
MARYLAND PRIVATE PROCESS
Frequently Asked Questions
At Chesapeake Process Servers, we provide professional process service, skip tracing, court filing, stakeouts, and legal courier services throughout Maryland. Below are some of the most common questions we receive about our services.
Process Service FAQs
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1. What is a process server?
A process server is a professional responsible for delivering legal documents such as subpoenas, summons, complaints, and court orders to individuals or businesses involved in a legal proceeding.
​2. Why do I need a process server?
Process servers ensure that legal documents are delivered properly and in compliance with Maryland law. Using a professional ensures valid proof of service, reducing the risk of case delays or dismissals.
​3. What types of legal documents do you serve?
We serve a wide range of legal documents, including:
✔ Summons & Complaints
✔ Subpoenas
✔ Divorce Papers
✔ Eviction Notices
✔ Small Claims Filings
✔ Child Custody & Support Orders
✔ Restraining Orders
✔ Debt Collection Notices
​4. How many attempts do you make?
Our standard process service includes three attempts at different times of the day and on different days to maximize the chances of successful service. Additional attempts can be made if needed.
​5. What happens if the person being served is evasive?
If the individual is avoiding service, we offer stakeout services where our Maryland-licensed private investigators conduct surveillance to track and serve the subject at the best opportunity.
​6. Do you provide proof of service?
Yes! We provide an Affidavit of Service (also known as a Proof of Service) after successful delivery, which can be used in court to confirm that the documents were legally served.
​7. Can you serve documents in another state?
Yes! While we are based in Maryland, we have a network of process servers nationwide and can facilitate out-of-state service as needed.
8. How much does process service cost?
Pricing varies based on location, urgency, and difficulty of service. Contact us for a free quote based on your specific needs.
​9. Can you serve someone at their workplace?
Yes, we can serve individuals at their place of employment, as long as it is allowed under Maryland law and workplace policies.
10. What if the person refuses to accept the documents?
The recipient does not have to physically accept the documents for service to be valid. If they refuse, the process server can document the attempt and leave the papers in a way that meets legal requirements.
11. Do you offer same-day or rush service?
Yes, we offer rush service for urgent cases. Additional fees may apply for expedited service.
12. Can you serve someone in jail or a correctional facility?
Yes, we can serve individuals in jails or correctional facilities in Maryland, though procedures may vary by facility.
13. Do you perform skip tracing to locate individuals who are difficult to find?
Yes, we offer skip tracing services to locate hard-to-find individuals before attempting service.
14. What happens if service cannot be completed?
If all reasonable attempts are unsuccessful, we provide a detailed affidavit of non-service, which can be used in court to request alternative service methods.
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15. Can you provide video or photographic evidence of service?
Yes, upon request, we can document service attempts with photos or video as additional proof.
16. What is alternative service, and when is it used?
If a person cannot be served directly, we can assist in requesting court approval for alternative service methods, such as service by mail, publication, or leaving documents with a responsible party.
17. Are process servers required to be licensed in Maryland?
Maryland does not require process servers to be licensed, but they must follow strict legal procedures. Our team consists of professional and experienced process servers who understand Maryland laws.
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18. How do I know if my documents have been served?
We provide real-time updates, including date-stamped records of service attempts and an Affidavit of Service once the job is completed.
19. Do you work with law firms, businesses, and private individuals?
Yes, we serve documents for attorneys, law firms, corporations, landlords, and private individuals in need of legal document delivery.
20. What areas of Maryland do you cover?
We provide process service throughout the entire state of Maryland.
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Skip Tracing FAQs
1. What is skip tracing?
Skip tracing is the process of locating individuals who are difficult to find. This is often necessary when a person has moved, changed their name, or is intentionally avoiding being found.
2. When would I need skip tracing services?
Skip tracing is useful in various situations, including:
✔ Serving legal documents when an address is unknown or outdated.
✔ Locating a witness, debtor, heir, or missing person.
✔ Finding individuals who are intentionally avoiding service or contact.
✔ Reuniting family members or investigating fraud cases.
3. What information do you need to begin a skip trace?
The more information you can provide, the better. Useful details include:
✔ Full name and any known aliases.
✔ Last known address and phone numbers.
✔ Date of birth or Social Security number (if legally obtainable).
✔ Employment history or past affiliations.
✔ Any known relatives or associates.
4. How do you conduct a skip trace?
Our team of Maryland-licensed private investigators utilizes a combination of:
✔ Secure, proprietary databases.
✔ Public records, court filings, and financial records.
