Do Private Investigators Serve Papers?

If you’re involved in a legal case and struggling to locate someone who needs to be served with court documents, you might be wondering whether a private investigator can help. Although process servers are the traditional choice for serving legal papers, private investigators are sometimes the better option, especially when the intended recipient is trying to avoid being served.

Private investigators can serve legal papers, depending on the jurisdiction and nature of the case. They understand the legal requirements for proper service of process. Beyond that, private investigators also specialize in surveillance, skip tracing, and handling high-conflict or sensitive situations.

At On-Call Legal Process Servers, our licensed private investigators specialize in delivering comprehensive and personalized investigative services to meet your needs. From marital disputes to complex corporate fraud, we provide advanced surveillance for a variety of clients including insurance companies, legal firms, corporate entities, and private individuals. Schedule a free consultation with us now.

In this blog, we’ll explore what private investigators do, whether they can legally serve documents, and when hiring one might make more sense than using a regular process server. If you’re considering this route, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Who Are Private Investigators?

Private investigators (PIs) are licensed professionals hired to gather information, conduct surveillance, and investigate matters on behalf of private individuals, businesses, or attorneys. They work independently or through investigative agencies. Although they often work on legal proceedings that involve legal or criminal matters, note that they are not law enforcement officers.

People hire private investigators when they need professional help gathering information, uncovering the truth, or resolving sensitive issues that cannot be addressed through standard means. This is mostly because PIs have access to tools, databases, and methods that private citizens and even some professionals do not.

For example, you can hire a PI to discreetly investigate a spouse or partner you suspect of being unfaithful. PIs can conduct surveillance, track movements, and gather photographic or video evidence to confirm or rule out suspicions.

Can Private Investigators Serve Legal Papers?

Yes, private investigators can serve legal papers, but it depends on the laws of the state they operate in and whether they meet the legal requirements to act as a process server. In California, licensed private investigators are exempt from registering as process servers and are legally allowed to serve most types of legal documents. Contrarily, private investigators in Nevada are required to get a license from the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board before they’re allowed to legally serve papers. Examples of legal documents private investigators serve include summons and complaints, subpoenas, notices, deposition subpoenas, and small claims documents.

However, PIs cannot serve some types of legal documents unless they’re also registered as process servers. These restricted types of legal documents may include eviction notices, bank levies or wage garnishments, and documents requiring service by a sheriff or marshal. It’s always best to find out who can serve court papers in your jurisdiction before you go ahead to hire anyone.

Why Should You Hire a Private Investigator to Serve Papers?

While a professional process server is the go-to for serving most legal documents, private investigators bring added skills and resources that makes them more suitable in situations where traditional service of process may fail. Here’s a summary of the reasons you might want to hire a PI to serve legal documents:

1. PIs can locate hard-to-find individuals using a process known as skip tracing. They have access to advanced databases, tools, and investigative techniques for locating individuals who are avoiding service, have moved without leaving a trace, or are intentionally hiding.
2. They are trained to handle evasive or hostile recipients. PIs receive professional training on how best to handle a recipient known to avoid service or be confrontational. For instance, they may use surveillance techniques to determine the best time and place for delivery.
3. They can also use surveillance to confirm the subject’s identity and routine. With this, they can document the service with photos, video, detailed logs, and other kinds of evidence gathering, which are especially useful if the service is later challenged in court.
4. PIs offer discreet service for high profile or emotionally charged situations. Such situations may include infidelity cases, restraining orders, or custody battles. They’re mostly the cases where, on one hand, there’s no need for unnecessary attention, and on the other, there’s a need to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
5. PIs understand the legal procedures and requirements as well as the importance of proper service of process. Hence, they make sure to meet all legal criteria and provide proof of service. Although they often use extra techniques such as skip tracing, they still keep their operations within legal boundaries to be sure they don’t create a legal ground for invalidating the service.
6. They can handle out-of-state complex cases. If the subject has crossed state lines or the case involves multiple jurisdictions, a licensed PI can coordinate across locations or use national networks to ensure timely and legal delivery of documents.

How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost?

Most private investigators in the United States charge hourly rates between $50 to $200. The exact amount you’ll pay for their services depends on factors such as the type of investigative service, the nature of the case, and the location. For example, in California, background checks for criminal history may cost around $200 to $600. Meanwhile, more comprehensive checks in specialized areas such as financial records or social media may cost up to $1000 or more.

How much it costs to hire a private investigator in major cities may be significantly higher than for those in more rural areas. Moreover, those with specialized skills such as cyber investigations and multilingual services usually charge higher. For cases involving a business or an organization, such as investigation into fraud, embezzlement, or bribery, private investigators may charge thousands of dollars because of the time and specialized skill demand.

