Effective service of process is critical to ensuring that all parties are properly notified of legal actions against them. As technology continues to advance, process servers on Florida’s Treasure Coast and beyond are leveraging new tools and techniques to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of their services. In this post, we’ll explore how technology is being used to improve process serving and what it means for both legal professionals and individuals.
The Role of Technology in Process Serving
Process serving, the act of delivering legal documents to individuals involved in legal proceedings, has traditionally been a manual process involving a lot of physical legwork. However, technology is now playing a key role in making this task easier by eliminating unnecessary effort. From electronic service of process to advanced tracking and communication tools, digital innovations are streamlining the process and improving outcomes for the entire legal industry. Just a few of the technological advancements that are taking the process serving world by storm include:
Video Recording
Wearable bodycams and other video and audio recording devices are becoming a mainstay for modern process servers who want irrefutable proof that they delivered documents to the correct person and at the correct place. Before video recording, defendants would often claim they never received the legal documents, causing delays as the process server had to provide additional proof of the service. But no more! Now, process servers can attach a video clip of the delivery directly to their proof of service submission, leaving no doubt of what happened.
Electronic Service of Process (E-Service)
E-service allows legal documents to be delivered electronically, usually via email or through a secure online portal. This method is particularly useful in cases where the recipient is difficult to locate, out of the country, or when time is of the essence.
E-service is gaining acceptance in many jurisdictions, and its use is expected to continue to grow as courts and legal professionals recognize its efficiency and effectiveness. However, it is important to note that e-service is not yet universally accepted, and legal professionals must ensure that it is permitted under the specific rules and regulations of their jurisdiction. In many cases, electronic service must be authorized by a judge before it can be attempted.
GPS Tracking
Technology is also being used to enhance the tracking and verification of process serving attempts. Process servers equipped with GPS-enabled devices can now track their movements and verify the locations where documents are served. This not only provides an added layer of accountability but also offers additional evidence that the documents were delivered to the correct address.
Digital Proof of Service
Another way technology is enhancing process serving is through digital proof of service. Traditionally, process servers would have to complete and file physical proof of service forms with the court, a process that could take several days or even weeks. With digital proof of service, process servers can now submit these forms online, significantly reducing the time it takes to complete the service.
Digital proof of service also enhances accuracy and compliance by allowing process servers to include detailed information about the service attempt, such as videos, photographs, signatures, and GPS data. This level of detail ensures that the proof of service is accurate and meets all legal requirements.
Skip Tracing & Database Searches
Finding individuals who are avoiding service or have moved without leaving a forwarding address is one of the most challenging aspects of process serving. However, advancements in skip tracing technology have made it easier for process servers to locate individuals quickly and accurately. Skip tracing involves using databases and other resources to gather information about a person’s whereabouts, including their current address, employment status, and contact information. Modern skip tracing tools use advanced algorithms to analyze data from various sources, allowing process servers to locate individuals who may have otherwise been difficult to find.
Mobile Apps & Client Portals
Mobile apps and client portals are becoming increasingly popular in the process serving industry, offering a convenient way for process servers to manage service attempts, communicate with clients, and submit proof of service. These platforms allow process servers to update the status of a service attempt in real-time, upload photos and documents, and even receive new assignments directly from clients. At Accurate Serve, all of our clients receive access to our 24/7 online client portal, where they can view the status of their service requests and download proof of service in a snap.
Process Serving in a Digital Age
Technology is playing a crucial role in making process serving more effective and reliable. By leveraging digital tools such as e-service, GPS tracking, digital proof of service, and mobile apps, process servers in Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Stuart, Vero Beach, and beyond are better equipped to meet the needs of their clients and ensure the smooth progress of legal proceedings. To get started with the Treasure Coast’s premier process service agency, call Accurate Serve at 772-207-1544 or send us a work request online.
