“U Got Srvd”– Court Allows Service of Process Via Text Message
November 10, 2015
In an interesting case originating out of Washington, D.C., a court has legitimized the use text of messages by process servers. This new method apparently arose from a particular defendant’s constant use of texting technology—in this case, to harass the plaintiff.
A Bad Match
The plaintiff and defendant met on Match.com. Shortly after, the plaintiff began sending text messages to the defendant and stalking him even after he broke off their brief relationship. Attempts to stake out the woman proved unfruitful, and the defendant continued to call the plaintiff, making over 200 calls in one night and 280 text messages. After several attempts were made via the woman’s workplace, Superior Court Judge Laura Cordero requested service via text, the plaintiff’s medium of choice. Torri Schaffer, who owns the process service company Torri’s Legal Services, then had to send 16 pages worth of a Temporary Protection Order, prohibiting the plaintiff from contacting the defendant. Schaffer said she had to send 16 separate texts, each with a different page of the order.
Future Implications
Text message service is just the most recent in a string of creative mediums used to service an individual. Facebook, Twitter, and email have now all been used to serve defendants at various points. Schaffer says that she’d prefer not to have more cases like this, as it circumvents the traditional way of legally serving papers and eliminates the need for her employees to serve someone personally. Even with companies like Schafer’s adopting more tech savvy ways of service, it doesn’t look like this will become the norm anytime soon.
Other Means of Service
When a text just isn’t enough, Nationwide Court Services provides process service across the U.S. Our seasoned staff and attorneys are the region’s leading authorities in the fields of abstracting, title and process service. For every client who steps through the door, we pledge the highest level of personal and professional assistance.
Contact Us
