Sometimes, people confuse the roles of a process server and a private investigator. While both professions deal with the law, their roles greatly differ. Let’s dive into the key differences between these two professions to help you understand which professional will serve you best.
Process Servers
What is a Process Server?
A process server serves legal documents to people or organizations who are involved in a lawsuit. They ensure that those people or organizations are given the necessary legal documents and are made aware of the legal proceedings.
The Benefits of Hiring a Process Server
- Expertise in Legal Procedures: Process servers are well-versed in local, state, and federal laws. As a result, they can ensure that legal documents are served in compliance with the law.
- Efficiency: If you’re having trouble tracking down an individual to serve them papers, a process server can find them for you. This makes them far more efficient than if you were working on your own.
- Affidavits of Service: After serving the documents, process servers provide an affidavit of service, which serves as legal proof of the completed service. You’ll never have to worry if the service wasn’t performed properly.
Private Investigators
What is a Private Investigator?
A private investigator, or a PI, conducts investigations on behalf of their clients. Their services may include background checks, surveillance, locating missing persons, and gathering evidence for legal cases.
When to Hire a Private Investigator
While process servers focus on delivering legal documents, private investigators are investigative by nature. PIs can be valuable in situations where extensive research, surveillance, or evidence gathering is needed. However, process servers are best for services such as skip tracing, document retrieval, and more.
The Verdict: Process Server or Private Investigator?
While both process servers and private investigators play important roles in legal matters, they offer different services. If you need to serve legal documents, a process server is the ideal choice.
If you need to hire a reliable process server, then contact Reliant Court Services at (631) 567-3120 today.