How Technology Helps Modern Process Servers

Once upon a time, one of the first things a process server did when preparing to track someone down to serve them legal documents was look them up in the phone book. If their name was listed, it was a quick way to find their address and phone number.

Modern process servers have abandoned this approach. Instead, many process servers start their search for someone by Googling their name. It’s a more efficient method for getting general information and determining whether additional steps may be necessary.

This is just one of the many ways technology is taking on a bigger role in modern service of process. Check out how else technology is doing it below.

Staying Organized With Electronic Document Management Systems

Modern process servers are responsible for serving people with many different types of legal documents. These include:

• Subpoenas
• Summonses
• Writs
• Divorce papers
• Bankruptcy petitions
• Eviction notices

Because of this, process servers are always juggling paperwork. For a long time, they needed physical filing systems to remain organized.

Today, process servers can invest in electronic document management systems to accept files from clients and keep them organized. They don’t need to devote office space to computer equipment to store these systems. Cloud-based platforms are available that allow them to store files securely while making them easily accessible from anywhere.

Using Social Media To Perform Skip Tracing

Modern process servers are experts at skip tracing, a process that involves using a multitude of resources to locate a person trying hard to stay out of sight.

Process servers can perform skip tracing by:

• Searching through comprehensive databases to find accurate names, addresses, phone numbers, etc., for a person
• Using public records to see whether they can secure real estate or vehicle ownership documents related to a person
• Looking for voter registrations and utility bills for a person to gather information on them

However, the simplest way to perform skip tracing in 2024 is by turning to social media. Nearly 70% of Americans have Facebook accounts, and almost half have Instagram accounts. A process server may get lucky and unearth a person’s whereabouts so they can serve them by sorting through social media posts.

Setting Up Mobile Applications To Keep Clients Informed

Many modern process servers make it possible for their clients to follow along with their progress as they try to serve someone legal documents. They use mobile applications that let clients see their every move.

A process server can open a mobile app and take the following steps:

1. They’ll look at a job they’ve been assigned and get all the necessary details on what a client needs them to do.
2. They’ll attempt to serve legal documents to an intended target while providing information on service attempts.
3. They’ll send clients photographs of the places they’ve tried to serve a person and rely on GPS tracking to send their exact locations.
4. They’ll upload a complete affidavit once they’ve successfully served a person.
5. They’ll save all relevant information and send it to a client with a final bill.

Some modern process servers are even starting to offer electronic service of process. It allows them to serve people digitally, making the entire process easier than ever.

Our Modern Process Servers Use Technology To Produce Results

At Professional Process Servers & Investigators, Inc., we’re constantly on the lookout for new technological tools we can use to serve people legal documents faster. At the same time, we count on our experience and expertise to tackle even the toughest service of process jobs.

Call us at (844) 530-0255 to hear how our modern process servers can assist you.