The Role of a New Jersey Process Server
CONSIDERING WORKING AS A PROCESS SERVER? THE WORK CAN BE FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME, AS AN OPERATOR OF YOUR OWN BUSINESS OR AS AN EMPLOYEE OF A PROCESS SERVING BUSINESS. READ BELOW FOR SOME OF THE SPECIFICS THAT ARE CONSISTENT FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE FIELD.
Introduction: Process servers play a crucial role in the legal system by ensuring that individuals are properly notified of legal actions. In New Jersey, the process server's job is not without its challenges. From navigating traffic, tolls, and aggressive drivers, to gaining familiarity with the many diverse neighborhoods in our state, to adhering to strict civil rules required for each document they serve, these professionals face a unique set of obstacles on a daily basis.
Looking to break into the field as a new process server may not require one specific credential, but employers will look for candidates with an excellent driving record, a well-maintained vehicle, and work experiences from which you can describe examples to demonstrate your ability to problem-solve, multi-task, control your temper, and demonstrate good judgment and people skills. Those coming from fast-paced roles in logistics, security, transportation or the militar, have often found success as a private process server or for one working within a large law firm or mid-sized process serving operation.
The “old school” images of process servers angrily knocking on a door or abruptly dealing with a member of the public by simply yelling “you are served” are often inappropriate, usually outdated, and most importantly ineffective. Smart employers will look for smart, technologically-savvy people who can manage their time and paperwork . Here’s some of what to expect from the job itself:
This blog post will delve into some of the challenges that New Jersey civil process servers encounter and how they overcome them to fulfill their essential role in the legal process. While impactful, we will not take time here to discuss the multitude of toll roads, eternal construction projects, proximity to the region’s largest airports and cities, and the large presence of illogical drivers, each of which presenting its own unique challenges.
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Risk and Safety Concerns: Serving legal documents often involves interacting with individuals who may not be receptive to the information being delivered. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations which need to have entrances and exits planned out in advance, as much as possible, based on what is known about each case. Process servers may need to visit unfamiliar and sometimes risky locations, putting their safety at risk. A large majority of a process server’s time is also spent driving, a distinct but important safety factor to recognize on its own. A sample of the areas we cover in New Jersey may be found here.
Physical and Emotional Challenges: The nature of the job may require process servers to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. While this can benefit students and those looking for a second income, it can negatively impact work-life balance for many. Physically, within a four hour period, you may need to sit for extended periods while driving, followed by potentially having to climb staircases, and walk through apartment or office buildings to gather information. Additionally, dealing with defendants or witnesses facing legal issues can be emotionally challenging. Servers will encounter people in distress, especially when working on family and marital cases involving children or senior citizens. While successfully moving these cases along can be beneficial to the parties involved, getting frequent glimpses into those cases can take its toll.
Evolving Legal Landscape: The legal landscape is constantly changing, and process servers must stay informed about changes in laws and regulations. Most of the nationwide state and federal documents you’ll receive and be asked to serve must be done so following specific rules of civil procedure. These rules are in place in order to meet constitutional standards as well as to secure the just, speedy, and determination of every civil action and proceeding. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in legal complications and the invalidation of the served documents.
Uncooperative or Evasive Subjects: Not everyone is eager to receive legal documents, and process servers often encounter uncooperative individuals. This challenge requires a delicate balance of assertiveness, professionalism, and diplomacy in order to ensure your safety. Process servers must employ effective communication skills to defuse potentially tense situations while still fulfilling their duty to deliver legal notices. These individuals may change residences frequently, hide, or take other measures to avoid the process server. This can make the job challenging and time-consuming.
Time Sensitivity: Legal proceedings often operate on strict timelines, and process servers must work within these constraints. Process servers in New Jersey must be skilled in time management and organization to ensure that they serve documents promptly and efficiently. This can be challenging, especially when faced with the difficulties described above, such as locating the individual to be served, perhaps the most essential component!
Technological & Record-Keeping Challenges: In an increasingly digital world, process servers in New Jersey face technological challenges as well. Process servers need to adapt their search methods, incorporating technology to track down and serve individuals effectively, as well as to properly document their serves and serve attempts, and the final proof/return of service. Additionally, just as a process server takes care to safeguard the printed documents they bring out on the road, taking precautions to safeguard client and other documents as electronic files is an obligation to be taken seriously.
Despite the challenges they face, New Jersey process servers play an indispensable role in the civil litigation system for each of the fifty states as well as the federal court system. Their need to map out the best itineraries based on weather and traffic patterns, stay informed about legal requirements, handle uncooperative subjects, manage time effectively, and leverage technology ensures that the legal process can proceed smoothly.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, process servers in New Jersey will undoubtedly face new challenges, but their adaptability and dedication will remain essential to the functioning of the justice system. It can be a hugely rewarding field if you are able to balance all of the above with your own personal requirements.
To learn more about the additional services that our process servers can offer your business, check out our Additional Services page. Our background-checked field staff are on the road daily, able to provide field support to lenders, insurers, attorneys, and collections profession.als.
