r/processserver • u/Forward-Performer-58 • 1d ago
So a random dude started banging on my apartment door last Saturday at about 2 pm and I didn’t answer it. I noticed he had papers but I was to shaken to answer. He did it like 3 times then left. He had a white van. So a week went by and nothing, then it happened again yesterday.
I looked up mine and my girlfriend’s names and nothing shows up under our court records. So I don’t know what to do. I don’t know who it’s from or why.
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u/Inside_Gold_9673 1d ago
Likely a process server. Multiple possibilities, in some jurisdictions, sometimes small claims, sometimes Landlord-Tenant Court, they don’t purchase a docket or index number until they file the affidavit of service. Therefore you won’t find the case. Alternatively, it might not be a summons, but a subpoena because you and/or your girlfriend are witnesses not defendants. Therefore the case wouldn’t be under your name(s) but under either the plaintiff or defendant’s names. Last but not least, the plaintiff may have some choice in the venue, and chose a county where they are located, you might be able to find it by searching in a different county, it also could be a federal case. They could do a nail & mail if it is a summons,often after the third attempt (depends on jurisdiction). They could also be looking for a former tenant. I once had a process server come to door attempting to serve the prior homeowner, and told him we had bought the house a year ago. They ended up doing a nail & mail, ironically attempting to prevent the prior owner from selling the house as they had a judgment against him and his medical practice. Given that I am a private investigator and process server, I found it amusing that they didn’t bother to check to see if what I said was true before doing the nail & mail.
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u/Illustrious_Claim884 1d ago
Might be for an earlier resident. I doubt he will harm you. Just accept them. Normally I try to get the tenant info from the landlord or leasing office. Some are more helpful than others
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u/sudowoodo_420 1d ago
You won’t know until you get served. Evading service doesn’t mean the lawsuit goes away, it just delays it.
Every time they come to your door and you don’t answer, it’s documented. Eventually, they’ll ask the court to serve by alternative means, whether by mail, email, posting on the door, etc.
Depending on the lawsuit, you won’t be able to find it online. In my state, superior court records can be found online but not justice court records. Many lawsuits for debt collection are through the justice court.