Step 1
Learn the all the ins and outs of the job by taking classes. Some college campuses and various private firms offer classes. Process server” has not been established yet as a college major. However, the criminology department of various colleges might offer process server training. Outside entities may even use the college classrooms to teach process server classes. Search the college of your choice on the Internet to see if they offer process server programs. Organizations such as Statewide Process Servers (SPS) give workshops and hold seminars on becoming a process server. They’re contact information is:
Statewide Process Servers
950 North Main Street
Randolph, Massachusetts 02368
617-365 – 2646
servepapers.org
Some topics that you will learn about include:
Process server law
Document research and retrieval
Difficult serve techniques, alternative service, and due diligence
Advanced locate & databases for the legal fields
Report writing, interviewing, and documentation
Reading books is another way to educated yourself about the profession of process server. Visit Amazon.com to find books such as:
The Practical Guide to Process Serving by Wm Stage and Daniel Pearlmutter.
The Process Server’s Handbook: The practical guide to becoming a legal process server by Kenneth Brennan.
Private Investigation and Process Serving: A Comprehensive Guide for Investigators, Process Servers and Attorneys by Raymond P. Siljander.
Step 2
Obtain a surety bond. This insurance will protect process servers against lawsuits caused by a mistake or omission that they have made. Ameribonds is one of the insurance companies that offer surety bonds. They allows process servers to mail in an application for a surety bond or to fill out an online application on their website; ameribonds.com. In order to get approved for the bond a credit check will be performed. If the credit proves sufficient, the bond will be issued. Ameribonds handles nationwide surety bonds. Their contact information is as follows:
Ameribonds Surety & Insurance Services
501 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
800-995-0997
[email protected]
ameribonds.com
Step 3
Authorize to have a background check done by the company you apply to. They will contact the Massachusetts department of Public Safety to make sure you have no serious misdemeanors or felony convictions. More information regarding the background check can be found on mass.gov.
Step 4
Gain work experience by working for an established company. Once aspiring entrepreneurs have gained the needed experience, they can think about starting their own company.
Step 5
Find a reputable company to work for. Attendees of a workshop or seminar by SPS (mentioned in step 1), can ask them about reputable companies to work for. They can assist in the process. Contacting the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS) is another option. They have a members database of reputable process servers throughout the country. Their contact information is:
NAPPS Administrative Office
P.O. Box 4547
Portland, OR 97208-4547
503-222-4180
napps.org
Sources:
Process-Servers.net: How to become a Process Server
Search for Servers.com: Frequently Asked Questions
NPSA: How do I Become a Process Server
Statewide Process Servers: About Us
Ameribonds Surety & Insurance: Massachusetts Surety Bonds
