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Process Serving

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Reliable Nationwide Process Service Backed by Legal Expertise

Lexitas has over five decades of experience providing professional process service across all 50 states and internationally. Our team ensures court documents are delivered securely, in compliance with jurisdictional service rules, and aligned with due process requirements.

With an in-house compliance attorney, dedicated account managers, and secure digital tracking tools, we simplify service management for law firms, corporate legal teams, and insurance professionals.

Tailored Process Serving Programs

For clients with large-volume needs, Lexitas can tailor customized process serving programs based on your requirements. Our process service is integrated with our comprehensive court services. Case tracking and, in certain instances, data exchange with client case management systems are available to improve efficiency and reduce both cost and the risk of human error.

In addition to our standard process service, Lexitas also creates subpoenas and provides witness fee checks to further save you time.


Legal Compliance Support

Access free consultations with our in-house compliance attorney for service regulations and case law research.


Digital Tracking & Affidavit Access

Clients can track jobs, manage documents, and print filed affidavits via the Lexitas client portal.


Flexible & Scalable Service

We handle legal proceedings, including court cases, legal actions, and insurance claims, ensuring documents are served through proper methods, such as personal service and substituted service.


Nationwide & International Reach

Our process servers operate in all 50 states and provide international document delivery when required.


Fast Turnaround & Reliability

Whether you need to serve legal documents locally or across jurisdictions, our experienced team ensures prompt, secure, and legally compliant service.

We Handle Every Type of Service of Process, Including:

Asbestos Cases

Lexitas is the process server of choice for many of the most active firms in the NYCAL asbestos system. Our clients spend just the right amount of time and money effectuating service properly in this specialty area.

Landlord/Tenant

L&T service of process: Lexitas provides L&T service of notices, petitions and holdovers. Notices are accepted via email, and all jobs move quickly through our system. Lexitas purchases L&T index numbers daily, the morning after our courier has picked up your papers. We handle rush jobs as well, including 30-day notices the last week of the month. Mailing receipts are recorded and tracked carefully and returned in a timely manner.

Medical Malpractice Serves

Lexitas clients enjoy peace of mind knowing that their Med Mal case is built on the best service of process available. Call us today to learn how Lexitas handles these just a little differently than other agencies. We have you covered!

Subpoena Process Service

Both plaintiff and defense firms rely on Lexitas for timely service of process on their subpoenas. Lexitas is the largest full-time court staff in New York City and partners with New Jersey Lawyers Service in New Jersey. The team swiftly handles subpoenas that must be “so-ordered” and follows for signature daily, all at one flat price per case regardless of quantity. Because we employ a staff of full-time licensed process servers, we are specialists in same-day service when required. At an attorney’s direction, Lexitas can prepare a medical records subpoena for review and signature, advance all witness and copying fees and complete the required certification forms.

Summons & Complaint

S&C process service: As you invest your time, energy and client’s money into a case, step one is to deliver jurisdiction over the defendant to the court. Get peace of mind knowing that you assigned your S&C for service of process to the only agency in the area with a full-time in-house compliance attorney; a fully automated, computerized daily auditing of all serves; and a team with hundreds of years of practical experience.

Other

  • Order to show cause (OTSC)
  • Citations, writs
  • Motions
  • Surrogate court matters (estates, guardianships)
  • Matrimonial, family court
  • Foreclosures
  • Nationwide service of process
  • International service of process
  • Document translations
  • Local and international postal service searches

Legal Process Server Compliance

Lexitas holds itself to the highest standards of professionalism, especially in the delivery of service of process. Doing the right thing is part of our culture, and our priority is to ensure that our actions establish personal jurisdiction over the person or entity served, which will withstand the most strenuous challenge. Our process servers follow the strictest record-keeping protocols and use GPS tracking to validate service.

We operate in full compliance with the rules of the city of New York, Civil Practice Law and Rules, the NYS Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL), the New Jersey Court Rules, and under the watchful oversight of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). We operate in full compliance of Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and Florida Statutes.

Our leadership team includes a compliance officer, and we are a proud member of the following organizations:

❯ The National Association of Professional Process Servers
❯ New York State Professional Process Servers Association
❯ New Jersey Professional Process Servers
❯ Florida Association of Professional Process Servers (FAPPS)
❯ Florida National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS)
❯ Indiana National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS)
❯ Partner for Justice with the New York State Trial Lawyers Association

Lexitas’ process service in New York City is performed in accordance with Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) regulations. Lexitas’ DCA process service license is: Manhattan, 2098109-DCA, Garden City, 2098110-DCA, Queens, 2098144-DCA, and NJ, 2098146-DCA.