Note that the prices on this blog refer to general costs and do not refer to our fees at On-Call Legal Process Servers. For a more concise quote tailored to your specific private investigator service needs, contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your needs in detail.

Always request a written contract or engagement letter detailing rates, scope of work, and billing practices. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the most effective; consider experience, licensing, and discretion just as much as you consider price.

How to Hire a Private Investigator for Process Serving

It takes clear communication and thorough research to choose a qualified and trustworthy PI for your service of process. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to get a private investigator to help you:

• Define Your Objective – Before hiring a PI, you need to know exactly why you need one. Whether it’s for a background check or to find a missing person, having a clear goal will help you find an investigator with the right skills for your situation.
• Verify Licensing – Make sure the private investigator is licensed in your state. For example, in California, PIs must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Ask the investigator for their license number and business name. You can check their license status on your state’s official licensing website.
• Check Experience and Specialization – Some investigators focus on surveillance, while others are better at finding missing people, handling fraud investigations, or other types of cases. Choosing someone with the right background (that have handled cases like yours before) increases the chance of getting good results.
• Review Their Credentials and Reputation – Look for online reviews on sites like Google or Yelp, and check with the Better Business Bureau. You can also ask if they belong to professional associations like the California Association of Licensed Investigators. The goal is to make sure they follow legal and ethical standards.
• Request a Consultation – Most private investigators offer a short meeting or phone call before starting a job. Maximize this time to explain your situation, discuss how they will communicate with you, how often they will send updates, and how they keep your information private.
• Discuss Pricing and Payment Terms – Some PIs charge by the hour, while others offer flat fees for certain tasks. Ask if they require a minimum number of hours or a retainer up front. Also, check if there are any extra fees for things like travel, photos, or reports.
• Sign a Contract – Always get a written contract before the investigator begins work. The contract should list the services they will provide, the estimated cost, how and when you’ll pay, and what happens if you decide to stop the job early. It should also include terms about confidentiality.
• Maintain Communication – Once the investigative service begins, stay in touch with the investigator but let them do their work. You should expect regular updates on the progress. If you have questions, ask, but avoid interfering with the investigation unless they advise you to get involved.

Alternative Methods for Process Service Instead of a PI

If hiring a private investigator isn’t the right fit for your case or budget, there are several other legal ways to serve the necessary legal documents. Generally, any individual who is older than 18 years and is not a party to the case can serve legal papers. However, it’s always better to work with a professional who understands the requirements for proper process service to avoid mistakes that may render the service invalid.

The most common way to serve legal documents is to hire a registered professional process server. A process server is trained in legal service requirements and is often more affordable than private investigators. After serving the papers, process servers provide an affidavit of process service as formal evidence that they’ve completed the constructive service. Some experienced process servers like On-Call Legal Process Servers also provide overall legal support for law firms, attorneys, or individuals who hire them.

In some jurisdictions, especially for government-related or civil court cases, the local sheriff’s department, court-appointed marshal, or local police can serve legal papers. This method is reliable and cost-effective, especially for restraining orders, evictions, or small claims matters. However, they may have limited availability or slower turnaround times.

When personal service does not work after a reasonable number of attempts, the court may approve alternative methods of service such as by certified mail with a return receipt, substitute service, or by email. Often as a last resort, if the person cannot be found despite reasonable efforts, a judge may permit service by publication.

Need Help Serving Legal Papers?

Private investigators can serve legal papers as long as they meet the legal requirements in your state. Their unique training and resources make them especially useful in difficult cases where someone is evading service or where discretion is important. Just make sure you verify their credentials, understand their process, and work with someone experienced in legal document delivery to protect the integrity of your case.

You can trust our experienced private investigators at On-Call Legal Process Servers for investigative services tailored specifically for your need. We’re also professional process servers and can help you deliver your legal documents in California and nationwide. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss your needs.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between a Process Server and a Private Investigator?

A process server is hired specifically to deliver legal documents in legal proceedings, while a private investigator can do that and also conduct investigations like surveillance or background checks. PIs are licensed and may offer more advanced services.

Why Would a Private Investigator Serve Papers?

PIs are often hired for serving process when the person is hard to find or trying to avoid service. They can use investigative tools for locating elusive individuals and legally serve them.

Are You Obligated to Talk to a Private Investigator?

No, you are not legally required to speak with a private investigator. You can choose to remain silent or refer them to your attorney.

Who Is Authorized to Serve Papers?

Legal papers can be served by registered process servers, licensed private investigators, sheriffs, or any adult not involved in the case, depending on local laws. Each must follow the proper legal procedure.