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Thread: Process Server Laws: California

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    Licensing Laws: California



    California Code of Civil Procedure
    CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTION 413.10-413.40

    413.10. Except as otherwise provided by statute, a summons shall be
    served on a person:
    (a) Within this state, as provided in this chapter.
    (b) Outside this state but within the United States, as provided
    in this chapter or as prescribed by the law of the place where the
    person is served.
    (c) Outside the United States, as provided in this chapter or as
    directed by the court in which the action is pending, or, if the
    court before or after service finds that the service is reasonably
    calculated to give actual notice, as prescribed by the law of the
    place where the person is served or as directed by the foreign
    authority in response to a letter rogatory. These rules are subject
    to the provisions of the Convention on the "Service Abroad of
    Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents" in Civil or Commercial Matters
    (Hague Service Convention).


    413.20. If a summons is served by mail pursuant to this chapter,
    the provisions of Section 1013 that extend the time for exercising a
    right or doing an act shall not extend any time specified in this
    title.


    413.30. Where no provision is made in this chapter or other law for
    the service of summons, the court in which the action is pending may
    direct that summons be served in a manner which is reasonably
    calculated to give actual notice to the party to be served and that
    proof of such service be made as prescribed by the court.




    413.40. Any service of summons which complies with the provisions
    of this chapter shall not be rendered invalid or ineffective because
    it was made by a person in violation of Chapter 16 (commencing with
    Section 22350) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code


    414.10. A summons may be served by any person who is at least 18
    years of age and not a party to the action.

    415.10. A summons may be served by personal delivery of a copy of
    the summons and of the complaint to the person to be served. Service
    of a summons in this manner is deemed complete at the time of such
    delivery.
    The date upon which personal delivery is made shall be entered on
    or affixed to the face of the copy of the summons at the time of its
    delivery. However, service of a summons without such date shall be
    valid and effective.



    415.20. (a) In lieu of personal delivery of a copy of the summons
    and of the complaint to the person to be served as specified in
    Section 416.10, 416.20, 416. 30, 416.40, or 416.50, a summons may be
    served by leaving a copy of the summons and of the complaint during
    usual office hours in his or her office with the person who is
    apparently in charge thereof, and by thereafter mailing a copy of the
    summons and of the complaint (by first-class mail, postage prepaid)
    to the person to be served at the place where a copy of the summons
    and of the complaint were left. Service of a summons in this manner
    is deemed complete on the 10th day after such mailing.
    (b) If a copy of the summons and of the complaint cannot with
    reasonable diligence be personally delivered to the person to be
    served as specified in Section 416.60, 416.70, 416.80, or 416.90, a
    summons may be served by leaving a copy of the summons and of the
    complaint at such person's dwelling house, usual place of abode,
    usual place of business, or usual mailing address other than a United
    States Postal Service post office box, in the presence of a
    competent member of the household or a person apparently in charge of
    his or her office, place of business, or usual mailing address other
    than a United States Postal Service post office box, at least 18
    years of age, who shall be informed of the contents thereof, and by
    thereafter mailing a copy of the summons and of the complaint (by
    first-class mail, postage prepaid) to the person to be served at the
    place where a copy of the summons and of the complaint were left.
    Service of a summons in this manner is deemed complete on the 10th
    day after the mailing.



    415.21. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person
    shall be granted access to a gated community for a reasonable period
    of time for the purpose of performing lawful service of process, upon
    identifying to the guard the person or persons to be served, and
    upon displaying a current driver's license or other identification,
    and one of the following:
    (1) A badge or other confirmation that the individual is acting in
    his or her capacity as a representative of a county sheriff or
    marshal.
    (2) Evidence of current registration as a process server pursuant
    to Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 22350) of Division 8 of the
    Business and Professions Code.
    (b) This section shall only apply to a gated community which is
    staffed at the time service of process is attempted by a guard or
    other security personnel assigned to control access to the community.




