When No One Answers the Door
Document All Relevant Information
Do you think you have someone attempting to avoid service? Or perhaps you are just getting unlucky, and no one is answering the door? We know you don't want to drive 20 minutes out of the city on 8 separate days in order to prove due diligence. We don't want you to either! Remember that the purpose of establishing due diligence is to prove to the courts that you have taken all reasonable measures to serve the individual. If your notes are detailed enough, you may be able to convince the judge that the person will never be reached at that address.
Compare the following 8 attempts
Attempt 06/12/2019 at 12:07 PM
"No answer at door, no lights."
Attempt 06/14/2019 at 7:08 PM
"No answer at door, no lights."
Attempt 06/16/2019 at 8:44 AM
"No answer at door, no lights."
Attempt 06/17/2019 at 9:45 AM
"No answer at door, no lights."
Attempt 06/19/2019 at 5:41 PM
"No answer at door, no lights."
Attempt 06/21/2019 at 8:01 AM
"No answer at door, no lights."
Attempt 06/24/2019 at 4:22 PM
"No answer at door, no lights."
Attempt 06/27/2019 at 11:35 AM
"No answer at door, no lights."
To the following 3 attempts
Attempt 06/12/2019 at 12:07 PM
"No answer at door, no movement inside, and no lights. There is a no trespassing sign on the front gate, and the gate is barring access to the property. I do not believe I will be able to pass the barrier without violating this person's privacy. No cars in driveway."
Phone Log 06/12/2019 at 12:09 PM
"Per phone call to 555-846-2336, Defendant Jeff Mann picked up. He confirmed that he does reside at this address, but refuses to accept the legal papers. He says that he will never open the door no matter what."
Attempt 06/13/2019 at 7:30 PM
"No answer at door, no movement inside, and no lights. There is a no trespassing sign on the gate around the house. No cars in driveway. Per neighbors at 373 Market Drive, Robert Doe, a brown haired black male, 5'8"-5'10" tall and weighing 160-180 lbs; not sure the name of the person that lives at that address, they are not home often."
The second example is far more convincing and lowers the number of attempts overall, saving you time, and allowing us to resolve this order faster. By doing so, you will resolve the job 2 weeks sooner than you would have by omitting details.
Try Other Strategies
Logging Phone Attempts
As in the example above, placing a phone call is a proven, effective method of contacting an individual who never seems to be home. By placing the call, you can be sure that this person is avoiding service. Logging the Phone Attempt in ABC Mobile will prove to the court and customer reviewing the proof that the phone call occurred, and that you were taking additional measures to reach the servee.
Note: If you have not been provided with a phone number, do not seek one out. If your local regulations prohibit the use of phone calls in regard to service of process, do not place a phone call.
Check With Neighbors
Speaking with neighbors is another great strategy! Knock on a neighbor's door and ask them if the named defendant lives at the service address. Remember not to disclose any information to a neighbor. Say only that you are delivering documents. Write down the neighbor's response as an Attempt in ABC Mobile and rest easy.
Ask the Leasing Office
If you encounter a locked or secure apartment building, the leasing office is your friend! Remember, service of process is an essential part of the defendant's constitutional right to due process. There is no need to try and sneak in the building. Just be up front - ask the leasing office if the named individual resides inside, and if you can attempt delivery.
When All Else Fails
Try, try again. Sometimes you will get unlucky, and no one will answer the door or pick up the phone. That's okay, it's part of the job. Just keep trying! ABC Mobile will detect when you have hit the attempt threshold and automatically send the order to ABC's Investigations Department for review.