Colorado Attorney Services has their focus on providing each client with superior quality services. We value each client relationship by making sure that we meet their needs and expectations. Serving subpoenas and process serving is most of the work we do. The owner, James D. Roland, has ensured that his team of professionals are trained and continually updated about the laws casing what makes a serve legally valid. The team that James Roland must put together to form Colorado Attorney Services is all about providing you with exceptional service. Here is how we do it.
You probably have seen them in dramatic scenes in a movie delivering life altering documents; or maybe unfortunately met one in real life- legal process servers. They are often overlooked and underappreciated in the legal process. But a legal process server plays a crucial role in the judicial system by delivering legal documents, such as summonses, complaints, subpoenas, and other court orders, to individuals involved in legal proceedings. Becoming a process server involves meeting certain qualifications and following specific regulations, depending on the state or region in which you operate. Here's a guide to the general qualifications and steps required to become a legal process server.
Meet Basic Age and Residency Requirements
In most states, the basic requirements to become a legal process server are:
Additionally, in some areas, being a U.S. citizen is a requirement, though this varies depending on local laws.
No Criminal Record
This one should be obvious. A clean criminal record is essential for becoming a process server. Most states require applicants to undergo a background check, ensuring that they have no felony convictions or serious criminal history. Trustworthiness and a clear legal standing are critical since process servers are responsible for handling sensitive legal information.
Registering or Obtaining a License
In certain states or counties, process servers must be registered, certified, or licensed before they can begin working. The process varies by location:
Make sure to check the specific licensing or registration requirements in your state or county before beginning work as a process server.
Complete Training or Take Courses
While formal education is not typically required to become a process server, completing training or taking courses is often highly recommended. Certain states or jurisdictions require new process servers to complete specific educational courses before they can register or receive a license. These courses cover important topics such as:
Even in areas where training isn't mandatory, taking courses can help ensure that you're prepared to handle the challenges of the job and remain compliant with local regulations.
Understanding Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Process servers must adhere to specific legal and ethical guidelines. For example, they cannot trespass on private property, must follow rules regarding how and when to serve documents, and must remain unbiased in delivering documents.
Failure to serve documents according to legal protocols can lead to issues in court cases, such as delays or dismissals. It’s essential for process servers to stay up to date with legal requirements and maintain ethical standards in all aspects of their work.
Obtaining Liability Insurance
Some process servers may choose or be required to obtain liability insurance. This protects them in the event of legal issues or damages that may arise during the course of serving documents.
Becoming a legal process server isn’t as easy as it looks. As you can now appreciate there’s a lot of hills to climb before you can hand over legal documents. It involves meeting certain age and residency requirements, undergoing a background check, and, in many cases, registering or obtaining a license. Process servers play an important role in ensuring that the legal system functions smoothly, making it essential to follow the legal and ethical guidelines required for the job. With the right qualifications, training, and skills, you can begin a rewarding career as a legal process server.
By Colorado Attorney Services Staff 10-1-2024