What is SERVICE OF PROCESS in New Jersey?
Service of process refers to the service of initial or other legal process to acquire jurisdiction over a person or property. It is the formal delivery of legal documents to a party in a lawsuit.
What does Effected or Completed Service mean?
"Effected" refers to the date legal process was delivered. "Completed" service refers to the date it becomes legally binding. Service must be performed by a disinterested third party — not the attorney or a party to the case.
What does Non-Service of Process mean?
When in-person service fails, the next best option is delivery to an authorized person at the household or business. After that, courts may allow alternate service including mail, posting, or publication.
What is a Process Server's Work Product?
The work product is the proof, return or affidavit of service. This is what courts rely on to determine whether jurisdiction has been properly acquired over a party.
What is an Affidavit, Proof or Return on Service?
A written statement of facts confirmed by oath, usually before a Notary Public. The affidavit specifies the date, time, place and manner of service, the person served, physical description, and any additional observations.
Are Process Server Signatures required?
Only the person who actually effected service may sign the affidavit. It is illegal to sign another person's name on an affidavit of service.
What is a Jurat?
A jurat is a certificate by the person before whom a writing was sworn. It requires picture ID. The signing and jurat execution must be simultaneous and done in person.
What does a Private Process Server do?
A private process server delivers court documents for attorneys, law firms, individuals and corporations per the directives of the lawyer and applicable state laws. They may deliver documents directly in-hand or via substituted service.
Are there rules and laws that Process Servers follow?
Yes. Each state has its own rules governing service of process. Process servers must know the laws of the county and state where they are serving. New Jersey has specific statutory requirements for service.
Why do you need a Private Process Server?
Process servers know the applicable laws, statutes and regulations. Improper service of process can cause case dismissal, delays and extra legal fees. Hiring a professional ensures your service is done correctly.
What is a Private Process Server Agency?
A process server agency offers a wide range of legal support services including court filings, document retrieval, evictions, divorce petitions, skip tracing, public records searches, subpoena service, summons serving, surveillance, mobile notary and database research.
Does a Private Process Server need to be licensed?
Not in every state. Many jurisdictions only require that the server be a disinterested party over age 18. However, A.C.E. Process Servers holds a Private Investigation Agency License (Number A9900347) and adheres to the highest professional standards.
What is a Subpoena?
A subpoena compels a person or business to appear in court or produce evidence, under penalty for failure to comply. It is a court order with legal consequences for non-compliance.
What is a Subpoena Duces Tecum?
A subpoena duces tecum demands the production of records at a certain time and place. It is the most popular type of legal command used to obtain documents and records.
What is substituted service of process?
If a person is avoiding service, an attorney may request the court to allow alternate methods such as newspaper publication, service on a co-resident, door posting plus mailing, or service at last known address.
What is a New Jersey Summons?
A legal writ directing a process server to notify a person that a legal action has been commenced against them. The summons requires the party to appear and answer the complaint within a specified timeframe.
Do I need a Process Server?
Yes. Hiring a professional process server is important. Improper service can hinder or dismiss a case, delay the production of evidence, and increase legal fees. A.C.E. Process Servers ensure proper, legally compliant service every time.
Where can Defendants and Witnesses be Served?
Defendants and witnesses can be served anywhere provided no laws are violated. In New Jersey, process can be served anywhere in public without causing nuisance or alarm. Service may also occur at home, work, or any other location.
What are your hours of operation?
A.C.E. Process Servers are available Monday through Saturday, 8:00am to 8:00pm Eastern Time. We are closed on Sundays. For urgent matters, call 800-987-4680.
Do you serve documents statewide in New Jersey?
Yes. A.C.E. Process Servers cover all 21 counties and hundreds of cities throughout New Jersey. We also offer nationwide service through our network of process server partners.
How quickly can you serve documents?
We offer Standard service (1–2 weeks), Rush service (2–3 business days) and Same Day service (within hours, for documents received by 12:00pm ET). Rush and Same Day service carry additional fees.
What is your success rate for skip tracing?
A.C.E. Process Servers maintains a 93% success rate for skip tracing over 20+ years in business. We have successfully located over 700 individuals who were actively evading service or could not be found through conventional means.
What happens if you cannot serve the documents?
If personal service is not possible, we will attempt substituted service as permitted by law. If all attempts fail, we provide a detailed Due Diligence Affidavit documenting all efforts taken, which courts accept as proof of diligent search.
Is my information kept confidential?
Absolutely. All information received, communications, email addresses and services provided are strictly confidential. We do not store or share any client information. All files, records, affidavits and account data are encrypted.