Professional Ohio process servers and skip tracers must possess a unique set of skills in order to be successful in their roles. From legal knowledge to keen investigative techniques, these individuals need to be well-versed in a variety of areas ranging from the Ohio Civil and Criminal Rules of Procedure to the intricacies of skip tracing. Not only do they need to be knowledgeable, but they also need to be adept at problem-solving. The following will explore the essential skills that a professional Ohio process server and skip tracer must possess in order to be successful in their roles.
Knowledge of Ohio Civil and Criminal Rules of Procedure
One of the first skills discussed in this article is knowledge of Ohio Civil and Criminal Rules of Procedure. A process server needs to know the proper method of serving a civil summons, correct method of serving a criminal summons, as well as the Ohio Rules of Discovery. Without this basic knowledge, it is unlikely that a process server will be able to successfully complete their tasks. In addition to serving a civil or criminal summons, another essential skill for a process server is knowledge of the proper way to serve pleading documents. While the serving of pleading documents is different in civil versus criminal court, it is essential that a process server know how to properly serve pleading documents in both arenas.
Investigative Techniques
A process server’s job is much more than just handing a summons to the person named in the lawsuit. This individual also needs to be able to locate the person, which is known as skip tracing. This can be a very detailed process and requires the process server to be skilled in a variety of investigative techniques. A few of the basic skip tracing techniques include: – Internet Searches: The process server will want to utilize various search engines and websites that are likely to have information on the person they are trying to locate. – Telephone Searches: A process server may want to utilize online telephone directories in order to find the telephone number of the person they are trying to serve. – Credit Reports: A process server may want to utilize a credit report in order to find out where the person they are trying to locate currently resides.
Problem-Solving Skills
The ability to solve problems is paramount in the field of skip tracing. A process server may have difficulty locating the person they are serving, but with the help of problem-solving skills, they should be able to solve that issue. – If a process server is having difficulty locating a person by using the internet, they may want to explore other options, such as telephone directories. – Likewise, if a person has moved and a process server is having difficulty locating their new address, they should explore options such as obtaining a credit report. – A process server will also want to be able to effectively communicate any issues they are encountering to their supervisor or attorney.
Interpersonal Communication
In order to be successful in the role of process server, a person must possess strong interpersonal communication skills. This individual must be able to communicate effectively with the person they are attempting to serve, attorneys and clients, as well as their supervisor. A process server must be able to communicate the importance of their role in a professional manner, while still maintaining a friendly relationship with the person they are attempting to serve.
Technological Proficiency
A process server must be proficient in the use of various Internet search engines as well as other technological tools. One of the most common technological tools used by a professional process server is a skip tracing software. – With the help of skip tracing software, a process server can save time and energy by entering the basic information about their target and allowing the software to determine the best course of action for locating them. – Process servers should also be aware of the latest technological trends in the industry and be willing to learn new tools as they are created.
Maintaining Client Confidentiality
As a process server, you will be privy to a wide variety of information, including the names of people involved in the lawsuit, their phone numbers, as well as their addresses. It is important that you maintain confidentiality of this information and do not share it with anyone. – You should also be careful not to reveal anything about the lawsuit itself, even if you are simply asked about your job. – Ohio Rule of Professional Conduct 3.4(b) states that “a lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client.” – In addition to being ethically wrong, revealing this information could cause you to be charged with a Class 4 felony under Ohio Law.
Time Management
A process server must be able to manage their time well to complete their assignments on time. This is especially important when the process server is serving a criminal summons. – If a criminal summons is not served within the allotted time frame, it will be invalid and must be served again. – In order to manage their time well, a process server should create a to-do list of assignments they must complete. – This list should include the due dates for all summons that need to be served.
Conclusion
Being a professional process server is a challenging yet rewarding career. This individual must understand the ins and outs of a variety of topics, from the Ohio Rules of Procedure to skip tracing. It is important that a process server possess these essential skills in order to be successful in their role.
Helpful Resources for Process Servers and Skip Tracers in Ohio
Process Server One https://processserverone.com/
Phone: (855) 545-1303
Office: 4449 Easton Way, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43219