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For process servers

Do it right.
Every attempt.

Practical help for servers in our network: how to write narratives that hold up, what a good GPS photo shows, and the habits that earn priority on new assignments.

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Narratives

What a good
narrative looks like.

Write it the same day. Include the date, time, full address, who you saw or spoke with, a description, and the outcome.

Good example

Personal service

10/14/2026, 7:42 AM. 245 E. 54th St., Apt. 6C, New York, NY 10022. Knocked; door answered by a man who confirmed he is John Doe. Male, approx. 40-45, 5'10", 180 lbs, brown hair, beard, glasses. Served summons and complaint by hand. GPS photo of Apt. 6C door taken at time of service.

Good example

Unsuccessful attempt

10/15/2026, 6:18 PM. 245 E. 54th St., Apt. 6C. Doorman (male, approx. 50s, gray hair, uniform name tag "Luis") called up to 6C; no answer. Doorman stated the subject still lives there and usually leaves around 8:30 AM. No service. GPS photo of building entrance showing street number.

Good example

Substitute service

10/18/2026, 10:05 AM (Saturday, 3rd attempt). 245 E. 54th St., Apt. 6C. Subject not home. Served Jane Doe, who identified herself as the subject's wife and a resident. Female, approx. 40, 5'5", 140 lbs, black hair. Mailing to follow within 20 days, first-class, "Personal and Confidential." GPS photo of Apt. 6C door.

Good example

Non-service: moved

10/16/2026, 8:10 AM. 512 W. 110th St., Apt. 3B. Current resident (female, approx. 30) stated the subject moved out in August 2026 and left no forwarding address. Name on mailbox for 3B does not match. GPS photo of mailbox panel and building entrance. Returning as non-service; recommend address search.

Avoid

Too vague

No date, time, or full address
No detail on what was seen or who was spoken to

Went to address. No answer. Will try again.

Avoid

Missing the person's details

No name, description, or relationship
Not enough to prove substitute service

Served a woman at the door.

Names, addresses, and details above are fictional examples.

GPS photos

What a good
photo shows.

A good photo

Taken at the address, at the time of the attempt
Shows the street number, door, or unit number
GPS location and time stamp turned on
Clear, well lit, and in focus
One photo for every attempt

Never

Avoid

Reusing a photo from another attempt
Editing, cropping out, or filtering the time stamp
Photos taken from the car or down the block
Photographing the person served unless the assignment asks
Skipping the photo because the attempt was quick

Tips

Tricky buildings

Doorman building: photograph the entrance and address
Locked lobby: photograph the buzzer panel and street number
Business: photograph the suite sign or reception
Note any security desk or access denial in your narrative

Mailing

When the law
requires a mailing.

After substitute service

Mail a copy within 20 days
First-class mail
Envelope marked "Personal and Confidential"
No indication it's from a lawyer or about a lawsuit

After nail and mail

Only when the client authorized it
Only after the required attempts
Affix to the door, then mail within 20 days
Photograph the papers affixed

Proof

Upload proof of mailing to the platform
State the mailing details in your affidavit
Your +$15 is paid only when the affidavit reflects it

Being a great server

The habits that
earn more work.

Follow the attempt schedule

One attempt before 9 AM, one after 5 PM, and one on a Saturday, on different days. Never on Sunday.

Log everything the same day

Photos and narratives go in the platform the day of the attempt, not later.

Be professional

Be courteous, never threatening. Don't give legal advice or claim to be law enforcement.

Never cut corners

No backdating, no guessing, no serving without a real attempt. Your license and your reputation depend on it.

Communicate early

Report a bad address, access problem, or missed deadline right away through the platform.

Request printing pay on time

For sets over 50 pages, request your page pay in the platform before you sign the affidavit.

This page is general guidance. The Process Server Subcontractor Agreement, your assignment instructions, and New York law control.

What a goodnarrative looks like.

Personal service

Unsuccessful attempt

Substitute service

Non-service: moved

Too vague

Missing the person's details

What a goodphoto shows.

A good photo

Avoid

Tricky buildings

When the lawrequires a mailing.

After substitute service

After nail and mail

Proof

The habits thatearn more work.

Follow the attempt schedule

Log everything the same day

Be professional

Never cut corners

Communicate early

Request printing pay on time

What a good
narrative looks like.

What a good
photo shows.

When the law
requires a mailing.

The habits that
earn more work.