Question 1

What is a process server?

Accepted Answer

A process server delivers legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, and other court documents, to the person who needs to receive them. We provide professional and confidential document service throughout our service area.

Question 2

Do I need a licensed process server in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No. In Michigan, civil process may be served by any legally competent adult who is not a party to the case or an officer of a corporate party.

Question 3

How many attempts will you make to serve my subject?

Accepted Answer

Standard Personal Service includes up to 3 attempts at different days and times. The first attempt is normally made within 48–72 hours, and all 3 attempts are normally completed within 5–7 days. 24-hour and rush service is available.

Question 4

What happens if the subject refuses to accept documents?

Accepted Answer

If the subject refuses to accept service, we will document the unsuccessful attempt and provide the appropriate proof of non-service.The next step may be to request a motion for alternate service through the appropriate court. If alternate service is granted, the documents may be served using a method authorized by the court, which may include posting at the defendant’s or service address and/or sending the documents by First-Class Mail.Once the authorized alternate service has been completed, the appropriate proof of service will be provided for filing with the court.

Question 5

How long does service take?

Accepted Answer

For Standard Personal Service, the first attempt is normally made within 48–72 hours, with up to 3 attempts completed within 5–7 days.Rush Service: First attempt within 24–36 hours, with up to 3 attempts completed within 3–5 days.Same-Day Service: An attempt will be made the same day when the Same-Day option is selected.

Question 6

What is a Proof of Service Affidavit?

Accepted Answer

A Proof of Service Affidavit documents that the requested documents were successfully served. After successful service, we normally provide a signed Proof of Service Affidavit by email.A notarized affidavit is available upon request for an additional $10. First-class mailing is also available upon request.

Question 7

Can documents be served on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Service attempts may be made on different days and at different times as appropriate. Providing information about the subject's work schedule, usual hours at home, or other helpful details can help us determine the best times to attempt service.

Question 8

What if I don't know the subject's current address?

Accepted Answer

A residential or work address must be provided for standard Personal Service. We do not locate the defendant or subject as part of standard Personal Service.If you need help locating someone, Skip Trace is available as a separate standalone service for $120. A full name and previous address are required.

Question 9

What counties do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We provide process serving throughout 12 counties in Southwest Michigan:Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Allegan, Barry, Cass, St. Joseph, Branch, Van Buren, Kent, Berrien, Eaton, and Ottawa.Visit our Service Areas page for more information about the areas we serve.

Question 10

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Start your service request through our online order/booking process. You will provide your contact information, service address, documents, deadline or requested timeframe, and any instructions for the service.If possible, also provide helpful information about the subject, such as their workplace, work schedule, usual home hours, photo, physical description, or vehicle details. This information is optional but can help us make successful service attempts more efficiently.Payment is required in full before work begins. All sales are final.

Question 11

What types of documents can you serve?

Accepted Answer

We can provide service for various legal documents, including summonses and complaints, subpoenas, family law documents, landlord/tenant documents, restraining orders/PPOs, foreclosure documents, and other documents requiring personal service.If you are unsure whether we can handle your documents, contact us before placing your order.

Question 12

What is substitute service?

Accepted Answer

Substitute or alternate service is a different method of delivering legal documents when standard personal service has been unsuccessful and the court authorizes or permits another method of service.If personal service attempts are unsuccessful, we can provide a Proof of Non-Service documenting the attempts made. You may then use this documentation when requesting a motion for alternate service through the appropriate court.Once alternate service is authorized by the court, the documents may be served using a method permitted by the court, which may include posting at the defendant’s or service address, sending the documents by First-Class Mail, and/or publishing notice in a local newspaper.Court approval or authorization may be required before alternate service can be completed. Once the authorized service is completed, the appropriate Proof of Service can be provided for filing with the court.

Question 13

Who files the Proof of Service Affidavit with the court?

Accepted Answer

The client is responsible for filing the Proof of Service Affidavit with the courthouse after service has been completed. If you would like us to file it for you, Court Filing is available as a separate $75 service. Court Filing must be ordered separately after service has been completed.

Question 14

What is needed for service?

Accepted Answer

A valid address is required for standard personal service. This may be a residential address or a place of employment or work address where the individual can be served.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Plain-English answers about Michigan process serving.