Feature Friday: The Process of Hiring a Process Server in Missouri
When a court case is filed in Missouri, one of the most important steps in moving that case forward is the proper service of process. This ensures all parties are formally notified and given the opportunity to respond. While the process may look slightly different depending on the county, the fundamentals remain the same. At Faithful Path Investigations, we guide attorneys, law firms, and private clients through the process with professionalism, accuracy, and integrity.
Step 1: Court Issues the Papers & You Choose How They’ll Be Served
Once your case is filed, the clerk issues the summons/subpoena and accompanying pleadings. At this point, you (or your attorney) decide who will perform service:
Limited attempts & hours. Many departments make a small number of attempts and work primarily business hours, not evenings/weekends.
No investigative work. Deputies typically don’t conduct stakeouts, skip tracing, or neighborhood canvassing to locate an evasive subject.
Jurisdictional boundaries. Sheriffs generally operate within their county; serving outside the county typically means transferring to another office, which can add time.
Competing priorities. Civil papers may be delayed by higher-priority calls.
Flexible scheduling.Evening, early-morning, and weekend attempts to catch subjects when they’re actually home.
Cross-county coverage. We can cross county lines and coordinate statewide/nationwide service without hand-offs.
Investigation-forward service.Skip tracing, discreet canvassing, lawful surveillance, and address verification when a subject is evasive or transient.
Detailed documentation. Time-stamped notes, photos, and GPS verification to produce a court-ready return and reduce service challenges.
At Faithful Path Investigations, your service plan is built around the subject’s patterns (work hours, vehicles, known associates) and the case deadline, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Step 1A: (If Using a Private Process Server) – Appointment & Setup
Many Missouri circuits allow private servers, but procedure varies by county. Attorneys or parties typically hire a licensed process server to ensure service is completed quickly, legally, and properly documented. Missouri law allows private process servers who are authorized in the county where service is to occur.
County Variations: Some counties require process servers to be appointed by the court for each individual case, while others maintain a list of pre-approved servers who can serve without further court approval.
1. Request the Clerk’s Current Guidance/List
Some circuits accept a standing order or rely on an approved roster.
Others require a case-specific motion and order every time.
2. File an Order Appointing a Private (Special) Process Server
- Submit a simple Motion and Order naming the specific individual(s) who will serve your papers.
To avoid delays, we recommend naming a primary server plus at least one alternate from our team.
Some judges permit “any duly designated agent of [Agency],” while others require individual names—we’ll guide you based on local practice.
Provide:
- Issued summons and all pleadings to be served
- Best known addresses/phones/employer leads, photos/vehicle info if available
- Any restraining/safety notes, court deadlines, and preferred reporting cadence
- Best known addresses/phones/employer leads, photos/vehicle info if available
- Any restraining/safety notes, court deadlines, and preferred reporting cadence
4. Receive the Signed Order & Launch AttemptsOnce the court signs the order, we begin attempts immediately—day, evening, weekend—and document every step.5. File Affidavit of Service/Non-ServiceOnce Service is complete you will be given an affidavit to file with the court.
Step 2: Choosing a Process Server
Attorneys or parties typically hire a licensed process server to ensure service is completed quickly, legally, and properly documented. Missouri law allows private process servers who are authorized in the county where service is to occur.
County Variations: Some counties require process servers to be appointed by the court for each individual case, while others maintain a list of pre-approved servers who can serve without further court approval.
Step 3: Service of Process Attempts
Once the process server receives the documents, they begin attempts to serve the individual. At Faithful Path Investigations, we:
Make multiple attempts at different times of day to maximize success.
Use skip tracing tools if the person is difficult to locate.
Document every attempt with notes, timestamps, and GPS verification.
Serve documents in compliance with Missouri statutes, ensuring legal validity.
Step 4: Completion of Service
If the documents are successfully served, the process server records the details of service, including:
Date, time, and location of service
Name and physical description of the person served
Method of service (personal service, substitute service, etc.)
Any additional notes (e.g., refusal to accept papers, evasive behavior)
If service cannot be completed, a non-service affidavit may be filed, and alternate methods such as posting or publication may be requested from the court.
Step 5: Affidavit/Return of Service
The process server prepares an Affidavit of Service (sometimes called a Return of Service). This is a sworn statement confirming service details, signed and notarized.
In some Missouri counties, the affidavit is filed directly with the court by the process server.
In others, it must be returned to the attorney, who then files it with the court.
This affidavit becomes part of the official case file and serves as proof to the judge that service was legally completed.
Why Hiring the Right Process Server Matters
Every county in Missouri has slightly different rules, but the importance of using a professional process server remains the same. At Faithful Path Investigations, we ensure:
Service is completed quickly and accurately.
Documentation meets court requirements.
Every step is handled with veteran discipline, legal knowledge, and faith-based integrity.
Faithful Path Investigations – Walking the Faithful Path—Serving Truth with Integrity.