New York City Process Server Practice Test

What should a process server do if they cannot serve a document at the intended location?

1. Return the document to the sender

2. Attempt service at a later date

3. Document the attempt and report it

4. Ignore it and move on

The correct answer is: Document the attempt and report it

When a process server is unable to serve a document at the intended location, the appropriate course of action is to document the attempt and report it. This step is crucial because it maintains a record of the service attempts, which can be important for legal proceedings and demonstrates that the process server is making reasonable efforts to complete the service. Documenting the attempt provides evidence of due diligence and adherence to the legal requirements surrounding process service. Failure to document could lead to complications, such as disputes over whether the service was attempted or whether proper procedures were followed. By documenting and reporting the attempt, the process server ensures transparency and readiness to inform the involved parties or the court about the status of service. While returning the document to the sender or attempting service at a later date might seem viable options, they do not fulfill the obligation to provide a formal record of the attempt. Simply ignoring the situation is not acceptable, as it undermines the process of law and could result in consequences for the process server not fulfilling their duties as required by legal standards.