Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Process Server?
A process server is a person authorized to deliver legal documents to individuals or businesses involved in a court case. Proper service of process ensures that all parties receive notice of legal actions and helps cases move forward in accordance with state law.
What types of documents do you serve?
Klickitat Process Service serves a wide variety of legal documents, including:
- Summons and Complaints
- Subpoenas
- Small Claims Documents
- Family Law Documents
- Divorce Papers
- Child Custody and Parenting Plan Documents
- Eviction Notices
- Unlawful Detainer Actions
- Civil Litigation Documents
- Court Orders
- Writs and Other Court-Issued Documents
If you are unsure whether your documents require personal service, contact us and we will discuss your specific situation.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Goldendale, Washington and serve all communities within Klickitat and Skamania County, including:
- Appleton
- Alderdale
- Bickleton
- Bingen
- BZ Corner
- Centerville
- Dallesport
- Firwood
- Glenwood
- Goldendale
- Husum
- Klickitat
- Lyle
- Maryhill
- Roosevelt
- Trout Lake
- Wahkiacus
- White Salmon
- Wishram
- Carson
- Stevenson
- North Bonneville
- And everywhere in between
We may also accept assignments in neighboring counties depending on availability.
How quickly can documents be served?
Service times vary depending on the location of the recipient and the information provided. Many routine service requests can be attempted within a few business days of receiving documents.
If you require expedited service, please contact us to discuss availability and scheduling. We can often accommodate a first attempt being made the same or the next day.
How many service attempts are included?
Our Routine Service includes up to four service attempts, strategically scheduled to maximize the likelihood of successful service. Unless otherwise requested, attempts are typically made during the morning, afternoon, evening, and on a weekend. Additional service attempts are available upon request and are billed according to our current fee schedule.
Do you provide service on holidays or after normal business hours?
Yes. However, additional fees may apply for after-hours or holiday service requests.
What information do you need to serve someone?
The more information you provide, the greater the likelihood of successful service. Helpful information includes:
- Full name
- Physical address
- Home and work schedule
- Home and work addresses
- Vehicle description
- Photographs
- Known associates or family members
- Any information regarding safety concerns
Can you serve someone at their workplace?
In many cases, yes. Service at a workplace may be possible if the individual can be identified and accessed legally and safely.
In fact, this can be the preferred method when the legal matter involves sensitive family matters.
Do you serve documents on businesses?
Yes. In addition to individual parties, we can serve corporations, LLCs, partnerships, registered agents, and other business entities.
What is a Proof of Service or Affidavit of Service?
After successful service is completed, we prepare a signed Affidavit of Service (also known as a Proof of Service) documenting:
- Who was served
- What documents were served
- When service occurred
- Where service occurred
- How service was completed
This document may be filed with the court as evidence that service was properly performed.
What happens if the person cannot be located?
If service cannot be completed, we will provide details regarding our attempts and observations. Depending on the circumstances, additional service attempts, alternative addresses, or pursuing judge approval for alternative service may be recommended.
Do I need an attorney to hire a process server?
No. Attorneys, businesses, landlords, property managers, and private individuals may all hire a process server when service of legal documents is required.
Why choose Klickitat Process Service?
Klickitat Process Service is locally based in Goldendale and understands the unique geography and travel considerations of Klickitat County. Our local presence allows us to efficiently serve communities throughout the county while providing professional communication and timely status updates.
How much does service cost?
Process service fees vary based on the service location, travel requirements, and any requested rush service. Since Klickitat County includes many rural areas with long travel distances and varying road conditions, mileage and travel time are the primary factors affecting cost. For current rates and estimated fees by location, please visit our Services & Fees page or Contact Us for a quote.
How do I submit documents for service?
Documents can typically be submitted electronically by email to contact@klickitatprocessservice.com or delivered in person by arrangement. Contact us to discuss the most efficient method for your assignment.
Why would someone hire a Private Process Service Instead of Using the Sherriff’s Office?
While the Sheriff’s Office can serve legal documents, their primary responsibility is protecting the public and responding to law enforcement needs. As a result, service of process may not always receive the same level of priority or flexibility as it does with a private process server.
A private process server focuses exclusively on serving legal documents. This often means faster turnaround times, more flexible scheduling, regular communication, and service attempts made at varying times of the day and week to improve the likelihood of successful service.
Hiring a private process server can also help keep your case moving forward. Prompt and reliable service may reduce unnecessary delays, potentially saving time and avoiding additional legal expenses associated with postponed court proceedings.
Why Should I Hire a Professional Process Server Instead of Asking a Friend or Family Member to Serve my Documents?
While Washington law may allow an eligible adult who is not a party to the case to serve legal documents, hiring a professional process server can help ensure service is completed correctly and documented properly.
Professional process servers understand the legal requirements for service, know how to handle difficult or evasive recipients, and provide a properly completed Affidavit of Service. Hiring a professional also spares friends or family members from potentially uncomfortable or confrontational situations.
If the validity of service is later challenged, having an experienced, impartial third party complete the service and provide detailed documentation can help support that service was performed in accordance with applicable legal requirements. This may reduce the risk of delays that could require service to be attempted again.
Can you file documents with the court?
Yes. We offer courthouse filing services in Klickitat and Skamania County. Filing fees charged by the court are separate from our service fees.
Are your services confidential?
Yes. Information provided by clients is handled professionally and used only for purposes related to completing the assignment.
Can you guarantee service?
No process server can guarantee successful service. Successful service depends on factors such as the accuracy of the information provided, the recipient’s availability, and legal requirements governing service.
What we can guarantee is that we will make diligent efforts and provide accurate documentation of our attempts.