    415.30. (a) A summons may be served by mail as provided in this
    section. A copy of the summons and of the complaint shall be mailed
    (by first-class mail or airmail, postage prepaid) to the person to be
    served, together with two copies of the notice and acknowledgment
    provided for in subdivision (b) and a return envelope, postage
    prepaid, addressed to the sender.
    (b) The notice specified in subdivision (a) shall be in
    substantially the following form:

    (Title of court and cause, with action number, to be inserted
    by the sender prior to mailing)
    NOTICE To: (Here state the name of the person to be served.)
    This summons is served pursuant to Section 415.30 of the
    California Code of Civil Procedure. Failure to complete this form
    and return it to the sender within 20 days may subject you (or the
    party on whose behalf you are being served) to liability for the
    payment of any expenses incurred in serving a summons upon you in any
    other manner permitted by law. If you are served on behalf of a
    corporation, unincorporated association (including a partnership), or
    other entity, this form must be signed in the name of such entity by
    you or by a person authorized to receive service of process on
    behalf of such entity. In all other cases, this form must be signed
    by you personally or by a person authorized by you to acknowledge
    receipt of summons. Section 415.30 provides that this summons is
    deemed served on the date of execution of an acknowledgment of
    receipt of summons. _______________Signature of sender

    ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF SUMMONS

    This acknowledges receipt on (insert date) of a copy of the
    summons and of the complaint at (insert address). Date: (Date
    this acknowledgement is executed) Signature of
    person acknowledging receipt, with title if acknowledgment is made on
    behalf of another person
    (c) Service of a summons pursuant to this section is deemed
    complete on the date a written acknowledgement of receipt of summons
    is executed, if such acknowledgement thereafter is returned to the
    sender.
    (d) If the person to whom a copy of the summons and of the
    complaint are mailed pursuant to this section fails to complete and
    return the acknowledgement form set forth in subdivision (b) within
    20 days from the date of such mailing, the party to whom the summons
    was mailed shall be liable for reasonable expenses thereafter
    incurred in serving or attempting to serve the party by another
    method permitted by this chapter, and, except for good cause shown,
    the court in which the action is pending, upon motion, with or
    without notice, shall award the party such expenses whether or not he
    is otherwise entitled to recover his costs in the action.
    (e) A notice or acknowledgment of receipt in form approved by the
    Judicial Council is deemed to comply with this section.




    415.40. A summons may be served on a person outside this state in
    any manner provided by this article or by sending a copy of the
    summons and of the complaint to the person to be served by
    first-class mail, postage prepaid, requiring a return receipt.
    Service of a summons by this form of mail is deemed complete on the
    10th day after such mailing.



    415.45. (a) A summons in an action for unlawful detainer of real
    property may be served by posting if upon affidavit it appears to the
    satisfaction of the court in which the action is pending that the
    party to be served cannot with reasonable diligence be served in any
    manner specified in this article other than publication and that:
    (1) A cause of action exists against the party upon whom service
    is to be made or he is a necessary or proper party to the action; or
    (2) The party to be served has or claims an interest in real
    property in this state that is subject to the jurisdiction of the
    court or the relief demanded in the action consists wholly or in part
    in excluding such party from any interest in such property.
    (b) The court shall order the summons to be posted on the premises
    in a manner most likely to give actual notice to the party to be
    served and direct that a copy of the summons and of the complaint be
    forthwith mailed by certified mail to such party at his last known
    address.
    (c) Service of summons in this manner is deemed complete on the
    10th day after posting and mailing.
    (d) Notwithstanding an order for posting of the summons, a summons
    may be served in any other manner authorized by this article, except
    publication, in which event such service shall supersede any posted
    summons.


