The numbers your case depends on.
§ Service Methods
Personal vs. Substitute vs. Nail-and-Mail
Courts rank service methods by reliability of notice. Use this table to select the right approach — and document every attempt to protect the record.
| Method | Definition | Legal Strength | Prior Attempts Req. | Mailing Required | Subpoena Valid | Avg. Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Service | In-hand delivery to named partyPreferred by courts; hardest to challenge | Highest | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Valid | 1–2 |
| Substitute Service | Delivery to qualified adult co-resident (15+ in NY)Follow-up mailing required; most states accept | High | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | 2–3 |
| Nail & Mail | Affix to door + first-class mailing marked P&CAffidavit must detail all prior attempts; last resort | Moderate | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | 3–5 |
| Publication | Legal notice in approved newspaperCourt order required in most jurisdictions | Moderate | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | 4+ |
| Mail Service | Certified or first-class mail to last known addressLimited to specific case types; check jurisdiction | Low | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | 3+ |
* Sunday service is prohibited in NY and FL. Substituted service affidavits must be filed with County Clerk within 20 days of service.
§ Turnaround & Pricing
Speed & Cost vs. Industry Benchmarks
Every column benchmarked against sheriff service and national private process server averages. Rush service available on all case types.
Turnaround by Case Type
| Case Type | ★ Served Standard | Industry Avg | ★ Served Rush | Affidavit Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Civil Serve | 1–3 business days | 3–7 business days | Same day / 4 hrs | 2–4 hrs |
| Eviction / Unlawful Detainer | 24–48 hrs | 3–5 business days | Same day | 2–4 hrs |
| Subpoena (Personal Only) | 1–2 business days | 3–5 business days | 4–6 hrs | 1–3 hrs |
| Restraining / TRO | Same day / 4 hrs | 1–3 business days | 2 hrs | < 2 hrs |
| Skip Trace + Serve | 24–72 hrs | 5–10 business days | 24 hrs | 2–4 hrs |
Pricing vs. Alternatives
| Service Tier | ★ Served | Sheriff / Constable | Avg. Private Server | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Serve | $65–$95 | $45–$85 | $75–$150 | Up to 3 attempts, affidavit, notarization |
| Rush / Same-Day | $125–$175 | Not available | $150–$250 | Priority dispatch, 4-hr turnaround |
| Skip Trace + Serve | $150–$250 | Not available | $200–$400 | Address locate, serve, affidavit |
| Bulk (10+ serves) | $45–$70/serve | $45–$85/serve | $65–$120/serve | Volume discount, dedicated coordinator |
| Stakeout / Evasive | $200–$350 | Not available | $250–$500 | 3-hr stakeout, documented attempts, affidavit |
§ Evasion Protocol
When the Defendant Won't Open the Door
Every evasion scenario has a documented protocol. We maintain the chain of evidence so your affidavit is bulletproof when opposing counsel challenges service.
| Scenario | Immediate Step | Next Action | Affidavit Requirement | Service Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No answer, multiple attempts | Document each attempt with timestamp + GPS | Escalate to substitute service after 2–3 attempts | All attempts must appear in affidavit of due diligence | Standard |
| Door refusal — defendant visible | Announce identity and purpose clearly | Leave documents at feet / threshold; state aloud they are served | Note exact words spoken and time; refusal = valid service in most states | Standard |
| Address confirmed, defendant absent | Attempt substitute service on qualified co-resident | Mail copy marked "Personal & Confidential" (no legal markings) | File sub-serve affidavit with County Clerk within 20 days | Standard |
| Address invalid / defendant relocated | Order skip trace — database + field investigation | New address located; resume personal service attempts | Affidavit of due diligence documents skip trace steps | Skip Trace Add-On |
| Defendant actively evading | Stakeout at known location (home, workplace, vehicle) | Serve on contact; document surveillance log | Detailed surveillance log attached to affidavit | Stakeout Service |
| All personal attempts exhausted | Petition court for nail-and-mail or publication order | Affix to door + mail P&C envelope; or publish in approved paper | Nail-and-mail affidavit must detail all prior failed attempts | Nail & Mail |
§ Jurisdiction Matrix
State-by-State Compliance Matrix
Service rules vary significantly by jurisdiction. Failure to comply with local rules can result in dismissal. Verify current statutes with counsel before filing.
| State | Personal | Substitute | Nail & Mail | Publication | Sunday Ban | Subpoena = Personal Only | Affidavit Deadline | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | ✓ | ✓ | Cond. | Cond. | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Yes | 20 days | Sub-serve on 18+; mailing required |
| New York | ✓ | ✓ | Cond. | Cond. | ✗ Banned | ✓ Yes | 20 days | Sub-serve 15+; no Sunday service; file within 20 days |
| Florida | ✓ | ✓ | Cond. | Cond. | ✗ Banned | ✓ Yes | 30 days | No Sunday service; substitute on 15+ |
| Texas | ✓ | ✓ | Cond. | Cond. | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Yes | 10 days | Certified mail alternative available for some case types |
| Illinois | ✓ | ✓ | Cond. | Cond. | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Yes | 14 days | Sub-serve on family member 13+; mailing required |
| Nevada | ✓ | ✓ | Cond. | Cond. | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Yes | 21 days | Posting + mailing allowed after 2 failed attempts |
| Arizona | ✓ | ✓ | Cond. | Cond. | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Yes | 10 days | Sub-serve on 15+; mail copy required |
| New Jersey | ✓ | ✓ | Cond. | Cond. | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Yes | 14 days | Certified mail acceptable for some civil matters |
* This matrix is for reference only. Laws change. Always verify with current statutes or licensed counsel in each jurisdiction.
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