Process serving in legal procedures may appear simple: just deliver court documents to the appropriate person within the allotted time and its done!
But the fact is, states have quite different regulations, and New Jersey has a special set of standards that set it apart from the rest. So, let’s delve into the details.
- Who Can Process?
Process servers are required to be professionals(like Ameriserve LLC) with a license or appointed by the court in various places. However, in New Jersey, legal papers can be served by any adult over the age of 18 who is not a party to the case. But still, it’s no easy job, a small mistake and your case is gone far out of your reach. This offers more freedom, but for accuracy, compliance, and dependability, going in for professional process servers is always a better choice.
- A Focus on Individual Service Initially
Courts in New Jersey place a higher value on personal service—delivering documents to the defendant in person—than on options like sending them by certified mail or leaving them with a household member. New Jersey usually requires an attempt at personal service before contemplating substituted service, but other states may permit it more freely.
- Particular Time Limitations and Deadlines
New Jersey enforces stringent deadlines based on the nature of the case, in contrast to several jurisdictions where service can be tried at almost any reasonable moment. For instance, notice periods for service in eviction cases are frequently extremely brief. Cases may be delayed or dismissed if these deadlines are missed.
- Sheriffs Are Used in Some Situations
Private process servers handle the majority of service requests in other states. Although, a formal layer is added to the existing legal procedure in New Jersey, where county sheriffs are regularly involved in serving certain court documents, particularly in family court or foreclosure issues.
- Proof of service and compliance
The precise date, time, place, and method of service are all required under New Jersey’s stringent evidence of service regulations. New Jersey courts require accuracy; therefore, even though some jurisdictions permit casual affidavits, trained process servers are frequently employed to prevent mistakes.
Although maintaining due process is the fundamental goal of process serving across the country, New Jersey is unique due to its more stringent deadlines, emphasis on personal service, and involvement of sheriffs. And with Ameriserve LLC its even more smooth. Anyone engaging in state judicial proceedings needs to be aware of these distinctions. We are here to guide you through these new regulations. Get in touch with us to know more!