WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PROCESS SERVER CAN'T FIND THE PERSON?
LAWTON, OKLAHOMA
General business information only. IronServe Legal does not provide legal advice.
Hiring a process server does not always mean the person being served will be easy to locate. People move, work unusual hours, use outdated addresses, stay with friends or relatives, or may simply be difficult to reach.
When that happens, the process does not necessarily stop. Good information, documented service attempts, and additional location details can often help move the assignment forward.
THE FIRST ADDRESS MAY NOT WORK
A process server generally begins with the address provided by the client. During an attempt, the server may discover that the person no longer lives at the address, the address is incorrect or incomplete, no one answers the door, the residence appears vacant, a current occupant does not know the person, or the individual spends most of their time somewhere else.
This information can still be valuable even when service is not completed because it may help determine the next step.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
The more accurate information you can provide, the better. Helpful information may include the subject's full legal name, a recent photograph, approximate age, vehicle description, employer or workplace, alternate addresses, apartment or unit number, known relatives or associates, typical work schedule, telephone number, or other lawful information that may help identify or locate the correct person.
Even a small detail can sometimes help confirm that the process server is at the right location or identify another possible address.
MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS MAY BE NECESSARY
Not finding someone during the first attempt does not automatically mean the assignment has failed. Depending on the service requested, additional attempts may be made at different times or on different days.
Someone who is not available during the afternoon may be present early in the morning or later in the evening. Each attempt should be accurately documented so the client knows what occurred.
WHAT IF THE ADDRESS IS NO LONGER VALID?
If information obtained during the assignment indicates that the person has moved, the client may need to provide another address.
When available, additional location research or skip tracing may help identify updated information. Skip tracing can use available records and other lawful information sources to help locate an individual who is difficult to find. Finding a possible new address does not guarantee successful service, but it can provide another lead for the assignment.
COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT
Clients should not have to wonder what is happening with their assignment. IronServe Legal provides assignment status updates so clients can follow the progress of a service request without waiting for the final result.
If additional information is needed, we can contact the client so the assignment can continue without unnecessary delay.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PERSON STILL CANNOT BE LOCATED?
If reasonable attempts have been made and the individual still cannot be located or served, the results of those attempts can be documented.
What happens next will depend on the circumstances of the case and the applicable legal requirements. Questions about alternative methods of service or what legal action should be taken next should be directed to an attorney or the appropriate court.
A process server's role is to perform and accurately document service attempts, not to provide legal advice.
NEED HELP WITH A DIFFICULT SERVICE?
IronServe Legal provides professional process serving throughout Lawton, Fort Sill, and Southwest Oklahoma.
If you have documents that need to be served, send us the information you currently have. Even if you are unsure whether the address is still valid, we can review the assignment and determine what information may be helpful before service begins.