How Legal Papers Are Delivered: A Comprehensive Guide
Service of process, or the delivery of legal papers, is a crucial step that ensures all parties involved are aware of the actions being taken against them or the actions they need to undertake. This process is a fundamental aspect of the American legal system. Accurate Serve® in Tallahassee, Florida, specializes in this vital service, ensuring that legal documents reach their intended recipients in a timely and lawful manner.
What is the Service of Process?
Service of process is the formal delivery of legal documents, such as summonses, complaints, and subpoenas, to a party involved in a legal case. The U.S. Constitution, under the Due Process Clause, mandates that all individuals have the right to be informed of legal actions against them. In Florida, this is governed by Chapter 48 of the Florida Statutes and the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 1.070, which outlines the requirements for serving process.
Who Can Serve Legal Papers?
In Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit, which covers Leon, Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties, all process servers must be certified by the process set forth by the judicial circuit prior to doing any type of work. Additionally, in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties, the local Sheriff may approve private process servers. Accurate Serve® employs only certified process servers to ensure that your legal documents are delivered in compliance with all federal and state laws.
Types of Services Offered
Process Service
This is the core of what we do. Whether it’s a summons, a complaint, or any other legal document, our certified process servers ensure that it reaches its intended recipient.
Document Retrieval
Sometimes, legal proceedings require the retrieval of additional documents. Accurate Serve® can assist in obtaining these documents from various sources.
Skip Tracing
If a party involved in a legal case is difficult to locate, our skip-tracing services can help find them.
Diligent Searches
In cases where the recipient is particularly elusive, or their whereabouts are unknown, a diligent search is conducted to locate them, as mandated by Florida law.
Importance of Timely and Lawful Service
Failure to serve legal papers correctly can result in delays, dismissals, and additional costs. In Florida, failure to serve within 120 days may result in dismissal of the case, as per Rule 1.070(j) of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
Trust Accurate Serve® of Tally to Serve Legal, Valid Process
The service of process is a critical component in the legal system, ensuring that parties are informed and can exercise their right to due process. Accurate Serve® takes this responsibility seriously, offering a range of services to meet the unique needs of each case.
If you require professional service of process, document retrieval, skip tracing, or diligent searches in Tallahassee or the surrounding areas, please don’t hesitate to contact Accurate Serve® at (850) 519-5494 or send us a work request online. We are committed to providing reliable, efficient, and lawful service to meet all your legal needs.