    415.46. (a) In addition to the service of a summons and complaint
    in an action for unlawful detainer upon a tenant and subtenant, if
    any, as prescribed by this article, a prejudgment claim of right to
    possession may also be served on any person who appears to be or who
    may claim to have occupied the premises at the time of the filing of
    the action. Service upon occupants shall be made pursuant to
    subdivision (c) by serving a copy of a prejudgment claim of right to
    possession, as specified in subdivision (f), attached to a copy of
    the summons and complaint at the same time service is made upon the
    tenant and subtenant, if any.
    (b) Service of the prejudgment claim of right to possession in
    this manner shall be effected by a marshal, sheriff, or registered
    process server.
    (c) When serving the summons and complaint upon a tenant and
    subtenant, if any, the marshal, sheriff, or registered process server
    shall make a reasonably diligent effort to ascertain whether there
    are other adult occupants of the premises who are not named in the
    summons and complaint by inquiring of the person or persons who are
    being personally served, or any person of suitable age and discretion
    who appears to reside upon the premises, whether there are other
    occupants of the premises.
    If the identity of such an occupant is disclosed to the officer or
    process server and the occupant is present at the premises, the
    officer or process server shall serve that occupant with a copy of
    the prejudgment claim of right to possession attached to a copy of
    the summons and complaint. If personal service cannot be made upon
    that occupant at that time, service may be effected by (1) leaving a
    copy of a prejudgment claim of right to possession attached to a copy
    of the summons and complaint addressed to that occupant with a
    person of suitable age and discretion at the premises, (2) affixing
    the same so that it is not readily removable in a conspicuous place
    on the premises in a manner most likely to give actual notice to that
    occupant, and (3) sending the same addressed to that occupant by
    first-class mail.
    In addition to the service on an identified occupant, or if no
    occupant is disclosed to the officer or process server, or if
    substituted service is made upon the tenant and subtenant, if any,
    the officer or process server shall serve a prejudgment claim of
    right to possession for all other persons who may claim to occupy the
    premises at the time of the filing of the action by (1) leaving a
    copy of a prejudgment claim of right to possession attached to a copy
    of the summons and complaint at the premises at the same time
    service is made upon the tenant and subtenant, if any, (2) affixing
    the same so that it is not readily removable in a conspicuous place
    on the premises so that it is likely to give actual notice to an
    occupant, and (3) sending the same addressed to "all occupants in
    care of the named tenant" to the premises by first-class mail.
    The person serving process shall state the date of service on the
    prejudgment claim of right to possession form. However, the absence
    of the date of service on the prejudgment claim of right to
    possession does not invalidate the claim.
    (d) Proof of service under this section shall be filed with the
    court and shall include a statement that service was made pursuant to
    this section. Service on occupants in accordance with this section
    shall not alter or affect service upon the tenant or subtenant, if
    any.
    (e) If an owner or his or her agent has directed and obtained
    service of a prejudgment claim of right to possession in accordance
    with this section, no occupant of the premises, whether or not such
    occupant is named in the judgment for possession, may object to the
    enforcement of that judgment as prescribed in Section 1174.3.
    (f) The prejudgment claim of right to possession shall be made on
    the following form:



    415.47. (a) Where the lessee has given the lessor written notice of
    the lessee's intent not to abandon leased real property as provided
    in Section 1951.3 of the Civil Code, the summons in an action for
    unlawful detainer of the real property may be served on the lessee by
    certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the lessee at the
    address stated in the lessee's notice of intent not to abandon if
    such summons is deposited in the mail within 60 days from the date
    the lessee's notice of intent not to abandon is received by the
    lessor. Service in this manner is deemed completed on the 10th day
    after such mailing.
    (b) Where the lessee has given the lessor written notice of the
    lessee's intent not to abandon leased real property as provided in
    Section 1951.3 of the Civil Code, but failed to include in such
    notice an address at which the lessee may be served by certified mail
    in any action for unlawful detainer of the real property, the
    summons in an action for unlawful detainer of the real property may
    be served on the lessee by certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed
    to the lessee at (1) the same address or addresses to which the
    lessor's notice of belief of abandonment was addressed if that notice
    was given by mail or (2) the address of the real property if the
    lessor's notice of belief of abandonment was personally served on the
    lessee. Service may not be made pursuant to this subdivision unless
    the summons is deposited in the mail within 60 days from the date
    the lessee's notice of intent not to abandon is received by the
    lessor. Service in the manner authorized by this subdivision is
    deemed completed on the 10th day after such mailing.
    (c) This section provides an alternative method of service on the
    lessee and does not preclude service in any other manner authorized
    by this chapter.


    415.50. (a) A summons may be served by publication if upon
    affidavit it appears to the satisfaction of the court in which the
    action is pending that the party to be served cannot with reasonable
    diligence be served in another manner specified in this article and
    that either:
    (1) A cause of action exists against the party upon whom service
    is to be made or he or she is a necessary or proper party to the
    action.
    (2) The party to be served has or claims an interest in real or
    personal property in this state that is subject to the jurisdiction
    of the court or the relief demanded in the action consists wholly or
    in part in excluding the party from any interest in the property.
    (b) The court shall order the summons to be published in a named
    newspaper, published in this state, that is most likely to give
    actual notice to the party to be served and direct that a copy of the
    summons, the complaint, and the order for publication be forthwith
    mailed to the party if his or her address is ascertained before
    expiration of the time prescribed for publication of the summons.
    Except as otherwise provided by statute, the publication shall be
    made as provided by Section 6064 of the Government Code unless the
    court, in its discretion, orders publication for a longer period.
    (c) Service of a summons in this manner is deemed complete as
    provided in Section 6064 of the Government Code.
    (d) Notwithstanding an order for publication of the summons, a
    summons may be served in another manner authorized by this chapter,
    in which event the service shall supersede any published summons.
    (e) As a condition of establishing that the party to be served
    cannot with reasonable diligence be served in another manner
    specified in this article, the court may not require that a search be
    conducted of public databases where access by a registered process
    server to residential addresses is prohibited by law or by published
    policy of the agency providing the database, including, but not
    limited to, voter registration rolls and records of the Department of
    Motor Vehicles.


