When legal papers need to be served, they’re not something you can simply ignore.
Whether it’s a summons, a court order, or other important legal documents, being served ensures you’re made aware of the legal action involving you.
But what happens if you try to avoid being served? And why might a private investigator be the right choice to ensure those papers reach their destination?
Let’s break it down. And if you’re looking for process serving in Liverpool or nearby then we’ll also explain why using our services could be helpful in targeting those who could be evasive.
Can You Avoid Being Served?
In short: you can certainly try, but it’s unlikely to work in the long run.
People might avoid answering the door, lie about their identity, or even move addresses in an attempt to dodge service.
While it might delay the process temporarily, avoiding a process server doesn’t make the legal issue go away. In fact, it can often make things worse.
If the court sees that you’ve been actively avoiding service, it may allow alternative methods to ensure you’re informed – like sending documents by post, email, or even publishing a notice in a newspaper.
And a reliable process server knows the law on what they can and can’t do and how papers can be served. Refusing to answer the door just means that you’ll soon end up with papers pushed through the letterbox, or pinned to the door, or even sent to you via social media in some cases.
Ultimately, avoiding a process server won’t stop the case from proceeding, and it could make you appear uncooperative in the eyes of the court. Which could reflect badly on you in the impending proceedings.
Why People Avoid Being Served
There are many reasons someone might (try to) avoid a process server:
- Fear or Anxiety: Legal proceedings can be stressful, and some people may feel overwhelmed by the idea of facing them. Avoiding the server is just burying your head in the sand but it still doesn’t stop some people from trying.
- Deliberate Evasion: In some cases, individuals actively try to prevent legal actions from progressing by making it difficult to serve them.
- Lack of Understanding: Some may mistakenly believe that avoiding being served will stop the case altogether. Of course, that’s not actually how it works, but people get warped views of these issues from all kinds of media.
While these motivations vary, the result is often the same: more complications down the line.
How Private Investigators Handle Avoidance
A private investigator offering process serving has skills and tools that go beyond simply knocking on a door. Private investigators often make the best process servers – they get it done, and they do so effectively and efficiently.
If someone is actively avoiding service, here’s how a PI can work around it:
- Skip Tracing
If someone has moved or provided a false address, a private investigator can use skip tracing techniques to locate them. This involves analysing public records, online databases, and other sources of information to track down the correct address. - Surveillance
For individuals who are difficult to approach, surveillance can be an effective method. This might involve observing their home or workplace to establish patterns, such as when they’re most likely to be present.
And yes – you can be served at work, despite what some people believe. Don’t think that avoiding home is all that you need to do. In most cases you can be served in the middle of the street.
- Discretion and Deception
Sometimes, a process server needs to think creatively. For example, they might approach the individual in a neutral setting, such as a public place, where avoidance tactics are harder to employ.
Even basic ‘disguises’ – typically just dressing in casual clothing – can mean that the PI doesn’t stand out and can successfully approach and serve. Rest assured, any ‘deception’ is always done within the boundaries of the law.
- Legal Knowledge
Process servers must follow strict legal guidelines to ensure the service is valid. A private investigator with expertise in process serving knows how to navigate the rules, ensuring the documents are served correctly, even if the recipient is evasive.
Why Proper Service Matters
Process serving isn’t just about handing over papers – it’s a crucial step in ensuring fair legal proceedings. If someone isn’t served correctly, it could delay the case or even lead to its dismissal.
For solicitors, hiring a skilled process server – especially one with investigative expertise – ensures the process is handled efficiently and legally.
For the individual being served, avoiding service only delays the inevitable. It’s always better to face the issue head-on and seek legal advice as soon as possible.
The Importance of Using a Private Investigator
When it comes to tricky situations, a private investigator’s expertise can make all the difference.
Their ability to locate individuals, anticipate avoidance tactics, and adapt to unique circumstances ensures documents are delivered, even under challenging conditions.
For solicitors and individuals needing reliable service, this extra level of skill and persistence can save time and prevent complications.
Avoiding a process server might seem like a clever tactic, but it rarely works out in the long run. Whether you’re a solicitor looking to ensure successful service or someone facing legal proceedings, it’s important to understand the value of proper process serving.
For those delivering legal documents, working with a private investigator ensures the job is done right. For those being served, cooperation is the best path forward – after all, addressing the issue now can save a lot of trouble later. If you’re actively looking for a process server in Liverpool or just want to know more about the services that we can offer as a process server or broader as a private investigator, give us a call on 01772 334700.