Requirments for closely related businesses

Ok, we have been on this subject in a couple of threads. There are several other related businesses but I will talk about this one at present.

We have on occasion discussed "Process servers"... IMHO this is a closely related field that under the present economic conditions may provide additional revenue for the ... 'can I say'... impoverished bonding industry????

Let's start with the "Process Server" business:


So just for public consumption... not looking for anything other than general knowledge here. If the rank and file professionals don't want this out here........ lets take it to the private sector... if not, jump in with some general info.

BTW... I did some research, google and other search engines and found very little in the public arena, so yes, I have done some looking but it's always interesting to hear from the big boys. I don't think these subjects are too far off this sites general line so that is why I bring it up.


1. What are the legal requirements to operate as a process server... pick a state... say Virginia? (I certainly may have missed it but Va. DCJS does not show training or requirements on their VA page... that I can see...)

2. Is it a regulated industry such as bonding or FRA?

3. Other than approaching attorneys and court clerks, how do you get into the business?

4. What are the usual fees involved for your service.

5. If licenses are required, expand on what, how, when, how much and under who?

_________________
Bill Marx, Sr.
"FREE STATE BAIL BONDS"
"FREE STATE INVESTIGATIONS"
DCJS: 99-176979
Cell: 434-294-0222

"Endeavor to Persevere" "Lone Watie"

"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that , comes from bad judgment" "Will Rogers"

here in AR we are "regulated" up until 12/31/2008 were by "appointment" only. Now must one file with and be appointed by the Circuit Court as well as Register with the Circuit Court Clerk (140$) appointment ans registration good for 3 years UNLESS one is stripped of the ability.
The fees that we can charge are the fees that are set by the Legislature and are the same that the Sheriff's Department charge and are posted by the Circuit Court.

_________________


Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty, or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light, or look the world in the face .... Marcus Antonius

I AM Some Folks "KARMA" and A MODERATOR @ FRN

Bill
There are national associations like
http://www.napps.org
[urlwww.hg.org/process-servers-associations.asp][/url]
http://www.usprocessservers.com
http://www.iprocessservers.com
http://www.processserversassociation.com
http://www.servenow.com

The states requirements are listed on most sites, but as always, the state sponsored website is best. Belonging to some of these groups can get expensive if you do not do enough business to cover the membership fees. You can generate business by approaching attorneys local to you and ...by the way, I happen to be a bail bondsman too...same for PI etc. Become a "One Stop Shop" and you will be successful. I am not the cheapest, but I do not want to be. I am not looking to be a discount volume process server. I am the guy to go to that is not just going to hit the provided address three times and take your money, as we will attempt to locate and serve. This business is a prime example of the 80/20 rule and should be a guide to conducting business. There are also user groups on Yahoo that do not cost anything and will also allow you to network.

Having a software program is also very helpful to have proper field work sheets, affidavits, invoicing etc. I use DBS and have my data on a hosted website to provide me access anywhere I can access the internet.

Hope this helps.

Scott

_________________
R.E. "Scott" MacLean III

"Leaders are like Eagles, you never see them in a flock, but one at a time"

Chesapeake Group Investigations, Inc.
Chesapeake Bail Bonds
877-574-0500
301-392-1100 (fax)
301-392-1900 (Office)

this post has sparked my interest,It appears TN. has no licensing requirement.Seems like you only have to be 18 or over and not affiliated with the case.Not sure how lucrative this business would be though so any insight would be helpful.
needing to supplement some income around here!! getting pretty slow on the recovery side lately.

_________________
Jay Crawford
Eagle Eye Fugitive Recovery
"based out of Bethpage Tn."
Cell:(931)551-5020

Some of the Deputys will do it off duty and charge less.

My fees will vary depending where I am going and how many individuals at same location

_________________


Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty, or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light, or look the world in the face .... Marcus Antonius

I AM Some Folks "KARMA" and A MODERATOR @ FRN

In Pennsylvania the laws are pretty simple as long as you are a “competent adult” not party to the action you can serve just about any civil papers. It is one of the many streams of revenue that I have used to support myself and believe it or not it has greatly helped getting work as a recovery agent. I have been able to manage get by with a MS Access data base, but I think i need to upgrade to a commercial process servers program this year due to our companies expansion. It is funny how you go from running a decent sized business out of your basement home office to we need to hire more manpower and a bigger office.

_________________
Luke Farrell

AE Bail Bonds
Aequitas Services LLC.
"Your Bail Recovery Solution"
1-888-610-AEBB
Pa: 610-624-1706
De: 302-476-2301
Fax:1-866-633-2321
De. BEA Badge#093
Pa. Bail Bondsman
License#: 588438

_________________
Heritage and Profession Together

J.G. Marshall
MARSHALL FUGITIVE SERVICE
Lic. # 2008-392
Moderator


Its the Irish in my mind that keeps me sane,
and the Irish in my heart that keeps me strong.

In CA, certain docs can only be served by a registered process server or a deputy sheriff. A few counties still have a marshall service and they do the servings of most court docs..

To be a registered prcess server, all one has to do is pass a criminal background check, submit photo and pay fee to the county clerk. There are no education requirements. Just need to be over 18 years of age.

You have to be bonded as well, don't you?

_________________
Demian Ross
Acacia Consulting Group
916.241.FIND(3463)
1.877.556.3678
California PC1299 Compliant Fugitive Recovery
Process Serving
Mobile Notary
Security Consulting

Civil or private process service has been a good source of cash flow for me and I've done it since getting into the bail bonding business, years ago. It's fairly 'easy' money and the turn-around time on getting paid is usually pretty quick.

Colorado's requirements are few, generally speaking...over 21 and not a party to the action. But there are somethings I had to learn in order to get the job done efficiently and to the satisfaction of my clients and the courts.

Some questions you may want to find the answers to prior to serving your first civil papers may be...

Do you know if your state allows civil process service on Sundays?

Do you know if your state allows civil process service on legal holidays?

Do you know what to do if your 'servee' refuses to accept the documents you have for them?

Do you know what "service by refusal' is?

Do you know if you can enter onto posted (NO Trespassing) property to serve papers?

Do you know how a common "Summons & Complaint" differs from serving a subpoena?

These are just a few things that will separate the pro's from the part-timers. They'll also help to keep you from getting in a bind with the attorney that hired you and the courts.

The last thing you want to be is 'responsible' for getting an important case thrown out on a technicality for not properly serving the documents.

Just my two cents worth. YMMV

Professional regards.
David Platt
aka: Bailagent100