    416.10. A summons may be served on a corporation by delivering a
    copy of the summons and of the complaint:
    (a) To the person designated as agent for service of process as
    provided by any provision in Section 202, 1502, 2105 or 2107 of the
    Corporations Code (or Sections 3301 to 3303, inclusive, or Sections
    6500 to 6504, inclusive, of the Corporations Code as in effect on
    December 31, 1976 with respect to corporations to which they remain
    applicable);
    (b) To the president or other head of the corporation, a vice
    president, a secretary or assistant secretary, a treasurer or
    assistant treasurer, a general manager, or a person authorized by the
    corporation to receive service of process;
    (c) If the corporation is a bank, to a cashier or assistant
    cashier or to a person specified in subdivision (a) or (b); or
    (d) When authorized by any provision in Section 1701, 1702, 2110
    or 2111 of the Corporations Code (or Sections 3301 to 3303,
    inclusive, or Sections 6500 to 6504, inclusive, of the Corporations
    Code as in effect on December 31, 1976, with respect to corporations
    to which they remain applicable), as provided by such provision.



    416.20. A summons may be served on a corporation that has forfeited
    its charter or right to do business, or has dissolved, by delivering
    a copy of the summons and of the complaint:
    (a) To a person who is a trustee of the corporation and of its
    stockholders or members; or
    (b) When authorized by any provision in Sections 2011 or 2114 of
    the Corporations Code (or Sections 3301 to 3303, inclusive, or
    Sections 6500 to 6504, inclusive, of the Corporations Code as in
    effect on December 31, 1976, with respect to corporations to which
    they remain applicable), as provided by such provision.



    416.30. A summons may be served on a joint stock company or
    association by delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint
    as provided by Section 416.10 or 416.20.



    416.40. A summons may be served on an unincorporated association
    (including a partnership) by delivering a copy of the summons and of
    the complaint:
    (a) If the association is a general or limited partnership, to the
    person designated as agent for service of process as provided in
    Section 24003 of the Corporations Code or to a general partner or the
    general manager of the partnership;
    (b) If the association is not a general or limited partnership, to
    the person designated as agent for service of process as provided in
    Section 24003 of the Corporations Code or to the president or other
    head of the association, a vice president, a secretary or assistant
    secretary, a treasurer or assistant treasurer, a general manager, or
    a person authorized by the association to receive service of process;

    (c) When authorized by Section 15700 or 24007 of the Corporations
    Code, as provided by the applicable section.



    416.50. (a) A summons may be served on a public entity by
    delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the clerk,
    secretary, president, presiding officer, or other head of its
    governing body.
    (b) As used in this section, "public entity" includes the state
    and any office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or
    agency of the state, the Regents of the University of California, a
    county, city, district, public authority, public agency, and any
    other political subdivision or public corporation in this state.



    416.60. A summons may be served on a minor by delivering a copy of
    the summons and of the complaint to his parent, guardian,
    conservator, or similar fiduciary, or, if no such person can be found
    with reasonable diligence, to any person having the care or control
    of such minor or with whom he resides or by whom he is employed, and
    to the minor if he is at least 12 years of age.



    416.70. A summons may be served on a person (other than a minor)
    for whom a guardian, conservator, or similar fiduciary has been
    appointed by delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to
    his guardian, conservator, or similar fiduciary and to such person,
    but, for good cause shown, the court in which the action is pending
    may dispense with delivery to such person.



    416.80. When authorized by Section 11 of the Elections Code, a
    summons may be served as provided by that section.



    416.90. A summons may be served on a person not otherwise specified
    in this article by delivering a copy of the summons and of the
    complaint to such person or to a person authorized by him to receive
    service of process.


