FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Process serving is the legal delivery of court documents to individuals, businesses, or other entities involved in a legal matter, ensuring they are formally notified of legal actions being taken against them. This process is a critical part of the justice system, grounded in the constitutional right to due process—specifically, the 5th Amendment and 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantee that no person can have their life, liberty, or property taken without proper legal procedures.

When you hear someone say they've been "served," it means they’ve received official legal documents like a summons, complaint, subpoena, or court order, delivered by a professional process server like those at Paper Monkey Legal Services. We handle this essential task to ensure:

• All parties involved in a lawsuit or legal proceeding have proper, documented notice

• The recipient has the opportunity to respond, defend themselves, or comply with legal requirements

• Court deadlines and legal requirements are upheld, preventing delays or dismissals

Proper service of process is required by courts across the country—including those in Washington State and Idaho, where we operate extensively. Inaccurate or incomplete service can lead to serious legal consequences, including:

• A case being delayed or dismissed

• Default judgments being overturned

• Legal costs increasing for all parties

Legal documents need to be served to uphold one of the most fundamental principles of the justice system: the right to due process of law. This constitutional guarantee, found in both the 5th Amendment and 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ensures that no person or entity faces legal action—such as lawsuits, fines, eviction, or restraining orders—without being properly notified and given an opportunity to respond.

Service of process is not merely a formality—it is a legal requirement designed to:

• Protect the recipient's right to defend themselves in court

• Prevent surprise legal judgments

• Establish clear, verifiable proof that the involved parties are aware of the proceedings

• Create an official timeline for legal deadlines and responses

Courts in Washington State and Idaho, as well as across the United States, require strict adherence to service of process rules. If documents are not served correctly:

• The case may be dismissed or delayed

• Default judgments may be overturned

• Legal enforcement actions may be invalidated

• Your case could suffer costly, time-consuming consequences

Examples of documents that often require formal service include:

✔ Summons and Complaints initiating lawsuits

✔ Subpoenas requiring witness appearances or document production

✔ Eviction Notices in landlord-tenant disputes

✔ Divorce and Family Law Documents

✔ Writs and Court Orders enforcing legal actions

Improper service creates serious legal risks. Don’t leave such an important step to chance—trust experienced, ethical process servers to protect your rights and keep your case on track.

Washington:

Under RCW 4.28.080, legal documents must be served by an adult who is not a party to the case. Washington does not require process servers to be licensed statewide, but many counties (such as King County) have local registration requirements for servers. At Paper Monkey, we meet or exceed all county and state expectations.

Idaho:

Under Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 4(c)(2), anyone over the age of 18, not a party to the action, may serve process. Certain court documents, especially those requiring personal service, must follow specific timing and delivery rules outlined by Idaho law. At Paper Monkey, we meet or exceed all county and state expectations.

In both states, hiring a professional process server ensures service is completed lawfully, documented properly, and recognized by the courts.

Generally, no—if you are a party to the case, you cannot serve the documents yourself. Service must be completed by an impartial third party to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure valid proof of service.

In Washington and Idaho, hiring a professional server reduces the risk of procedural errors that could jeopardize your case.

Evasion is common, but rarely successful long-term. Our team uses:

✔ Multiple attempts at different times and days

✔ Skip tracing to locate individuals

✔ Surveillance (when legally appropriate)

✔ Documentation of due diligence

If personal service becomes impossible, courts may authorize substitute service or service by publication, following:

• Washington Civil Rules (CR) 4(d)(4) for alternative service

• Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 4(e) for substitute or publication service

We handle documentation to support your legal team's requests for these alternatives if needed.

Substitute service involves delivering legal documents to:

• A competent adult at the subject’s residence

• A person in charge at the subject’s usual place of business

Rules vary by jurisdiction:

• Washington CR 4(d)(2) permits leaving copies with someone of suitable age and discretion at the recipient's dwelling.

• Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 4(d)(2) allows substitute service under similar conditions, but specifics depend on the type of legal document.

Substitute service must be documented clearly, and courts may require proof of due diligence before approving it.

Refusing to open the door does not prevent lawful service. If the subject is confirmed to be inside, we:

• Document the attempt in detail

• Gather evidence of presence (visual confirmation, audio, etc.)

• Notify the client for next steps

Repeated evasive behavior can support requests for alternative service methods.

This is common. Our process servers are trained to:

✔ Observe surroundings for signs of occupancy

✔ Speak with neighbors when legally appropriate

✔ Document all interactions and contradictions

✔ Use skip tracing if necessary

Courts expect diligent efforts before concluding someone cannot be served. We provide that diligence.

Yes, and we do so frequently. Workplace or public serves can be legal and effective, provided:

• The environment does not present safety risks

• The serve does not disrupt business operations

• Laws regarding trespassing and harassment are respected

Our servers prioritize discretion to avoid unnecessary attention or escalation.

Yes. Service is generally prohibited:

• Inside active courtrooms

• On federal property with security restrictions (e.g., military bases, VA facilities)

• In areas where trespassing laws explicitly bar access

We assess each location for legal access and safety. If service is not possible, we document the attempt and provide alternatives.

Sometimes, but it depends on the situation and state rules:

• In Washington, courts have accepted service in unconventional ways if identity is confirmed and delivery is reasonably certain.

• Idaho courts may require personal hand-to-hand delivery for certain case types.

We prioritize lawful, verifiable service that holds up in court—not gimmicks.

Yes. We regularly coordinate with:

✔ County jails

✔ State correctional facilities

✔ Detention centers

Each facility has specific protocols. Our team handles the paperwork and scheduling to ensure proper service behind bars.

We proceed cautiously. Service may be invalid if:

• The person is visibly impaired and unable to comprehend the documents

• Medical or mental health issues prevent meaningful receipt

We document the situation and consult with clients before proceeding in questionable scenarios.

We have strict internal policies:

• Funerals, memorials, and similar high-emotion events are avoided unless legally unavoidable

• Discretion and compassion guide every serve

• We prioritize timing to reduce public embarrassment or conflict

Our reputation is built on professionalism, not ambush tactics.

We do not chase or escalate. Instead, we:

✔ Document the evasion

✔ Conduct return visits

✔ Utilize skip tracing

✔ Coordinate with legal counsel for alternative service options

Evasion may delay service, but it rarely prevents it long-term.

Yes. In compliance with Washington and Idaho guidelines:

• We wear clearly marked badges stating our position and license numbers (where applicable)

• We do not impersonate law enforcement

• Identification enhances safety and transparency

Your documents are delivered by professionals—not by surprise.

No. We believe in professionalism, de-escalation, and clear boundaries. Our team carries:
✔ Identification
✔ Body cameras
✔ Tactical flashlights
✔ Other non-lethal safety tools

Our goal is lawful service, not intimidation.