✔ Social media and online activity analysis.
✔ Surveillance and in-person investigative techniques.
5. How long does a skip trace take?
Most skip tracing investigations are completed within 24-48 hours, though complex cases may take longer, especially if the individual is actively concealing their whereabouts.
6. Is skip tracing legal?
Yes! Our skip tracing methods comply with all state and federal laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). We never use unlawful means such as pretexting or unauthorized access to private records.
7. Can skip tracing find someone with limited information?
Yes, but the amount of available information affects the difficulty and success rate. Even with minimal details, our team has advanced investigative tools to track down hard-to-find individuals.
8. Can skip tracing be used for debt collection?
Yes, skip tracing is commonly used by attorneys, collection agencies, and businesses to locate debtors who have stopped responding or changed addresses.
9. Can you find people who are actively hiding from the law?
We can locate individuals avoiding civil responsibilities, such as debt repayment or legal service. However, if someone has an active criminal warrant, law enforcement should be involved.
10. What happens if you cannot locate the person?
If all available resources are exhausted, we provide a detailed report outlining our findings, attempted methods, and potential alternative approaches.
11. Do you offer real-time updates during the skip tracing process?
Yes! We keep our clients informed throughout the investigation, providing timely updates on progress and any newly discovered information.
12. Can skip tracing be used for genealogy or finding long-lost relatives?
Absolutely! Skip tracing is not just for legal matters; it can also be helpful in family reunifications, locating biological parents, or verifying heirship in estate cases.
13. How accurate is skip tracing?
Our investigative techniques yield high accuracy, but results depend on the available data, how much effort the subject has put into remaining undetected, and whether they are actively moving or changing identities.
14. How much does skip tracing cost?
Costs vary depending on the difficulty of the case, the resources required, and the urgency of the request. Contact us for a customized quote based on your specific needs.
15. Do you provide nationwide skip tracing services?
Yes! While we are based in Maryland, we have nationwide access to investigative tools and databases, allowing us to locate individuals anywhere in the U.S.
16. Can you assist in serving legal documents once someone is located?
Yes! Once we have identified the current location of the individual, we can coordinate with our professional process servers to ensure they are served in compliance with legal requirements.
17. Can skip tracing help locate assets?
Yes! Skip tracing can be used to uncover assets such as real estate holdings, hidden bank accounts, vehicles, and business affiliations, which is valuable for legal disputes and financial recovery.
18. Do you perform social media investigations as part of skip tracing?
Yes! Social media platforms often provide crucial insights into a person’s whereabouts, lifestyle, and recent activities. Our investigators analyze online footprints to assist in tracking individuals.
19. Can you locate someone who has changed their identity?
While more challenging, we have successfully tracked individuals who have changed their name or identity by cross-referencing various data sources, historical records, and investigative techniques.
20. What industries commonly use skip tracing?
Skip tracing is widely used by:
✔ Attorneys and law firms for legal service and witness location.
✔ Private investigators for missing persons and fraud cases.
✔ Collection agencies for debt recovery.
✔ Insurance companies to investigate claims.
✔ Landlords and property managers to track down former tenants.
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Stakeout Service FAQs
1. What is a stakeout in process serving?
A stakeout is when a licensed private investigator conducts surveillance at a specific location to track down and serve an individual who is actively avoiding legal service.
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2. When is a stakeout necessary?
Stakeouts are used when:
✔ The person being served is intentionally avoiding service.
✔ Previous service attempts at known locations have failed.
✔ The subject frequently moves or has an unpredictable schedule.
✔ The individual uses family members, security, or deception to evade service.
3. How does a stakeout improve the chances of successful service?
By observing a subject’s daily patterns, behaviors, and movement, a well-executed stakeout ensures that our investigators can identify the best moment to serve documents legally.
4. Where do stakeouts take place?
Stakeouts typically occur at:
✔ Residences (if the person lives or frequently visits).
✔ Workplaces (if service at work is permitted).
✔ Known hangout spots such as gyms, bars, or favorite stores.
✔ Family or associates’ homes where the individual may be hiding.
5. How long does a stakeout last?
A typical stakeout session lasts a few hours, but the length can vary based on:
✔ The subject’s routine and movement patterns.
✔ The level of difficulty in locating them.
✔ The urgency and complexity of the case.
6. How do investigators conduct a stakeout?
Our Maryland-licensed private investigators use professional surveillance techniques, including:
✔ Monitoring entry and exit points.
✔ Tracking vehicle movement and behavior.
✔ Recording timestamps and visual evidence of the subject’s presence.
