Process Serving — General Questions
What is process serving?
Process serving is the legal act of delivering official court documents — such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and eviction notices — to the person(s) named in those documents. It ensures that every party in a legal proceeding is formally notified and given the opportunity to respond.
Why do I need a professional process server?
In Tennessee, legal documents must be served according to specific rules (Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 4). Using an untrained or unauthorized person can result in improper service, which can delay your case or get it thrown out. PPS Serve’s team is experienced, court-compliant, and provides notarized affidavits as proof of service.
What documents can PPS Serve deliver?
We serve a wide range of legal documents including: Summons & Complaints, Subpoenas, Divorce Papers, Eviction Notices, Restraining Orders, Small Claims Notices, Writs, and more.
How many attempts do you make to serve documents?
Our standard service includes up to 4 attempts. If all 4 attempts are unsuccessful, we contact you to discuss options such as substitute service, posting (on final attempt), or skip tracing to locate the individual.
What areas do you serve?
PPS Serve operates across all 95 counties in Tennessee and offers nationwide service through our trusted partner network. We are based in Nashville and provide especially fast turnaround in Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Shelby, Knox, Hamilton, and surrounding counties.
Service Timelines & Pricing
How fast can you serve documents?
We offer three tiers: Routine Service (first attempt within 5-7 business days, $95), Rush Service (first attempt within 24-48 hours, $135), and Same-Day Emergency Service (first attempt on the same day, $165).
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes. We offer 10% off for 5 or more services per month and 15% off for 10 or more services per month. Law firms and businesses with high volume needs should contact us to discuss a custom rate agreement.
Is payment required upfront?
Yes, prepayment is required before service begins unless otherwise approved. We accept all major credit cards securely through Stripe on our order form. Law firms with ongoing needs may qualify for net terms — contact us to discuss.
What Happens During & After Service
How will I know when documents have been served?
All service attempts are logged in our ServeManager tracking system. You receive updates via your preferred contact method (email or phone). Once service is complete, we provide a detailed Affidavit of Service — notarized if requested.
What happens if the person refuses to accept the documents?
In Tennessee, a person cannot legally refuse service. If a server identifies the individual and the person refuses to take the documents, the server can leave them in the individual’s presence — this still constitutes valid service under Tennessee law.
What is skip tracing and when is it used?
Skip tracing is the process of locating a person whose address is unknown or who appears to be avoiding service. We use legal database searches and investigative techniques to locate individuals. Basic skip tracing is $25 and advanced skip tracing is $65.
Do you provide an Affidavit of Service?
Yes. An Affidavit of Service (also called a Return of Service or Proof of Service) is provided for every completed serve. Notarization is available for $15. This document is court-admissible proof that service was legally completed.