When you hire a process server in Oklahoma, the costs may vary depending on the type of services. For instance, you are likely to pay less for a routine service. But if you need same-day services due to urgency, prices will go up. In circumstances where the defendant is somewhat tough to locate, expect the timeline to stretch by a few more days or weeks.
So, it all comes down to the type of case and what services you are looking for. It helps if you have some clarity about prices and timelines.
For a better understanding of what actually works and why timelines tend to vary, let’s read this post. We will also discuss what steps you can take to avoid the common mistakes that can stall a case, even before it reaches the judge.
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What is the Role of a Process Server and Why You Need One?
A process server delivers legal documents like summonses, subpoenas, petitions, and other legal documents. Their job is to deliver the documents to a particular defendant or witness in a way that meets all legal requirements. You can’t mail a lawsuit to someone and wait for them to respond. Things don’t really work that way. In Oklahoma, the courts have made it clear who qualifies as a process server and how service takes place.
Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 12, Section 2004, you can have a process served by a sheriff or deputy sheriff, or by a person licensed to be a process server in civil cases. You cannot involve an attorney or any family member involved in the case for the task. So, when it comes to serving notice, you have to hire a licensed process server. Process servers will deliver the document in a way that will hold up in court if the other side challenges it later.
If anything goes wrong with service, the case will stall and may be dismissed. So, if you think of cutting costs by delivering the documents on your own, don’t do that. It is a far better option to have someone licensed to do that on your behalf.
How Much Will a Process Server Cost You in Oklahoma?
As far as pricing is concerned, a lot depends on the specifics of your case. In fact, you will see a great deal of variation across the state.
We understand your situation, and keeping your preferences in mind, we have structured our pricing to suit your sensibilities. At Keefe Private Investigations, our fees start at $79.99 for immediate service and go up to $225 for standard service. Overall, it depends on how quickly you want the document delivered. It also depends on how complex the actual service turns out to be. So, the fee we charge typically includes the number of attempts we make, mileage, and the affidavit of service you will need to file with the court.
Similarly, process servers in smaller communities such as Bethany tend to charge between $50 and $150 for routine service. For same-day or quick service, prices may increase to $100 to $300. In large metropolitan areas, process servers can charge around $89 for routine service. If the document must be served to someone in a remote area with no local process server, the rate can be as high as $750.
What Factors Determine the Price Element?
Some of the key factors that determine the overall pricing and cost are shared below:
- Instant or Same Day Service: A same-day or 24-hour rush service will always cost you more than a routine service.
- Number of Attempts Made: Most licensed process servers include the number of attempts they make in their fee. At Keefe Private Investigations, our process servers will make up to four attempts at one address. If the number of attempts exceeds four, you will have to pay an additional fee.
- Type of Location: If you need service in a nearby location, the cost will be lower. However, if it comes down to tracking somebody in a rural location, you will have to pay more.
- Tracking a Problematic Defendant: When someone is actively avoiding service and is rather hard to detect, you can expect extra charges. This can include additional costs for extra attempts using skip tracing to locate the defendant.
- Document Type: If the document is a straightforward summons, expect a lower fee. However, subpoenas often come with witness fees and additional documentation.
So, before you hire anyone, ask for an itemized quote. If you hire a licensed process server in Oklahoma City, they can provide all the necessary details. This way, you’ll know the actual fees and any circumstances that may add extra costs.
Does Process Serving Take a Lot of Time?
As discussed earlier in the post, services for most routine cases can be completed within three to seven days. Once the process server has the document, don’t expect any further delay. However, this is the norm across Oklahoma, especially when the defendant is known to live at a known address.
But there are several elements that may stretch the timeline:
- When the Defendant is avoiding service: Some people knowingly avoid being served. Knowing that a lawsuit is coming their way, they will try to avoid it at all costs. However, experienced process servers can change tactics by visiting the address at odd hours. They will also watch patterns to catch the defendant by surprise. All of this takes considerable time.
- Wrong or Outdated Address: In case you’re not sure where the defendant currently resides, you will have to rely on skip tracing services before a server can actually attempt a delivery. This certainly stretches the timeline by a few more days.
- When you need out-of-county or out-of-state service: If your defendant is living in a rural area with no local process server, this will take some time. Similarly, if the defendant has moved out of state, you may need to add a few more days.
