Quick Answer
One Legal’s Service of Process lets you arrange professional, compliant delivery of legal documents anywhere in the U.S. or internationally. We work only with vetted, locally experienced (and where required, registered/licensed) process servers, and our in-house team monitors every job to ensure deadlines are met and instructions are followed. You’ll receive real-time updates, GPS/photo-backed attempt logs, and a court-compliant proof of service within 48 hours of completion (faster for rush serves).
Service of process is the formal delivery of legal documents — such as a summons, complaint, subpoena, or notice — to an individual, business, or organization to inform them they are involved in a legal matter.
It is a critical step in most legal proceedings. If done incorrectly or late, it can cause delays, increased costs, or even case dismissal. That’s why using experienced, compliant professionals is essential.
What One Legal offers
One Legal provides on-demand service of process anywhere in the United States or internationally. We partner with thousands of vetted process servers — all locally experienced and, where required, registered or licensed — to ensure your papers are served by someone who understands the rules of that jurisdiction.
Why legal professionals choose One Legal
Nationwide and global coverage
We serve process across all 50 states and internationally, including Hague Convention and non-Hague countries. Our team can assist with translation requirements when needed.
Local expertise everywhere
Your documents are always delivered by a process server based near the service address, familiar with local laws, court rules, and best practices.
Full in-house oversight
Our operations team reviews every order before dispatch to confirm the service packet is complete, addresses are clear, and instructions are understood. We monitor the job through to completion, ensuring deadlines are met and requirements followed.
Real-time tracking and transparency
Our proprietary technology logs every attempt with GPS coordinates, timestamps, and photos. You receive live status updates and can download a complete accountability report at any time.
Court-compliant proof of service
We prepare court-approved proofs or affidavits of service within 48 hours of successful service (faster for rush orders). Upon request, we can file the proof for you.
When to use this service
Attorneys, paralegals, and legal teams use One Legal for service of process in matters such as:
- Serving a summons and complaint in civil litigation
- Delivering subpoenas for witnesses, records, or depositions
- Serving unlawful detainer or eviction notices
- Serving family law petitions and related orders
- Delivering small claims notices
- Serving notices or pleadings in administrative or regulatory proceedings
How the process works
- Place your order in the One Legal platform.
- We review and dispatch to a vetted local process server.
- Attempts are made according to your chosen service level, with real-time logging.
- Proof of service is prepared and returned within the promised time frame.
- Optional court filing of the proof of service is available.
Service levels
| Service type | Service level | First attempt | Completion time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service of Process (personal service on an individual, business, or organization) | Standard | Within 5 days | All attempts within 21 days | Up to 4 attempts at varied times/days; times shown are maximums — average completion is faster. |
| Rush | Within 1 day | All attempts within 7 days | Same as Standard, but expedited. | |
| Registered Agent | — | Next business day | Same day as first attempt | Single attempt; discounted rate for major agents (CT, CSC, LegalZoom, Harbor Compliance, Northwest, NRAI, Cogency, InCorp). |
| Posting | — | Within 48 hours | Same day as first attempt | Single attempt; affixed in compliance with local rules, with photo proof. |
| Service by Mail | — | Next business day | Same day as mailing | Includes Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt where allowed. |
Special and custom services
For more complex or urgent serves, we offer:
- Stakeouts (minimum 30 minutes, longer on request)
- Timed serves at a specific location and time
- Skip tracing to locate recipients when the address is uncertain
- Alternative service methods (such as substituted service) where permitted by law
We will work with you to develop a compliant, effective approach and assign the right professional for the job.
International service of process
One Legal handles service in both Hague Convention and non-Hague countries. We ensure compliance with applicable treaties or local rules and assist with translation requirements when necessary. Our team manages the process end-to-end, including coordinating with foreign authorities when required.