Process Serving Tactics
Verify that the subject resides at the address you are attempting by asking the proper questions when you make contact at the residence. For example, you should not say, “Is Tom Smith home?” Instead you should say, “Does Tom Smith live here?” The latter is vital because per the code, you can sub-serve documents at a location where the defendant resides, receives mail or works. Confirming that the subject resides at a residence is vastly different than just learning that the subject is not home.
Be observant while serving legal documents. Look for packages left on the porch that could bear the subject’s name. Discreetly talk to neighbors to verify residence and activities. Note vehicles including license plates observed in the driveway or on the street adjacent to the residence. You need to assemble information that supports further attempts at the address you have or to report back that the address is no good.