Hiring a Process Server: Why It’s Worth Every Penny

So you’ve filled out the forms, filed them with the court, and now you're holding your issued application. First of all - well done! That’s no small accomplishment.

Now comes a step that feels deceptively simple: serving your partner. Maybe you're thinking, “I’ll just get a friend to drop it off.” It sounds easy, but when it comes to legal documents, easy isn’t always safe. In fact, hiring a process server could be the smartest legal decision you make all year.

Why Not Just Ask a Friend to Serve Papers?

We understand the instinct to save money. Court processes are expensive and emotionally draining. But asking a friend to serve legal papers is kind of like asking them to rewire your house because they once changed a lightbulb. It’s risky, and there’s no backup plan if it goes sideways.

Hiring a process server means trusting a trained professional who knows:

• Exactly when and where service is considered valid

• What qualifies as proper delivery

• How to complete the required Form 6B proof of service

And if your ex reacts badly, maybe even refuses to accept the documents, you don’t want your friend panicking. You want a calm, experienced professional who knows exactly what to do.

Worried About the Cost? Here’s the Good News

Yes, hiring a process server is an added cost. But it’s likely less than you think. In most cases, unless there are unusual complications (remote area, rush delivery, repeated attempts), it rarely exceeds $300.

Take the time to:

• Ask for a quote

• Understand what’s included (number of attempts, mileage, after-hours costs)

• Read reviews and compare service providers

There’s real peace of mind in knowing this step is handled correctly and affordably.

Why Hiring a Process Server Is Like Building a Strong Legal Foundation

Think of your case like a house. The paperwork you’ve filled out? That’s the blueprint. Serving your partner is the foundation, and if it’s poured wrong, the whole structure can crack later.

When you’re hiring a process server, you’re hiring a specialist. This isn’t just document delivery, it’s legal execution. Process servers:

• Strategize the best approach to ensure valid service

• Document each attempt

• Provide legal proof that everything was handled properly

And during a time when emotions are high and energy is low, outsourcing this one critical task can be a huge gift to your mental bandwidth.

The Bottom Line on Hiring a Process Server

Serving legal documents might look like just another checkbox, but it’s not. It’s a legal procedure that has legal consequences if done incorrectly. Hiring a process server removes the uncertainty. No second-guessing. No awkward calls to your ex. No risk of invalid service. When someone asks why you paid a professional instead of asking a friend, here’s what you tell them:

“Because serving my partner is the foundation of my case. And I want to make sure it’s done right.”

Next Steps

Need help navigating self-representation or just want to talk through your options? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Alliston Resolutions. We’re here to help you handle the legal details so you can focus on the bigger picture.