Investigation Services

Investigation Services

Lexitas supports law firms and insurance carriers with full-service private investigations in New York state.

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Hire a Process Server

Hire a Process Server

Lexitas holds itself to the highest standards of professionalism, especially in the delivery of service of process.

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Court Services

Court Services

Document filing and retrieval services for New York and New Jersey courts.
 

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Process Service Frequently Asked Questions

What is a process server?

A process server is a professional responsible for delivering legal documents to individuals or entities involved in a court case. Proper service ensures all parties receive formal notice and have an opportunity to respond, as required by law.

What does a process server do?

A process server locates the individual to be served, delivers the legal documents, and completes a sworn affidavit of service detailing when, where, and how service was completed. Depending on the jurisdiction and assignment, a process server may also perform services such as skip tracing or filing documents with the court.

What is a certified process server?

A certified process server is a professional who has completed required training or testing and has been formally certified or licensed by a state or local authority. Certification requirements vary by jurisdiction and may include coursework, examinations, and background checks.

What is a court process server?

A court process server is an individual authorized by state law or the court system to deliver court‑issued legal documents. These may include summonses, subpoenas, notices, and court orders.

What is a special process server?

A special process server is appointed by a court on a case‑by‑case basis. This appointment is typically used when regular service is restricted, or when a party requests a specific individual to serve documents. Rules for special process servers vary by state.

What kind of papers does a process server serve?

Process servers deliver many types of legal documents, including:
  • Summonses and complaints
  • Subpoenas for documents, depositions, or trial
  • Petitions
  • Orders to Show Cause
  • Notices, including eviction and foreclosure notices
  • Garnishments and wage executions
  • Judgments and other court documents

Will a process server call you?

Generally, a process server will not call in advance to notify someone they are being served. In limited situations, contact may be made when allowed by law or client instructions, such as coordinating access to a workplace or secured building. It is very important that the process server maintains communication with the firm that assigned the service.

Can a process server trespass?

No. Process servers must comply with all trespassing laws. They are generally permitted to approach a residence’s front door or main entrance, as this is considered implied access unless clearly restricted by signage or barriers.

Do process servers serve on weekends?

Yes. Many jurisdictions allow service on weekends, and process servers often work evenings and weekends to increase the likelihood of successful service. Some states impose restrictions, such as prohibiting service on Sundays or certain holidays.

Can an attorney or paralegal act as their own process server?

In limited circumstances, a paralegal may serve documents, as they are not a direct party to the case. Attorneys serving their own documents is generally discouraged and may raise ethical concerns. Many jurisdictions prohibit parties with a direct interest in the case from serving process, so local rules and case law should be reviewed carefully.

Can a sheriff act as a process server?

Yes. In many jurisdictions, sheriffs or other law enforcement officers are authorized to serve legal documents, particularly civil processes such as summonses and writs.

Do process servers use body cameras?

Process servers may use body cameras for safety, transparency, and documentation. In some matters, such as landlord‑tenant cases, body camera use may be required or strongly recommended. Cameras are typically worn on the body, like a small GoPro, and can record video and capture images during service. Use of body cameras must comply with applicable privacy and recording laws, which vary by state.

How do you become a process server?

The process varies by state. In general, becoming a process server may involve meeting age and residency requirements, completing training, passing a background check, and registering or licensing with the appropriate authority. Some states allow limited service without a license, such as New York, which permits individuals to serve up to five papers without being licensed.

How do you hire a process server?

Process servers may be hired through a licensed process serving agency, an attorney service firm, or directly through professionals registered in your state. Important considerations include experience, geographic coverage, turnaround time, and compliance with state and local rules.

What are the requirements to become a process server?

While requirements differ by jurisdiction, they commonly include:
  • Minimum age, typically 18 or older
  • Legal residency
  • No disqualifying criminal history
  • Completion of training or coursework
  • Passing a certification or licensing exam, if required
  • Registration with a county or state authority
  • Maintaining a bond or insurance in some jurisdictions

What happens if a process server cannot serve you?

If personal service is unsuccessful, the process server documents all attempts and reports back to the client. Depending on state law, the next steps may include:
  • Substitute service by leaving documents with a suitable person
  • Posting and mailing
  • Certified mail
  • Court‑ordered alternative service, such as email, social media, or publication
Failure to complete service does not stop the case. The client will typically petition the court for approval of an alternative method of service.

What is the difference between a process server and a special process server?

A standard process server is authorized under general state law to serve legal documents. A special process server is appointed by the court for a specific case or limited period when special authorization is required.

What kind of certification does a process server need?

Certification requirements vary widely by state. Some states require formal licensing; others require county‑level registration, and some states do not require certification at all. Applicable state and local rules must always be followed.