    417.10. Proof that a summons was served on a person within this
    state shall be made:
    (a) If served under Section 415.10, 415.20, or 415.30, by the
    affidavit of the person making such service showing the time, place,
    and manner of service and facts showing that such service was made in
    accordance with this chapter. Such affidavit shall recite or in
    other manner show the name of the person to whom a copy of the
    summons and of the complaint were delivered, and, if appropriate, his
    title or the capacity in which he is served, and that the notice
    required by Section 412.30 appeared on the copy of the summons
    served, if in fact it did appear.
    If service is made by mail pursuant to Section 415.30, proof of
    service shall include the acknowledgement of receipt of summons in
    the form provided by that section or other written acknowledgment of
    receipt of summons satisfactory to the court.
    (b) If served by publication pursuant to Section 415.50, by the
    affidavit of the publisher or printer, or his foreman or principal
    clerk, showing the time and place of publication, and an affidavit
    showing the time and place a copy of the summons and of the complaint
    were mailed to the party to be served, if in fact mailed.
    (c) If served pursuant to another statute of this state, in the
    manner prescribed by such statute or, if no manner is prescribed, in
    the manner prescribed by this section for proof of a similar manner
    of service.
    (d) By the written admission of the party.
    (e) If served by posting pursuant to Section 415.45, by the
    affidavit of the person who posted the premises, showing the time and
    place of posting, and an affidavit showing the time and place copies
    of the summons and of the complaint were mailed to the party to be
    served, if in fact mailed.
    (f) All proof of personal service shall be made on a form adopted
    by the Judicial Council.



    417.20. Proof that a summons was served on a person outside this
    state shall be made:
    (a) If served in a manner specified in a statute of this state, as
    prescribed by Section 417.10, and if service is made by mail
    pursuant to Section 415.40, proof of service shall include evidence
    satisfactory to the court establishing actual delivery to the person
    to be served, by a signed return receipt or other evidence;
    (b) In the manner prescribed by the court order pursuant to which
    the service is made;
    (c) Subject to any additional requirements that may be imposed by
    the court in which the action is pending, in the manner prescribed by
    the law of the place where the person is served for proof of service
    in an action in its courts of general jurisdiction; or
    (d) By the written admission of the party.
    (e) If served by posting pursuant to Section 415.45, by the
    affidavit of the person who posted the premises, showing the time and
    place of posting, and an affidavit showing the time and place copies
    of the summons and of the complaint were mailed to the party to be
    served, if in fact mailed.


    417.30. (a) After a summons has been served on a person, the
    summons must be returned together with proof of service as provided
    in Section 417.10 or 417.20, unless the defendant has previously made
    a general appearance.
    (b) If a summons is lost after service has been made but before it
    is returned, an affidavit of the person who made the service showing
    the time, place, and manner of service and facts showing that such
    service was made in accordance with this chapter may be returned with
    the same effect as if the summons itself were returned.



    417.40. Any proof of service which is signed by a person registered
    under Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 22350) of Division 8 of
    the Business and Professions Code or his employee or independent
    contractor shall indicate the county in which he is registered and
    the number assigned to him pursuant to Section 22355 of the Business
    and Professions Code.


    Click here: California Link

  2. #2
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    Thumbs up Thanks

    Kanda, thank you so much for this information and link! I am just starting out in California and needless to say I have felt a bit lost in where I should begin. I am still going through the legal jargon but this will be most helpful.

    Wouldn't it be nice if there was a step-by-step process to almost anything? Step one decide to be a PI. Step two Decide what licenses you need Step three go here. If only things were that simple.

    I know that California is a particularly difficult state so any suggestions you may have will be beneficial.

    See you on the forums.
    Marisa
    "Success lies not in being the best,
    but in doing your best."

    --Anonymous

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Thanks for providing it straight from the PC. I know I have done quite a few serves but looking over this again was great. There is soooooo much information you need to look it over every once in a while. It is too easy to forget some of the little points.

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    Part or full time.

    Lot of good information. One question. Could process serving be used to supplement your other cases and income or is being a Process server a full time job?

  5. #5
    Carmen Acai's Avatar
    Carmen Acai is offline *** Certified

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    Randy, there are many cases when being a process server is not a simple job. Not everybody would like to be served with "papers." You can start it as a part-time to "warm up" and then do it as a full-time. Experience is important in being a PI no matter the area of activity you would like to get expertize. Good luck to you, and talk to you later.