✔ Waiting for the optimal moment to serve legal documents.
7. Do stakeouts involve following the person?
No. A stakeout only involves waiting and observing at a fixed location. If necessary, a separate surveillance investigation may be conducted to track the subject’s movements legally.
8. Is a stakeout legal?
Yes! All surveillance is conducted in compliance with Maryland state laws and federal privacy regulations. We do not trespass, harass, or engage in unethical practices.
9. What happens if the person never shows up?
If the individual does not appear, we provide a detailed report of our surveillance efforts and can discuss alternative methods, such as additional stakeout sessions or skip tracing to locate them.
10. Can you record video or take photos during a stakeout?
Yes, where legally permitted. We document our efforts with photos, video footage, or detailed written reports to support the validity of the stakeout.
11. Can a stakeout be conducted at night?
Yes! Many subjects try to avoid service during the day. We offer early morning, evening, and late-night stakeouts when necessary.
12. How does bad weather impact a stakeout?
Rain, snow, or extreme weather can affect visibility and movement patterns, but our investigators adapt by using discreet vantage points and appropriate equipment.
13. Do you notify me of the progress during a stakeout?
Yes! We provide real-time updates or a summary report detailing attempted service efforts and findings.
14. What if the subject becomes aggressive or confrontational?
Our investigators are trained to handle hostile situations professionally. If necessary, law enforcement may be involved to ensure safety.
15. Do you offer rush or emergency stakeout services?
Yes! Urgent or same-day stakeout services are available for time-sensitive cases, though additional fees may apply.
16. Can you conduct a stakeout for non-process service cases?
Yes! Stakeouts are also used for:
✔ Infidelity investigations (catching cheating spouses).
✔ Workers’ compensation fraud cases (verifying activity).
✔ Child custody disputes (monitoring visitation compliance).
✔ Corporate fraud or employee misconduct investigations.
17. Can I request multiple stakeouts at different locations?
Absolutely! If a subject is known to visit multiple locations, we can coordinate stakeouts at different places to increase the chance of successful service.
18. Do you offer stakeout services outside of Maryland?
While we are based in Maryland, we have a network of investigators nationwide who can conduct stakeouts in other states if needed.
19. How much does a stakeout cost?
Pricing depends on:
✔ The number of stakeout hours required.
✔ The location and difficulty of the case.
✔ The urgency of service (rush service costs more).
Contact us for a customized quote based on your case details.
20. What should I do if I suspect someone is avoiding service?
If you believe someone is actively avoiding service, contact us immediately. We will assess the case, recommend a strategy, and, if necessary, schedule a stakeout to ensure successful document delivery.
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Court Filing FAQs
1. What is court filing?
Court filing is the process of submitting legal documents to the appropriate court for official processing, record-keeping, and legal action.
2. Why is court filing important?
Proper court filing ensures that your case is legally recognized, deadlines are met, and proceedings can move forward without delays or dismissals due to procedural errors.
3. What types of documents do you file?
We handle a wide range of court filings, including:
✔ Lawsuits & Complaints
✔ Motions & Pleadings
✔ Divorce & Family Law Documents
✔ Probate & Estate Filings
✔ Criminal & Civil Case Filings
✔ Subpoenas & Court Orders
4. Do you offer e-filing services?
Yes! Many Maryland courts require electronic filing (e-filing), and we ensure proper submission through the designated digital platforms.
5. Which courts do you file with?
We handle filings for:
✔ District Courts (Small Claims, Traffic, and Misdemeanor Cases)
✔ Circuit Courts (Family, Civil, and Criminal Matters)
✔ Appellate Courts (Court of Special Appeals & Court of Appeals)
✔ Federal Courts
6. How fast can you file my documents?
We offer same-day and rush court filing services for urgent cases, ensuring that time-sensitive legal matters are handled promptly.
7. What happens if I miss a court filing deadline?
Missing a filing deadline can result in delays, case dismissal, or penalties. If you're close to a deadline, contact us immediately for rush filing services.
8. How do I know my documents were filed correctly?
We provide a court-stamped confirmation of filing, ensuring that your documents were successfully submitted and recorded.
9. Can I file legal documents myself?
Yes, but professional court filing services help avoid errors, rejections, and missed deadlines, which can negatively impact your case.
10. What if my documents are rejected by the court?
If a filing is rejected due to an error, we identify the issue, correct it, and resubmit the documents quickly to ensure compliance.
11. Do you offer document retrieval from the court?
Yes! We retrieve court records, judgments, case dockets, and legal filings on request.
