How Can You Tell if a Process Server is Legitimate
Using a certified process server in Florida is required by law — unless you choose to use local law enforcement. Only servers certified and approved by the Broward County Sheriff’s Department may serve legal process in Broward County. If you use an unapproved process server, any service provided will be invalid and your entire case could get thrown out! Hire a reputable process server, like those here at Accurate Serve® in Plantation, with the following qualities:
Proper Certification
All process servers in Broward County must be certified and approved by the county sheriff. Servers must reapply every year, following the application schedule set forth by the sheriff’s department and posted here. In general, process servers must meet the following requirements to seek approval:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have no mental disability
- Be a Florida resident
- Have a clean background and criminal history
- Possess a Certificate of Good Conduct filed with the court or sheriff’s office
- Passage of a training course and exam
You can find a list of process servers approved to work in Broward County here. If the server you are considering hiring is not on this list, then they are not permitted to serve process in Broward County, and any process they serve is invalid. There could be serious consequences for your case if you use a process server that is not approved!
Extensive Knowledge
The process server you hire should know the laws related to serving process in and out. Indications that you’re working with an illegitimate process server could be:
- They attempt to serve on Sunday
- They wear a disguise while serving process
- They lie about their identity
- They give process recipients advice about their cases
- They threaten or try to intimidate process recipients
- They engage in illegal activities while serving, such as breaking and entering
If you notice any of these warning signs, end your relationship with the server immediately and find a reputable server instead. Here at Accurate Serve® of Plantation, we make sure our servers are well-versed in applicable laws and never engage in any type of illicit behavior.
Substantial Experience
Just like any other industry, experience matters. Hands-on experience teaches you things that classroom training just can’t match. Ask the process server you are considering for references of past clients that you can actually contact for verification. Don’t skip this step! If a server is not able to produce reasonable references or gives false information, you should move on to the next prospect because the risk to your case’s outcome and the firm’s reputation just isn’t worth it.
Quality Service of Process in Broward County
Accurate Serve® has been providing quality process service to attorneys and their firms since 2009. Our servers here in Plantation are fully approved to serve in Broward County, so your case is never at risk of dismissal due to improper service. Check out our reviews to see why we’re considered one of the area’s most highly regarded process service agencies. Not in Broward County? Check out theaccurateservefranchise.com to find the office nearest to you!