  6. #6
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    Thumbs up Thanks!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Carmen Acai
    Randy, there are many cases when being a process server is not a simple job. Not everybody would like to be served with "papers." You can start it as a part-time to "warm up" and then do it as a full-time. Experience is important in being a PI no matter the area of activity you would like to get expertize. Good luck to you, and talk to you later.
    Thanks very much for your reply, it was just what I needed to know.

  7. #7
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    How would a good way to advertise yourself as a process server?Go online and post yourself I guess would be one way.Or contact as many law firms as possible.I would be willing to do it for the experience.

  8. #8

    California Process Server

    After reading the forum information of process serving I would like to get started. I know my work is cut out for me and I know I must start some where. Where do I Start? Besides reading the forums and along with making the decision to start. Information of fees if any and where to pay them and what papers needed to be filed is what I'm pursusing. I might have to get all this information on my own but if I could get a little help it would be helpful. A job of an investigator is never done or shell I say it is always in process. Procedure must be followed I guest for me to achieve my quest to become a respected Private Investigator. Wish me luck you guys, I will need every bit of it. One motivating factor is the need of earn the money I would recieve from competing the process served. May the process begin!

  9. #9
    Carmen Acai's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Clinton Hendricks
    Where do I Start? .... Information of fees if any and where to pay them and what papers needed to be filed is what I'm pursusing. I might have to get all this information on my own but if I could get a little help it would be helpful. ......May the process begin!
    Amin to that! There is only one thing that I cannot understand: since the very beginning a new member joins IPIU, we advise him/her to read all these Forums and use the Search button to find topics. This is a method by which, we help our new members to develop an important and major skill for a PI. Just a thought.

    Dear Clinton, there is another Forum on the main page of IPIU concerning this subject under General Discussions Forum:

    http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

    Scroll down until you find the synopsis for your state, which is this link (read the replies, as well):

    http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10549

    I addition to the Licensing Law in this Forum, the Synopsis in the above mentioned Forum, you might also want to do a Google search for CA Association of Photocopiers and Process Servers, as well as for CA Supreme Court website. It seems to me that you want to do it right. Well...spent some time reading all of the above, take prints if necessary, and feel free to rock'n roll.

  10. #10
    Carmen Acai's Avatar
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    I recalled one more thing. We also have a Forum titled: Books, Videos and Resources. There is a thread there for an important book to help those interested in becoming Process Servers: Secrets of Succesful Process Serving. It's focussed on California Law and this is what you need, but mainly spare everybody's research efforts in starting this type of work:

    http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6520

    Enjoy your reading, and if it is not too much of a bother, let us know about the progress of your work.

  11. #11
    Carmen,

    Well said and I will take heed to all that you have shared. I have been enjoying the forums and threads within, and I know with persistance I will achieve my goals. It is nice to hear what others have to say about their concerns, because sometimes there are those who just don't know how to say what they want to say. I have been around for some time now and I come and go from forum to forum, My interest level remains high each and everytime I visit.

    I must say though, this is all worthless if I don't start the process and of course I'm saying this for myself as well as those like me who like to think about it awhile and not be about it. I have found some great advise from these forums and would not turn my back on anyone who needs encourgement every now and then. So here's back at you. Keep up the good work and I'll let you know my progress.

  12. #12
    Carmen Acai's Avatar
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    Thank you, Clinton, for your wishes. The entire IPIU team wants to make sure that we succeed to cover all the help our members need although our time is not enough for the thousands in here.

    We do care and mainly, we do want to hear back from our members. Through your feedback, we can get professional tips specific for certain PI areas of activities or geographical areas. Subsequently, we can better help our new members and offer - based on your help - a better equal opportunity to them to succeed. In my case, this makes me sleep better and really happy.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

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    Thumbs up Great information to know

    Thank you for the information about summons serving. That is a very important aspect of the job. There is alot to read, however justice can't be served without the proper attention to details.

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    Process Serving seems like an interesting area,where would I apply for becoming one.

  15. #15
    kandra,
    thanks for this information on process servers. iam working to become and investigator, but i was also looking into process serving. this information was "right on time." i considered contacting experienced servers for information, so i did not expect to find any information regarding this field on the ipiu. i recently passed the state notary exam and i am currently a pi trainee. i mentioned on one of the other threads that i maintain binders with pertinent information regarding the trade. this infomation was very helpful. thanks for sharing.
    darryl hines

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    I enjoyed all the information you gave, Thank You so much. It really gives me an Idea on what to focus on and how to start.
    Margaret Okin

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    County by County

    I did quite a bit of process serving years ago in Santa Clara County in the SF Bay area. At that time, I worked for the California Agency of Evidence (PI) and got all my assignments from the owner.

