What does the 'reasonable efforts' standard in process serving entail?

The 'reasonable efforts' standard in process serving refers to the expectation that process servers make a series of diligent attempts to deliver legal documents in a manner that shows due diligence. This means that a process server must try to serve the documents at different times and locations, thereby maximizing the chances of successful delivery.

Documenting these varied attempts is crucial because it provides a record that can be used to demonstrate that the server has fulfilled their responsibilities to make a genuine effort to provide notice to the individual. This documentation can include not just the times and locations of attempts but also any relevant observations or interactions.

This approach is essential to ensure that defendants are given a fair opportunity to respond to legal actions, thus fulfilling the fundamental principle of due process in the legal system. By making documented attempts at varied times and locations, the server helps to ensure that service is successfully achieved and that the integrity of the judicial process is maintained.