In our latest podcast, we delved into the world of process serving, but particularly for law firms. Now, although we’ve discussed this before, in Part 3, Simon + Sarah discussed with us one of their real life previous cases, and how their work benefited them. This particular law firm had previously used two process serving companies. The first company had received allegations of improper service, whilst the second company was overcharging.
Within our Podcast, we didn’t get to go into these two notions, which is why we’re taking an in- depth look into these two notions. Let’s take a look. The first company had allegations of improper service, which in its essence means that they weren’t doing their job. When it comes to the process of process serving, there are certain requirements that have to be made. For example, some papers need to be handed to in person, and cannot be done via a letter box or door drop off. If done incorrectly, they can have large implications on a court case. If the process server was having allegations against them, then there’s a problem. When a process server delivers documents, integrity is everything, because you’re not just playing with a pay-check, you’re potentially playing with someone’s life. It’s not fair on them, the client, and you’ll lose business.
Now, the second process serving firm was overcharging. We understand that each company will charge different rates for serving depending on their business model, and although we charge as per the court scale, not all process servers do. However, when it comes to charging for multiple/additional attempts, that’s when we tend to disagree. After we’ve located someone, or are arriving at their address, we usually make our first attempt. However, if the recipient is not home, we then need to make a second attempt. Some process servers charge per attempt, meaning that a law firm’s bill can go through the roof if the person has changed addresses or is on the run. The reason why we don’t charge per attempt is because there are too many variables that can cause the first attempt to be unsuccessful, which is why we base our attempts on time. Some process servers also don’t do their research in this regard and will make an attempt at a business during non business hours, or will make an attempt at a household whilst they’re not home. Your firm shouldn’t have to lose out because your process server hasn’t done their research. We don’t charge for the first two attempts, we charge for the third attempts, but that’s because we believe that generally you’ll get a result on the first two attempts if the correct preparation, work and research has been done.
Your process server works for you, and if you feel like they’re cheating you or are being dishonest about the work they’re conducting, it’s time to change. You can’t rely on a business that overcharges, or is giving improper service. Don’t jeopardise your cases with poor process servers – it’s not worth it when you can work with a team who will deliver better results.