What To Do if a Process Server Arrives With a Court Summons

Process servers are almost never welcome visitors. Regardless of whether you are being served a court summons because of a custody disagreement, divorce proceedings, failure to pay a lease, or any of the other countless possibilities. Usually, the arrival of the paperwork is far from a cause for celebration.

If a process server does arrive at your door, there are a number of things that you can do to help make the ordeal go smoothly.

Don’t Ignore The Process Server

It is not wise to ignore or avoid a process server if they arrive with a court summons. Their job is to find their intended recipient and reach them in whatever way is legally possible. If a process server cannot reach you in person, they may deliver your summons to a neighbour, or arrive at your place of employment to deliver it to a co-worker. Some jurisdictions even allow summons to be delivered via a letterbox. A process server will be more than aware of the methods to legally serve the documents and you will be expected to arrive at court on the appropriate date, regardless of whether the summons came to you directly.

If you know that a process server is looking for you, make yourself available to be sure that no information or paperwork gets lost in the exchange.

Listen To The Server

When a process server delivers your summons, they need to know that you understand what they are telling you. While it is easy to get caught up in the moment and to get angry or upset, it’s important that you maintain steady and calm communication with them throughout. This will help to ensure that you receive all of the important information that you need.

Received A Court Summons?

Receiving a court summons is an upsetting event. While it is certainly understandable that you would feel frustrated, confused, sad, or even angry when you discover that you are receiving a summons, it is important to remember that the process server is not the one issuing the summons; they are simply the messengers. To avoid creating further provlems try to stay calm, gathered, and unemotional while speaking with the process server.

Dealing With A Court Summons

A court summons can be a serious occurrence. It is of the utmost importance that you arrive promptly for all scheduled court dates and that you make all necessary deadlines. Failure to do so can lead to even worse legal problems than the initial summons. It is wise not to avoid a court summons if you receive one.

Arriving In Court

Throughout the entire process, from when the process server delivers your summons to when you appear in court, it is important to make sure that you are meeting all deadlines, delivering all necessary paperwork, arriving at court in appropriate dress, and behaving appropriately.

Failure to do so can lead to worsened legal problems or delays in the entire process. By remaining professional and on top of everything that is required of you, you can help the process to go far more smoothly, allowing your life to return to normal as quickly as possible.

Writer’s Bio: Lewis Murawski is a director at Kahootz Media digital marketing agency. You can connect with Lewis on LinkedIn