Process Service Checklist

The following is intended as a guideline and should not be construed as legal advice.

Before sending us your legal documents to be served, please review this process service check-list:

If Serving a Corporation, have you addressed it by it's legal name? We have had corporations refuse to accept papers where the fictitious (or d/b/a/) name of the corporation was listed.

Check with the Secretary of State's Office in the state where that corporation is domiciled to ensure that you are addressing the legal name (parent company) of the corporation and not just a fictious (or d/b/a) name. To confirm that you are serving the correct entity, visit the Iowa Secretary of State's website:
Iowa Secretary of State

Is The Corporation Domiciled in Iowa? Again, visit the Iowa Secretary of State's website listed in the above paragraph. Click on: Business Services, Search Databases, Iowa Corporations to confirm that a corporation is domiciled in Iowa.

Can I Send an Electronic Copy of My Documents for Service? We are often asked if a faxed or electronic copy can be sent for service. We suggest you check with the Clerk of Court in your jurisdiction to determine their requirements.

Is the Case Number in the Heading of my Legal Document? Is the case number written on the legal documents you are sending for service?

If Serving an Individual: Provide as much information as possible to the process server. Include a photo identifier if possible. Make sure we have the correct address. Any information you have about the defendant can result in a quicker, less expensive service.

Last, But Not Least! File the completed Affidavit of Process Server (Proof of Service) with the court in which your case was filed.

The above information is intended as a guideline and should not be construed as legal advice.