What Is Service of Process?
Service of process is the formal procedure by which a party to a legal action notifies the other party that legal proceedings have been initiated. It is a fundamental requirement of due process — without proper service, a court generally cannot exercise jurisdiction over a defendant.
Understanding how service of process works helps attorneys, businesses, and individuals move their cases forward without procedural delays. Here is how it works when you work with YM Doc Services.
Step 1: You Submit Your Service Request
The process starts when you submit your documents and service instructions through our secure online portal. You’ll provide:
- The documents to be served
- The defendant’s name and last known address
- Any additional addresses or locations to attempt
- Your case number and court information
- Any special instructions (time-sensitive, evasive defendant, gated community, etc.)
Step 2: We Assign Your Job and Plan Service
Once your request is received, it is assigned to a certified process server in the appropriate county. We serve throughout Orange County, Seminole County, and West Volusia County, so your job goes to the server closest to the service address.
If you selected rush or same-day service, your job is prioritized immediately.
Step 3: Service Is Attempted
Our process server goes to the address provided and attempts to serve the documents according to Florida Statute Chapter 48. On the first attempt, they look for the named individual and, if present, make personal service. Each attempt is:
- GPS-stamped — confirming exact location
- Time-stamped — confirming date and time of attempt
- Documented — notes on circumstances are recorded in real time
Step 4: Multiple Attempts If Needed
If the defendant is not home on the first attempt, we make additional attempts at varied times — mornings, evenings, and weekends — to maximize the chance of contact. Standard service includes up to three attempts.
If the defendant appears to be evading service, we can activate our skip tracing service to locate updated address information before making additional attempts.
Step 5: Service Is Completed
Once service is successfully made — either personal service or substitute service per Florida law — we document the following:
- Name and description of the person served
- Date, time, and address of service
- Method of service (personal, substitute, etc.)
- GPS coordinates at time of service
Step 6: Affidavit of Service Is Prepared
After service is completed, we prepare a notarized Affidavit of Service that meets all Florida court requirements. This document is your proof of service and is filed with the court as part of the case record.
For clients using our online tracking system, you’ll receive notification as soon as service is completed and the affidavit is ready.
What If Service Cannot Be Completed?
If service cannot be completed after diligent attempts, we provide a detailed non-service report documenting all attempts made. At that point, your attorney may pursue alternative service options, including:
- Court-ordered substitute service at a different address
- Service on a registered agent (for business entities)
- Service by publication (constructive service) if the defendant cannot be located
Ready to Get Started?
Submit your service request through our secure online portal or call 407-228-2656. We serve documents throughout Orlando, Sanford, Casselberry, Deltona, Orange City, and across all of Central Florida.
We provide GPS-stamped, court-compliant service of process throughout Orange County, Seminole County, and West Volusia County. Licensed Florida process server — FAPPS Member · NAPPS Member · Florida Statutes Chapter 48 Compliant.