    Recently when I checked out processing serving in Santa Cruz County the steps were to fill out an application at a county level, along with fingerprints and background information. Get a $2000 bond from a bonding agency or post the bond yourself. Once all the paperwork went through the county would furnish credentials and a badge.

    Once registration is complete, you can advertise yourself and look for work with PIs or attorney's.

    Santa Clara county had a different system that had slightly more red tape to go through.

    It seems that each county may have their own set of sub-rules. Any one know for sure?

  18. #18
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    Thanks

    Once again, IPIU is the place to get valuable resources ...for anything you might be looking for.

    Thanks alot,
    Marilyn James

  19. #19
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    I am so thankful for all the information I have found here today. I am very interested in getting work in this area & have been hesitant as I really don't know how to get started. Thank all of you for your questions, now I don't have to ask them & thank you IPIU for having the answers. I look forward to my first serve.
    Michele

  20. #20
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    well I'am awaiting right now for my training manuel is anyone working yet has any agencies contacted anyone I would like to know

  21. #21
    What is the best way to get contacts for process serving.
    In a big city it seems this could be a lucrative business. I need some ideas on the best way to approach firms and offer services.
    Anyone who has experience in this area please reply.

    Chris Arsenault

  22. #22
    Jonathan Persky's Avatar
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    Christopher, Good day ! Welcome to IPIU!

    To answer your question, it may benefit you to work with the NAIS ( The National Association of Investigative Specialists) which you will fine online at www.nais.com. You will find a lot of infomration there on becoming Certified in Process Serving; moreover, take the quiz to being certified. There is NO license requirement where I am and pretty sure not in CA neither.
    Get the books. from IPIU here on serving processI soon will b e updating my status to CPS here with a number. It's on the way. Just gotta figure it out. Making contacts is as easy as getting around and marketing yourself wth your credentials in a resume. ! They will guie you, here- 100% Keep in touch my man..
    JON PERSKY
    IPIU - ~CASE EXAMINER~
    jonathan.persky@pi-agency.us
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    Badge # 10601

  23. #23
    Jonathan Persky's Avatar
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    CORRECTION on URL

    Sir

    The correct URL for this info on NAIS CERTIFICATION SUBJECTS[U[U]] would Be [url]www.pimall.com/nais

    Sorry about that.

    Thank you

    Jon
    JON PERSKY
    IPIU - ~CASE EXAMINER~
    jonathan.persky@pi-agency.us
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  24. #24
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    Where do you get registered as a process server in Los Angeles.

  25. #25
    Sal W Hanna -'s Avatar
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    Re: Process Server Laws: California

    Does anyone know of any laws that restrict a registered process server from carrying and using a badge?

  26. #26
    Chezareus Jones's Avatar
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    Re: Process Server Laws: California

    Could i work as a PI, bounty hunter, and a Process Server?

  27. #27
    Sal W Hanna -'s Avatar
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    Re: Process Server Laws: California

    Yes.

  28. #28
    Sal W Hanna -'s Avatar
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    Re: Process Server Laws: California

    Yes, as a licensed private investigator you are allowed to bounty hunt and perform service of process. The downside is the laws are written in a manner that can leave for misinterpretation. Most LEO's don't know the laws, so my suggestion is when carrying out any PI, Bounty or Process Server duty carry a copy of the laws with you.

  29. #29
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    Re: Process Server Laws: California

    Can a person work as a process server for a PI, and get his/her 6,000 hours in that way? Would that be within the BSIS's guidelines? Since it would be under the PI's license.

    Thanks

  30. #30
    Sal W Hanna -'s Avatar
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    Re: Process Server Laws: California

    The simple answer is no. There are qualifying factors though, if you are investigating the location prior to serving the document, then yes you can claim a portion of those hours. Please refer to the Private Investigator Act on the BSIS' website.

  31. #31
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    Re: Process Server Laws: California

    Thanks for the info.

  32. #32
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    Re: Process Server Laws: California

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Shannon View Post
    Can a person work as a process server for a PI, and get his/her 6,000 hours in that way? Would that be within the BSIS's guidelines? Since it would be under the PI's license.

    Thanks
    See the following answer:
    http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthrea...081#post499081
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