Process Serving – 5 Ways you Could Be Served In Future

Process servers now have a wealth of modern resources that they can use to serve papers of any kind to recipients. The job of a process server is no longer a simple case of knocking on someone’s door and handing the respondent the papers. Some cases are far more complex and require different tactics to successfully serve someone. Here are a few key ways you can be served now, and a look at the future of process serving…

1. Facebook

Social media has revolutionised how we connect with everyone. Family members, friends and old acquaintances are easily kept up-to-date on each others lives via the phenomenon that is Facebook. The world’s biggest social media platform also provides a fantastic way to track people down, as users will inevitably leave a ‘digital footprint’. Check ins, tags, friend connections, pictures and other vital clues can be found to lead to someone’s whereabouts.

Facebook is now an accepted way to serve court papers in some cases. Usually, a court will stipulate that personal service of the documents should be attempted, and the subsequent failure of doing so documented, before agreeing to service of court papers via social media.

2. Drone

This popular new technology is already coming into use by process servers and private investigators looking to track down missing or evasive people in order to serve papers to them. But it could be just a matter of years before drones are used to actually serve papers to someone as well. These incredibly useful and versatile little flying machines can easily get far above a location to look for someone, and can then land and deliver papers to them with ease. Could we see service of court papers with a drone in future? 

3. Email 

Email is likely to become a more popular method for process servers and individuals alike to serve legal notices. With social media already being used for serving papers, it makes sense that this more formal online method is soon to follow. Many people have multiple emails, including business and personal accounts, which would give process servers several chances to reach them, albeit with less proof of delivery than social media can provide. 

Some email providers also have a function that lets the sender know whether the email has been read by the recipient, which could be a way for process servers to figure out whether the email account is active or whether they need to find a different method for reaching the recipient.

4. Through The TV

This method is less crazy than it sounds. With many smart televisions now being Wi-fi enabled, people are using their TVs to check email, social media, and more. As a result, it’s likely that people may begin to be served papers straight from their television screen.

5. Difficult Locations 

Process servers commonly serve papers at a person’s place of employment. While this is often a great way to track someone down that won’t answer the door at home, it doesn’t help process servers find everyone. With social media, drones, and GPS in mobile phones and other devices, it is becoming easier to figure out where a particular individual is at any given time. It is likely that process servers will increasingly use technology to track elusive people down. Subsequently, they will serve them the papers in creative locations by catching them off guard.

The Future of Process Serving

Technology is constantly changing and improving, so it’s tough to say exactly how process servers will serve papers in the future! For now, by mail, in person at a recipient’s home or place of employment, and occasionally social media remain that accepted methods. If you need to serve divorce papers, child custody documents, court summons, or any other legal documents, you’ll need a process server who can help you track down the recipient and make sure that they get served legally and in a timely manner.

Writer’s Bio: Lewis Murawski is the Marketing Director at Kahootz Media. He has been ranking websites on the first page of Google for more than 10 years. Connect with Lewis on LinkedIn.