What is Process Service?

Process service is the notification of a person, that they are being sued in a court. It is also the notification to any witness or deponent in a civil or criminal action. A process server is the part of the court system that is tasked with notifying parties that they are required to appear for one of many possible reasons.

Process serving is one of the oldest industries in the world. Since the beginning of time, process servers have been used to deliver notification that another party had a dispute to settle in court.

Here in the United States, we have many individuals who serve this purpose. Each state has different requirments for what you must do in order to ensure that a party to an action has PROPER NOTICE of proceedings taking place either against them, or where they will be required to testify or produce records or other evidence. Some states, such as Florida, require either personal service, or serving documents to someone who resides in the same household as the defendant or witness, who is of a certain age. Other states allow for a server to serve documents “by attachment”, that is to tack them to the residence or business after “due diligence” has been performed to verify the target actually resides or works at the address of service.

In Michigan, a Summons and Complaint must be served PERSONALLY to the target. If after “due diligence” has been performed, which is typically three (3) attempts to personally serve the documents have been performed, and we are unable to effect service, the court is empowered to order that a server serve by “alternate service”. This is accomplished by one of several means. It is typical that a court order two of the following to be performed:

1)Mailing via regular mail to the defendant at the address known to be defendants’ last known address;

2) Tacking or firmly affixing the documents the address knwon to be defendant’s last known address;

3) Certifield mail to the defendant at the address known to be defendants’ last known address;

4) Service to anyone at the to the defendant at the address known to be defendants’ last known address;

5) Publication of documents in a publically distributed newspaper or other publication;

6) Any other means deemed necessary or proper by the court.

In Michigan, there are several people who serve documents to individuals regarding court matters. These include:

Process Servers
Court Officers (Baliff)
Sheriff
Deputy Sheriff
Police Officer
Detective
State Trooper

In addition to the list above, United States Marshal’s also effect service of federal writs, summons and subpoenas.

We at MICHIGAN PROCESS SERVERS L.L.C. are trained and experienced to provide top-notch service in all of these areas. Please contact us today to see how we may assist you!