Solo process server for law firms

Law firms, in-house legal teams, enquiry agents and people representing themselves in court.

A fee per job, often with extra for urgent jobs, extra attempts, long distances or after-hours service. Travel costs are usually charged on top.

• Polite but firm with strangers
• Careful record keeping and note taking
• Good local knowledge and reliable driving
• Staying calm in tense situations

• Rules on valid service differ between courts, states and territories. Check each job's requirements with the instructing lawyer
• Check with your state's licensing body whether process serving needs any licence or registration where you work
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
• Personal safety: some recipients react badly, so plan visits and consider telling someone where you are
• Mistakes in service or paperwork can delay a court case, so keep accurate notes, times and photos where permitted

Startup costs are typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on your vehicle and phone setup, insurance and how you handle paperwork. Treat this as an estimate and price your own insurance and admin needs before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many jobs you take, the distances you drive and your rates. This is revenue, not profit. The estimate starts at about 8 hours a week.

Check with your state's licensing body whether process serving needs any licence or registration where you work. Also check each job's service requirements with the instructing lawyer, as rules differ between courts, states and territories, and check insurance.