Do Legal Couriers Call Before Serving?

No, most legal couriers usually do not call before serving formal legal documents like summons, subpoenas, or eviction notices. They do this deliberately to prevent the recipient from avoiding service, which could delay legal proceedings.

However, if the courier is only delivering documents (such as contracts, settlement papers, or internal legal documents) and not serving them legally, they may call ahead to schedule or confirm delivery just like any other courier service. This article will help you understand the difference in these situations so you can respond appropriately and avoid scams or legal trouble.

For over 16 years, On-Call Legal Process Servers has been the most dependable legal courier service in Los Angeles, offering same-day delivery in full compliance with service rules. We protect your confidentiality, follow all legal service rules, and our live tracking keeps you informed every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation now to ensure your documents are served properly and on time.

In this article, you’ll understand when legal couriers do or do not call before serving, how their process works, how to spot and avoid scam attempts, and the right steps to take when you’re expecting legal papers.

Types of Legal Couriers Who Deliver Documents

Depending on the type of paperwork and the requirements of the case, different professionals or services may be responsible for ensuring documents reach the right person or institution. Below are the main types of legal couriers who qualify to deliver legal papers:

1. Process Servers: A process server is a professional hired to personally deliver legal documents to parties involved in a legal proceeding. Examples of legal documents that process servers deliver include summonses, complaints, subpoenas, restraining orders, or eviction notices. After delivery, they’re required to file a proof or affidavit of service with the court. Process servers must follow strict state laws about how and when to serve papers to be sure the service is valid.
2. Sheriffs or Constables: In many jurisdictions, sheriffs or constables act as official officers of the court and are part of the people who can serve legal papers. Because they carry the authority of local law enforcement, their service is legally recognized and sometimes mandatory for certain case types. They usually serve order-related documents like eviction notices, writs of execution, or orders of protection.
3. Court Clerks and Court Runners: Court clerks may not serve individuals directly, but they handle the filing and transfer of documents within the court system. In larger cities, private “court runners” or “filing couriers” deliver paperwork between law firms, courthouses, and government agencies. They deal mainly with administrative filings, not personal service of lawsuits.
4. Private Legal Couriers: Law firms often hire private courier services that specialize in transporting sensitive or time-critical documents, such as contracts, settlement agreements, or discovery materials. These couriers function much like express delivery services but are trained to handle confidential legal paperwork with accuracy and discretion.
5. Private Investigators or Specialized Agents: An attorney or process serving company can employ licensed private investigators (PIs) or specialized agents to serve documents when a recipient is difficult to locate or intentionally evasive. PIs are skilled in surveillance, skip tracing, and discreet document delivery, ensuring legal papers reach their intended target while following proper service rules.
6. In-House Legal Department Couriers: Large corporations, government agencies, or law firms may have internal couriers who handle the secure delivery of legal paperwork. They operate within the organization, moving sensitive files, contracts, or litigation materials between departments, branch offices, or partner firms. Their role ensures efficiency and confidentiality without relying on outside services.

Do Legal Couriers Call Before Serving?

Legal couriers may or may not call before serving, depending on the type of document they are delivering and their role in the process.

Legal couriers usually DO NOT call if they are acting as official process servers. This is in situations where they’re formally serving court documents like summons, complaints, subpoenas, restraining orders, and eviction notices. Not calling is intentional because advance notice could give the recipient a chance to avoid service.

On the other hand, legal couriers DO call if they are just delivering legal documents as couriers and not formal service of process. For example, when delivering contracts, settlement documents, or sensitive but non-court materials, private courier companies or in-house legal department couriers may contact the recipient.

In such scenarios, they can call ahead to schedule delivery just like any other courier service, especially for business-to-business services. Their purpose is not to surprise but to make sure delivery is efficient and secure.

Reasons a Legal Courier Might Call Before Serving

You might have heard that legitimate process servers usually deliver without warning. But sometimes, a legal courier might choose to call first before delivering legal documents for valid reasons. Understanding these reasons helps you identify genuine process server calls and avoid falling victim to process server scam calls.

