Process serving in Moore, Oklahoma City, can be a very simple process if the process server in Oklahoma is dealing with a cooperative defendant. However, it can be a bit more complicated if the defendant deliberately tries to evade justice. Each State, including Oklahoma, has its provision for serving court papers, and any process server in such a State must stick to the law’s provision. Here, we consider how a process server in Moore, Oklahoma City, from a private investigation agency in Edmond, OK, can serve court papers.
Who Can Serve Court Papers in Oklahoma City?
Ideally, professional process servers in Moore, Oklahoma, are meant to serve court papers in Oklahoma City. These process servers work in private investigation agencies or process-serving firms and are usually trained and licensed to carry out this service.
However, the law gives plaintiffs alternatives to choose from. This implies that in the absence of a professional process server in Moore, Oklahoma, from a private investigation agency in OKC, the plaintiff can contact any of the listed people below to serve the process on their behalf. They include:
- A Sheriff or Marshal
- A close friend or relative
- A co-worker or any other person above 18 that’s not involved in the case.
Any of the alternatives must fulfill every process serving laws’ requirements. They must be considered adults under the law, have no involvement in the case, serve the court papers to the defendant within the allotted time frame, and do other necessary things like filling out a proof of service and taking it to court for filing.
Ways a Process Server in Moore, Oklahoma, from a Private Investigation Agency in Edmond, OK, Can Serve Court Papers in OKC
It’s most advisable to seek the service of a professional process server in Oklahoma City from a top private investigation agency, to get a satisfactory service. Professional process servers in OKC have the experience and expertise to serve court papers in the most difficult situations.
There’s also minimal risk of mistakes or improper service methods when a professional process server in Moore, Oklahoma, a professional process server in Edmond, OKC, or a professional process server in Guthrie, Oklahoma City, helps you serve a defendant’s court papers.
Their knowledge of the law helps them know other appropriate methods to use if any service method proves abortive. Below, we look into the methods professional process servers in Moore, Oklahoma, from reputable private investigation agencies in Edmond, Oklahoma, use to serve court papers. They include:
Direct or Personal Service
It is the first service method a process server in Moore, Oklahoma, must use before considering any alternatives. In this service method, the process server in Moore, OKC, must give the defendant the court papers directly, whether in the defendant’s residence, place of work, or any other ideal place (street, bar, etc.).
After handing over the paperwork, the process server in Moore should inform the recipient that it’s a court paper. If they refuse to collect it, such a process server can drop it at the defendant’s feet. Even if they tear it up, the service is considered valid.
The process server in Oklahoma will fill out a proof of service form detailing where and how the service was made and submit it to court for filing. It’s the most reliable and can be easy if the defendant cooperates.
Substituted Service
This method only becomes necessary after unsuccessful attempts to serve the defendant directly more than three times. The process server in Moore, Oklahoma, must have repeatedly tried serving the defendant on different weekdays and hours before opting for substituted service.
It involves leaving the paper with an adult (18 years and above) at the defendant’s house or place of work. The process server in Moore, Oklahoma, must inform the substitute recipient that they’re legal papers meant for the defendant and take necessary information (name, address, or physical description) of the person.
Afterward, the process server in Moore, OKC, would mail another copy to the defendant at the same address. The process server would need to write a “Declaration of Due Diligence” — a document detailing all the unsuccessful attempts to serve the defendant personally, and fill out the proof of service form. The court will file these documents as evidence of service. This process is completed 10 days after mailing the second copy to the recipient.
Mailing the Court Papers
Service by mail is another option, and as the name implies, the process server in Moore, OKC, mails the paper to the home address of the defendant (for an individual) or the main office address (for a business). For Businesses with agents for services, the proceeds server mails the court papers directly to the business agent.
After this, the process server completes filling out a proof of service form, indicating the necessary details. Services by mail are deemed complete five days after the process server mails the service. It’s easy but not the most reliable method.
Service by Publications
This method requires court permission, and the process server in Moore, Oklahoma, must prove beyond doubt that reaching the defendant through other means has been futile. Service by publications involves publishing the content of the legal papers (summon, subpoena, or complaint) in a printed media (newspaper) that the defendant will likely come across. It is also not a reliable service method.
These are the four most popular service methods used by process servers in Moore, OKC. Although, there are other service methods like service by posting, certified mail, service on someone in diaspora, and service by notice and acknowledgment of receipt.
Process servers in Moore, Oklahoma, from a reputable private investigation agency in Oklahoma City, rarely use these alternative server methods. Rather they find creative ways to deliver services personally. This could involve using disguises, stalking the defendant, or baiting.
Conclusion
A process server in Moore, Oklahoma City, from a private investigation agency in Edmond, OK, must know the appropriate methods to serve the process and follow the laws guiding them to the letter. Defective service methods can mar the court hearing and help the defendant escape judgment. Hence, the process server in Moore, OKC, from an Oklahoma private investigation agency, must maintain utmost diligence when serving court papers.