- Meeting the Court Filing Deadline: In Oklahoma, the law clearly states that within 180 days of filing the petition, you must serve the defendant. Otherwise, your case faces the risk of dismissal without prejudice. The deadline seems fine, but when your attempts fail, things can turn bad quickly.
So, to avoid that, be clear with your process server. They will prioritize your file accordingly and set a realistic timeline that fits your schedule.
What Can You Expect by Hiring a Process Server?
There are some good reasons behind your decision to hire a process server in Oklahoma. Naturally, you will have some degree of expectation. So, here’s what happens when you hire one of the licensed process servers.
First, present all relevant documents that need to be served. You must also provide all the necessary information related to the defendant, such as the current address of residence, vehicle type, current employer, along with physical descriptions. Provide accurate details upfront to help the server locate the defendant quickly.
Accordingly, your process server will try to reach the defendant based on the details you shared. If the first attempt fails, they will try again at a different time or on a different day.
In the meantime, the process server will keep you posted about how things are moving on their end. Once you hire a professional server, stop worrying about updates. At Keefe Private Investigations, we make it a point to stay in regular touch with our clients. Our objective is to keep our clients informed about where their case stands.
Once the document is successfully served, you will receive a signed affidavit of service, which is also court-ready. If service fails after several attempts, the server will present you with alternate options. There are instances where they may recommend you bring in a skip tracer to get an update on the defendant’s present-day location.
Few Common Mistakes that Can Slow Down Your Case
Some consistent patterns tend to show up repeatedly in cases. So, to avoid slowing down, here are a few things you must never do:
- Picking the Cheapest Quote to Save Money: People tend to choose services that charge a low fee. But that can also mean the server cuts corners on attempts and documentation. It makes sense to compare fees, but you must also consider the overall reputation and experience of the process servers.
- Waiting until the last minute: Well, the courts in Oklahoma give you a 180-day window, right after filing the petition. So, in the interest of the case, don’t waste time thinking. Make sure to hire a licensed process server early, as it gives you plenty of time. What if the first attempt doesn’t succeed? Never make the mistake of waiting until the last minute.
- Incomplete and Outdated Details: An outdated or old address will never help your process server. In fact, they will end up spending their time trying to locate the defendant instead of delivering service. If the defendant is untraceable, try using skip tracing services upfront. This will go a long way toward finding the current address.
- Any Adult Can Serve Process: Many individuals assume that friends and family members, as well as the plaintiff, can legally serve the documents. Well, this is wrong on many fronts. To protect your case, hire a licensed process server.
What If You End Up Requiring an Extra Bit of Assistance?
There will be occasions when a simple service is not enough. In fact, you may need additional support to get the job done.
What if the defendant no longer lives at the same address and has moved out without leaving a forwarding address? This is when you contact experts offering skip tracing services. Skip tracing lets you locate the defendant’s current address by sourcing details from public records, court databases, and field verification. Be mindful: this step is only useful before the service, not during the actual serving. So, it helps to have some proper planning in place.
If the defendant has a history of violence and is known to make threats, pass the information to process servers. The agency will then deploy additional personnel for protection while serving.
Why Hire a Licensed Process Server?
If you are planning to hire a process server in Oklahoma, there are certain requirements. Oklahoma courts require process servers to be licensed and bonded. They must also have a proper fee structure in place that covers statewide and county-specific licensing. Licensing is essential, and it is meant to protect your interests. Moreover, a licensed process server also understands the legal requirements. They do this by documenting each step in the correct format. Once the document is served, they will produce an affidavit that is acceptable in court.
But if you ask an unlicensed server to help you out, things might not work the way you want them to be. Yes, you will save a little bit of money. But when the opposing counsel challenges the services and wins, you are back to square one. Eventually, you will have to pay more for a second round of service, in addition to losing precious days and months in the case.
Do You Need Help in Getting Your Documents Served?
By now, you should have a clear idea of the role a process server plays. You also have a good idea of the actual cost, how long service will take, and what a smooth service looks like. Now, all you have to do is find a licensed process server who can help you through the whole process. Deadlines do matter, and when you work with experienced process servers, things eventually fall into the right place.
Keefe Private Investigations is one such agency that serves clients across Oklahoma. If you are interested and want to get the documents served today, contact Keefe Private Investigations. Speak with one of our representatives today.
