Myth: Process Service is Dramatic and Packed with Drama
More television and movie-based misinformation! The Process Server running down alleys and jumping over fences, dodging bullets from the person being served! Yes, it makes for dramatic television! No, it really doesn’t happen that way.
In reality, the average day in the life of a process server is far less sensational than pop culture depictions. Servers spend most of their time on routine administrative work, travel, and attempting service in perfectly mundane settings. That said, servers do occasionally encounter unpredictability or even hostility when carrying out service.
Administrative Work and Travel in Service of Process
Process serving requires extensive logistical coordination behind the scenes. Servers must carefully track filing deadlines, document efforts, record details of each service attempt, and regularly update clients on case progress. This administrative work makes up a large chunk of their workload.
Servers also spend ample time in transit traveling between service attempts at homes, workplaces, and other locations. With multiple daily assignments traversing their community, process servers log many miles on the road to get signatures day in and day out. Just driving from point A to point B eats up significant time without fanfare.
Routine Process Service Attempts
The bulk of process servers’ interactions with parties are relatively unremarkable. They knock on doors, make introductions, ask a few clerical questions, and request signatures. Servers are not directly involved in any given legal dispute; they simply ensure the right papers get to the right people.
In most cases, understanding and cooperation greets servers. Reasonable people acknowledge servers are just doing their job. As long as servers maintain professionalism, politeness, and patience, service typically proceeds without turmoil. Building rapport and answering questions about documents or next steps can further smooth interactions.
Of course, Process Servers occasionally deal with emotional individuals facing stressful situations like divorce, debt, eviction, or lawsuits. Strong nerves and compassion go a long way to keeping interactions constructive. Still, dramatic altercations are the exception.
Safety First in Process Serving
Process servers are trained to calmly disengage and withdraw if any service recipient becomes truly aggressive or threatening. Attempting to serve papers against someone’s wishes rarely ends well once tensions boil over. Personal safety takes priority over completing service process.
Similarly, servers must avoid trespassing on private property that is not open to the public. Process Servers unwelcome on site could prompt unnecessary 911 calls and police involvement. Following proper legal protocol prevents such messy entanglements.
Managing Challenging Process Service Encounters
Despite best efforts, process servers sometimes experience fiery exchanges and dangerous environments. Their neutral third-party role cannot eliminate situations already rife with resentment and volatility before they arrive.
Servers develop experience assessing risky environments and people to minimize confrontations. Trusting one’s instincts, having an exit plan, and not taking circumstances personally helps servers navigate prickly assignments. Calling for assistance from colleagues or authorities occurs when circumstances warrant.
Thankfully, only a tiny fraction of the population reacts violently when initially served. Process Servers can request police assistance serving high-risk, combative individuals upfront. Appropriate caution, preparation, and self-protection training allow servers to manage strained encounters. Still, hazardous service calls do periodically occur.
Why Process Serving Matters
Process serving supports fundamental civil liberties by enabling all parties to have a fair day in court. But servers handle more than flashy, high-profile lawsuits. They ensure everyday people receive documents impacting vital legal rights involving family, housing, debt, employment, benefits, and more. Process serving helps sustain an equitable justice system for all.
And without process servers willing to deliver the first notice, many legal proceedings wouldn’t happen at all. Servers overcome logistical barriers of distance, unavailable recipients, and the sheer volume of documents that otherwise prevent cases from advancing. By reliably transmitting process papers, they keep justice marching forward.
In Summary
Behind the scenes, process service necessitates extensive administrative work and travel devoid of drama. During service, genuine risks exist, but exchanges usually remain low-key. With preparation and discretion, servers can adeptly handle occasional difficult personalities or environments. By getting process papers to the people, process servers uphold the foundational democratic ideals of due process and equal access to justice.