1. They are delivering, not formally serving – If the legal courier is only transporting legal paperwork, they may call ahead to confirm someone will be available. In these cases, the documents don’t require personal service, so the courier can treat them like any other scheduled delivery.
2. You agreed to accept service voluntarily – In some situations, people or their lawyers agree to accept service without the need for surprise. If you’ve made such an agreement, the courier may call to set a convenient time and place to meet you and hand over the papers.
3. The documents don’t require personal service – Not all legal papers must be personally served. Some can be sent by mail or delivered by courier as a courtesy copy. When personal service isn’t legally required, the courier might call to arrange a smooth and timely delivery.
4. They are coordinating to ensure you are available – Even when formal service is required, some couriers may call simply to confirm you’ll be around at the time they plan to serve you. That way, they can prevent wasted trips, especially if they’re traveling a long distance or working on a tight schedule.
5. They want to avoid failed delivery attempts – If previous attempts to reach you have failed because you weren’t home (not because you were avoiding service), the courier might call to confirm you’ll be present. Moreover, there are things process servers are not allowed to do, such as trespassing on private property. So, if you live in a secure building or gated community that requires private access codes or permissions, they may need to call you before coming.

Reasons Couriers Usually Don’t Call

Although there’s no strict federal law prohibiting legal couriers from calling ahead, most avoid it, especially when they’re handling formal service of legal documents. Here are some of the main reasons they usually don’t call first.

1. They need to prevent evasion of service – Some people might refuse to answer the door to a process server if they find out a legal document is coming. Sometimes, they may even leave the location altogether. To prevent this, most process servers don’t give any warning to increase their chances of completing personal service on the first attempt.
2. They must follow strict service rules – Personal service has to meet specific legal requirements, such as handing the documents directly to you and proving it was done correctly. Since calling first isn’t part of the legal procedure, many servers avoid anything that could complicate or be seen as interfering with the process.
3. They want to maintain neutrality and professionalism – The legal system requires process servers to remain neutral and unbiased in legal proceedings. Sometimes, calling ahead might look like trying to negotiate or coordinate, which might insinuate that the process server is working on behalf of one side.
4. They are trained to serve without warning – Most professional process servers are specifically trained to approach people without advance notice. It’s considered standard industry practice because it increases the chance of successful, undisputed service on the first attempt.

How Legal Couriers Typically Operate

To help you avoid process server scam calls, let’s discuss the step-by-step process legal couriers follow to deliver documents. Legal couriers follow a structured process to ensure legal documents are delivered securely, accurately, and on time.

The courier first gets a delivery order from an attorney, law firm, court, individual, or business. The order typically includes details like the type of documents, the pickup location, the delivery address, any deadlines, and special instructions, such as requiring a signature or confidentiality.

Once the assignment is confirmed, the courier picks up the documents. They verify that the documents are complete, and often sign a log or receipt confirming they took custody of them. After pickup, the courier logs the delivery into their tracking system and stores the documents securely, often in sealed envelopes or locked pouches. This helps maintain confidentiality and creates a clear chain of custody.

To save time and avoid missing deadlines, the courier maps out and follows the most efficient route based on distance, deadlines, and traffic conditions. When they reach the destination, they locate the recipient and confirm their identity if needed. Then, they hand over the documents directly or to someone authorized to accept service on behalf of the recipient.

For legal and tracking purposes, the courier collects a signature, timestamp, or other proof that the documents were delivered to the correct person or office. After the delivery, the courier updates the sender with confirmation, often through an electronic system or a delivery receipt. The report is to show that the job has been completed successfully and on time.

How to Spot Fake Legal Couriers Before They Serve You

Scammers sometimes pose as legal couriers or process servers to pressure people into paying fake fees or revealing sensitive personal information. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported a loss of over $1.1 billion to impersonation scams in 2023 alone. With scams like these becoming more common, it’s important to know how to spot fake process servers and couriers before you accept anything from them:

