How Invalid Service Can Ruin Your Case

Aside from the initial filing, notifying the other party that you have filed a case against them is the first step in your legal case. The courts require that parties be notified when there is a legal action against them, and the case cannot move forward until this service is completed. This is where private process servers come into play, but it is important that you choose the right one. Improper or invalid service can postpone or completely derail your case.

Delivered Improperly

Inexperienced private process servers may not be aware of the legal requirements for service of process. These individuals might try to serve papers by posting them to the door, sliding them under the door, or leaving them in the mailbox. For most court cases, these methods are invalid service. In the state of Florida, only eviction notices may be posted to the door. Most papers need to be served by putting the papers directly in the hand of the person being served.

Delivered to the Wrong Person

It can happen that papers are delivered to the wrong person. Sometimes papers are delivered to the wrong person because the individual opening the door claims to be someone they are not. Other times, private process servers make the mistake of leaving papers with someone else in the household instead of putting them in the hands of the individual to be served.

What Happens?

If proper service is not completed, your court case cannot move forward. In the best case, improper service will postpone your case until it is completed correctly. In a worst case scenario, the judge could dismiss your case if invalid service occurred. 

If you are looking for a reputable and experienced private process server who will be able to complete valid service for your case, contact us today for more information or to get started.