08/09/2026
🚨 Process Serving Is Not “Throwing Papers and Calling It Service.”
Legal documents are not something to simply throw at someone, leave on the ground, or toss toward a doorway and then report as successfully served.
How service is performed matters.
A registered process server has a responsibility to follow the applicable rules, accurately document what occurred, and prepare a truthful proof of service. Cutting corners can create serious problems for a case, including challenges to service, motions to quash, delays, additional costs, and questions about whether a party was properly notified.
But there is another side to this that law firms, legal support companies, and other businesses need to take seriously:
What happens when a company knows a process server is throwing documents—and continues to use that server anyway?
At that point, the issue isn't simply the process server's conduct.
If a company becomes aware that a process server is routinely throwing or improperly delivering legal documents, the company has a responsibility to address the problem and reconsider whether that server should continue representing it.
At Duque Docs, we take that responsibility seriously.
We keep track of our process servers' performance and success rates. A high success rate can certainly be a sign of an experienced and effective process server. But when a process server appears to be getting 100% of their assignments served all the time, especially when that result is unusual, we take a closer look.
Why?
Because 100% served isn't automatically a good thing.
We want to know HOW those services are being accomplished.
Are they exceptionally good at locating people?
Are they experienced and using proper methods?
Are they accurately documenting what happened?
Are they following the requirements applicable to the particular service?
Or are they taking shortcuts?
At Duque Docs, our responsibility doesn't end when we assign an order to a process server. Our process servers represent our company, and we are responsible for ensuring they do their job properly.
A process server with a 100% success rate may look great on paper—for a while.
But if that success rate is being achieved by throwing documents, improperly leaving papers, or cutting corners, eventually the question becomes:
What will your company be known for?
Because your process server's conduct can become associated with your company's reputation.
We would rather have a process server honestly report:
“Unable to serve.”
than report:
“Served,” when the circumstances don't support that conclusion.
There is nothing wrong with an unsuccessful attempt when the server did everything properly and accurately documented what happened.
What matters is integrity in the process.
📌 A 100% success rate should never come at the expense of proper service.
At Duque Docs, we believe success isn't simply the number of assignments marked “served.”
Success means:
✅ Following the applicable rules
✅ Using appropriate methods of service
✅ Accurately identifying and documenting the service
✅ Maintaining truthful records
✅ Knowing when service cannot be completed
✅ Communicating honestly with our clients
✅ Taking responsibility for the people representing our company
Because at the end of the day, we're not just delivering paperwork.
We're helping protect the integrity of someone's case.
And that's a responsibility we take seriously.
100% served isn't the goal if the services aren't being performed correctly.
The goal is to get the job done right.
