Q: What is process service and why may it be necessary?
A: Process service is the personal hand to hand delivery of any document of your choosing, to the named person/defendant. This is Montana law for a legal process service. It becomes necessary because we provide a notarized affidavit that is recognized by the courts that the named person was personally served. Thus the person served can’t deny getting the document(s).
Q: What areas does Valley Process Service serve?
A: Mostly Gallatin County Montana, but time permitting we’ll serve in Park, Madison, Broadwater, and Jefferson counties.
Q: Why use a private process server instead of the sheriff?
A: We are faster and we’ll go the distance to locate the person you need served because this is all we do. The sheriff does not have the time to dedicate to each individual service. In addition, the sheriff is usually backlogged and may not serve your papers for weeks.
Q: What is the penalty for obstructing a process server?
A: Obstructing a public servent carries serious consequences. Click here to learn more.
Q: Why can’t I serve the papers myself?
A: You cannot lawfully serve any court issued papers of which you are a party to. This means that if your’re the plaintiff (creditor, petitioner, or landlord) you must have a disinterested third party serve your papers, in order to stand up in court. In addition we are as required, state licensed and bonded to serve legal papers.
Q: What types of papers will Valley Process Service serve?
A: Anything from a personal letter from the private sector to a multi-million dollar lawsuit document issued by the courts for an attorney. This also includes eviction papers, orders and notices.
Q: What if I’m from another state and need papers served in your area?
A: Just use our contact link and email or snail-mail the documents to us. A call first is appreciated so we can be looking for them, and can designate an agent. We will serve them per your state law or Montana law, depending on which state the initial issuance occurred.
Q: What does Valley Process Service require to serve papers?
A: Two copies of what is to be served, and a signed "praecipe": one copy of the documents to the person or corporation named, and one (original) to be returned to you or the court, with our notarized affidavit attached - validating it was personally served.
We also need a praecipe. This can be formal or informal. A praecipe is simply an information sheet telling us who to serve and where. The more information you give us such as employment, vehicle, and physical description, makes our job easier and more cost effective.
Q: How do I pay the process server?
A: A retainer is preferred for the private sector. We accept cash, check, or credit card. Attorney firms must pay us upon receipt of invoice.
Q: What do the courts require to file papers?
A: See our Court Filing link.
If there any questions not answered here contact us!