1. They refuse to identify themselves: Legitimate process servers identify themselves by their name, the company they work for, and show proper identification if asked. If the person becomes evasive, aggressive, or refuses to show ID, that’s a major warning sign. Ask to see their official ID badge or business card and call their company directly to verify their identity before accepting anything.
2. They demand immediate payment before giving you documents: Real process servers do not collect money or ask you to pay a “release fee” or “document processing charge” to receive documents. If a supposed courier calls to demand payment up front, it’s likely a scam. Refuse to pay and contact the sender or the court directly to confirm if any payment is actually required.
3. They won’t tell you who sent the documents: While they might not be able to reveal the full contents, real couriers can usually tell you who the sender is. Scammers often dodge this question or give vague answers. The best thing to do is to ask for the name of the law firm, company, or court that sent the documents and verify their involvement independently.
4. They use threats or scare tactics: Legitimate process servers or couriers don’t threaten or try to pressure you into immediate action. On the other hand, fake couriers sometimes claim you’ll be arrested, sued immediately, or face other severe legal consequences if you don’t cooperate. In such situations, stay calm, refuse to engage with threats, and contact a lawyer or local law enforcement to verify the claim.
5. They ask for confidential information: Sometimes, scammers try to trick their victims into giving out sensitive personal or financial information. They may pretend to be confirming your identity or processing your documents for free. To stay safe, never share personal details on the spot. Instead, ask for written instructions or call the supposed sender using official contact information.
6. They don’t provide any paperwork or proof of the delivery: Legitimate legal couriers typically have a delivery order, tracking number, or receipt for you to sign. On the other hand, scammers often show up empty-handed or provide no way to verify the delivery or legal action. To avoid falling victim, request to see their delivery paperwork or tracking reference, and don’t accept the documents without the relevant details.
7. They contact you only by phone or text with vague details: Be cautious if someone calls or texts saying they have “urgent legal documents” without giving specifics or a company name. Real legal couriers usually give clear instructions and official contact information. If you suspect a phone call from a courier might be a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities.

What to Do if You Expect Legal Documents

If you’re expecting legal documents, it’s important to handle the process carefully and respond appropriately so nothing goes wrong. First, confirm who is sending the documents, the type of documents, and how they will be delivered. This helps you know what to look out for and makes it easier to spot any suspicious activity or impersonation attempts.

Make sure the sender has your correct contact details, including your address, phone number, and email. Also, find out the expected delivery method, whether by legal courier, process server, or mail. Try to be available around the expected delivery time to avoid missed attempts or delays.

When the documents arrive, ask to see the courier or process server’s identification and confirm the company they represent. Once you receive the documents, keep any proof of service, receipts, or tracking information in a safe place in case you need to show when or how the papers were delivered.

Protect Yourself From Legal Courier Scams

Most legal couriers and process servers avoid calling before service to prevent people from evading legal documents. However, they may contact you if the delivery isn’t a formal service of process. That’s why you should understand how legal couriers operate and be able to identify red flags of scams. Always confirm the sender’s identity to protect yourself from fraud and ensure a smooth delivery process.

If you’re looking for a legal courier service to deliver your documents, On-Call Legal Process Servers can help. With over 16 years of experience as process servers in California, we offer insured, same-day delivery and real-time tracking to keep your documents safe and compliant with all legal requirements. Contact us today for a free consultation and get your legal documents delivered with speed, security, and confidence.

FAQ

If you’re expecting legal papers or wondering why a process server is calling you, it’s natural to have questions about how the process works or how to identify legitimate service. With over 16 years of experience in the legal services industry, we’ve provided comprehensive answers to some of the most common questions you may have about legal couriers.

What Happens if You Avoid Being Served?

Avoiding service doesn’t set you free from a court case. Instead, the court may allow other methods of service after a few attempts. Such methods may include substituted service, service by certified mail, or even by publication. Once that happens, the case can still move forward without your participation.

How to Identify a Legitimate Legal Courier

A real legal courier will show official identification, provide the name of their company, and explain who sent the documents. They won’t demand payment, use threats, or pressure you to share personal information.

Are Legal Couriers Required to Provide Advance Notice?

No, legal couriers and process servers are not required to call ahead. In fact, many avoid giving notice to prevent people from avoiding service.

Can a Legal Courier Serve Documents at Work?

Yes, legal documents can be served at your workplace if allowed by your state’s rules. The server can give them directly to you or to a suitable person if you are not available.

Do Process Servers Leave Voicemails?

Sometimes, a special process server may leave voicemails, but not always. Many avoid leaving voicemails so the person doesn’t have a chance to avoid being served. Whatever the case, the key is to be careful and always verify the identity of the server before accepting or responding to their requests.

Do I Have to Sign for Legal Papers?

Usually, no. In most cases, the server just needs to hand the documents to you and record that they did, whether or not you sign.

Can a Legal Courier Leave Papers With a Family Member?

Yes, in some situations. If you’re not home, the server may be allowed to leave the papers with another adult in your household and then mail a copy to you, depending on your state’s rules.