Do Process Servers Call You? A Guide for Orlando Residents
If your phone rings and an unknown number flashes on the screen, it's natural to feel a moment of hesitation. In an era of spam calls and scams, many Central Florida residents are wary of picking up. But if you're expecting legal documents or worried that a lawsuit has been filed against you, that ringing phone might feel even more stressful. You might wonder: Do process servers call you before they show up?
The short answer is: rarely. Understanding how legal documents are delivered can save you a lot of anxiety and help you spot potential scams. We are the local experts you trust to handle these sensitive matters with professionalism. We are not a faceless directory; we are the folks navigating I-4 and driving through your neighborhoods every day to ensure the legal process keeps moving.
Do process servers actually call before arriving?
No, calling ahead is not standard practice for a professional process server.
The primary job of a process server is to hand-deliver legal documents—like subpoenas, summons, or complaints—directly to the person involved. If we call you beforehand, it defeats the purpose. The element of surprise is often necessary because, unfortunately, many people try to avoid being served.
If a server calls and says, "I'm coming over to serve you papers," a person might leave their home, refuse to answer the door, or hide. This delays the court case and costs the plaintiff more money.
How do process servers typically make contact?
We almost always attempt to make contact in person at your home or place of employment.
A professional will come to your residence, verify your identity, and hand you the documents. Whether you live in a quiet bungalow in Winter Park or a gated community in Lake Nona, we go where we need to go to ensure the documents are received by the right person.
Sometimes, finding a recipient is difficult. If the address on file is outdated or the person is intentionally evasive, we may need to conduct detailed investigation & surveillance to confirm their current location. This helps us ensure we are knocking on the right door, rather than disturbing your neighbors or workplace unnecessarily.
Why is calling not the standard method?
Calling ahead gives a recipient the opportunity to evade service, which stalls the legal process.
Our goal is to be efficient. In the legal world, time is often strict. There are statutes of limitations and court dates that must be met. If we call and the person decides to dodge us, it forces the client to spend more on additional attempts or advanced skip tracing.
However, there is another reason we avoid calls: safety. Arguments can escalate quickly over the phone. By meeting in person, a professional process server in Orlando, Florida can explain the situation calmly, hand over the documents, and leave without a confrontation.
Are there exceptions when a server might call?
Yes, but this usually happens only if we have been unable to reach you after several attempts.
If we have tried to catch you at home in Altamonte Springs or at your office in downtown Orlando and haven't had any luck, we might try to reach out by phone. This is often a courtesy to save you the embarrassment of being served at work or in a public place.
In some cases, a process server might call to arrange a "meet and greet" if they believe you're willing to accept the documents voluntarily. This is more common in amicable family law cases or when the recipient is a witness who is cooperating with the case.
How do professionals find you without calling?
We use advanced databases and local knowledge to verify where you are.
We don't need to call you to know you're home. Professional servers use skip tracing—a method of locating individuals using public records, credit header information, and other data sources. We also utilize surveillance techniques.
Why does this matter? It ensures that the person being sued cannot simply "disappear" to avoid their legal obligations. In the industry, we see that roughly 85% to 90% of papers are served successfully without the need for extreme measures, but for that remaining percentage, we have the tools to locate them. According to industry data, comprehensive skip tracing services can sometimes take 2 to 10 days, depending on how hard the individual is trying to hide.
Is it a scam if someone calls claiming to be a process server?
If someone calls demanding immediate payment to "stop" service, it's almost certainly a scam.
Real process servers in Orlando, Florida, do not collect money from the person being served. We are paid by the law firm or the individual who hired us.
Scammers often call claiming there is a lawsuit against you and that you will be arrested if you don't pay a "settlement" or "fee" right now over the phone. They rely on fear. A legitimate process server in Orlando, Florida, will simply hand you the papers and walk away. They will never ask for a credit card number, gift cards, or a wire transfer.
What should you do if you're contacted?
If a process server approaches you, the best course of action is to accept the documents politely.
Refusing to take the papers or letting them drop to the ground does not mean you haven't been served. Once the server has identified you and placed the documents in your general vicinity, the service is usually considered legal.
Avoiding service does not make the lawsuit go away. In fact, it can make things worse. If a process server in Orlando, Florida cannot reach you after diligent attempts, the court may allow "service by publication" (listing the notice in a local newspaper) or substitute service. This means the case proceeds without you, and a judgment could be entered against you without you ever having the chance to defend yourself in court.
Understanding the process protects you
Knowing the rules helps you distinguish between a legitimate legal procedure and a potential scam. Process servers are an essential part of the justice system, ensuring that everyone has proper notice of legal actions involving them. We handle these tasks with integrity and respect for your privacy.
If you have questions about legal support services or need assistance getting documents delivered, we are here to help. Contact Central Florida Process and Investigation at (407) 495-1550