation = Long-term success.
Final Thoughts: Thriving as a Process Server Despite Challenges
- Evasive defendants? Use skip tracing, surveillance, and alternative locations.
- Hostile reactions? Stay calm, professional, and prioritize safety.
- Legal restrictions? Always know your state’s process serving laws.
- Hard-to-access locations? Find creative ways to serve individuals.
- Disputed serves? GPS tracking, time-stamped photos, and affidavits provide bulletproof proof.
Process serving is tough—but the best servers adapt, strategize, and always find a way.
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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.