12. Can you file documents outside of Maryland?
Yes! While we specialize in Maryland court filings, we also facilitate out-of-state and federal filings when needed.
13. What are the costs associated with court filing?
Costs vary based on:
✔ Filing fees charged by the court
✔ The urgency of service (rush filings cost more)
✔ Document size and complexity
Contact us for a customized quote based on your filing needs.
14. Do you file confidential or sealed documents?
Yes! We handle confidential, sealed, and sensitive filings in accordance with court regulations to protect client privacy.
15. Do you provide notarization services for court documents?
Yes! If your documents require notarization before filing, we can assist with mobile notary services.
16. Can you serve legal documents after filing?
Absolutely! We provide process service for summonses, subpoenas, and other legal notices after court filing.
17. Do Maryland courts accept fax or email filings?
Some courts allow fax or email filings for certain documents, but requirements vary. We ensure documents are submitted using the court’s preferred method.
18. Can you file court appeals?
Yes! We assist with appeal filings in Maryland courts, including motions for reconsideration and appellate briefs.
19. What is a proof of filing, and do I receive one?
A proof of filing is a stamped or electronic confirmation from the court verifying that your documents were successfully filed. We provide this for your records.
20. How do I get started with your court filing services?
Simply contact us, provide your legal documents, and let us handle the filing process. We ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.
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Legal Courier & Document Retrieval FAQs
1. What is a legal courier service?
A legal courier service ensures the secure, confidential, and timely delivery of sensitive legal documents between attorneys, courts, businesses, and individuals.
2. Why should I use a legal courier instead of regular mail?
Legal couriers provide fast, secure, and trackable delivery, reducing the risk of lost, delayed, or mishandled documents, which can be critical for legal deadlines.
3. What types of documents do you deliver?
We handle the transport of:
✔ Court filings & case documents
✔ Contracts & legal agreements
✔ Evidence & exhibits
✔ Government & corporate documents
✔ Notices, subpoenas, and summonses
4. Do you offer same-day delivery?
Yes! We provide standard, same-day, and rush courier services for urgent legal deliveries.
5. How do I track my document delivery?
We provide real-time updates and proof of delivery for all legal courier services, ensuring you know exactly when and where your documents are delivered.
6. Can you deliver to courts, law firms, and government offices?
Yes! We regularly deliver to courthouses, law offices, government agencies, corporate offices, and other legal entities.
7. What areas do you cover?
We provide statewide legal courier services across Maryland and can arrange for out-of-state deliveries when needed.
8. How secure is your courier service?
Our couriers are trained in handling confidential legal materials, ensuring documents remain secure, private, and tamper-proof.
9. Do you provide document notarization before delivery?
Yes! If your documents require notarization, we offer mobile notary services before completing the delivery.
10. What if my delivery is time-sensitive?
We specialize in urgent, last-minute, and same-day deliveries to meet legal deadlines. Contact us for immediate assistance.
11. Can you retrieve documents from the court?
Yes! Our document retrieval service allows us to obtain copies of court filings, judgments, case dockets, and other public records on your behalf.
12. Do you pick up documents from multiple locations?
Yes! We can collect documents from multiple locations and consolidate deliveries to courts, law firms, or clients.
13. Can you deliver large or multiple legal files?
Absolutely! We can transport single documents, case files, multiple binders, and even boxed legal materials safely and securely.
14. What happens if the recipient is unavailable?
If the recipient is not available, we follow pre-arranged delivery instructions, attempt redelivery, or securely return the documents to the sender.
15. Do you deliver legal documents after business hours?
Yes! We offer after-hours and weekend courier services for urgent legal deliveries that cannot wait until the next business day.
16. Can you transport confidential case evidence?
Yes! We handle sensitive evidence and exhibits, ensuring secure transport for court cases, arbitration, and legal proceedings.
17. What is your proof of delivery process?
We provide signature confirmation, time-stamped documentation, and electronic proof of delivery once your documents are successfully delivered.
18. Do you offer scheduled or recurring deliveries?
Yes! We provide regular legal courier services for law firms, businesses, and legal professionals who need consistent, scheduled document transportation.
19. Can you deliver legal documents out of state?
Yes! While we are based in Maryland, we coordinate out-of-state legal deliveries using our network of trusted couriers and expedited shipping partners.
20. How do I schedule a legal courier service?
Simply contact us, provide the pickup and delivery details, and we’ll handle the rest. We ensure fast, reliable, and confidential transportation of your legal documents.