The Encore blog

Straight answers on service, skip tracing & the paperwork behind it

Written by the people who serve the papers. No filler — just what happens in the field and at the clerk's window, and what it means for your case.

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Documents & filingJuly 25, 2023

How to Prepare and File a Return of Service and Affidavit

The eleven things a return of service has to say, why a sloppy one can stall a case, and how the return gets from the server's hands into the court file.

4 min read·Shane Swatzell
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Choosing a process serverJuly 11, 2023

What Should I Expect From My Process Server?

Attempts at different times of day, GPS-stamped proof, a return you can file, and answers when you call. The baseline a good process server should clear — every time.

6 min read·Shane Swatzell
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Skip tracingJune 30, 2023

License Plate Search 101: What Can a Skip Trace Find?

A plate is one of the most useful things you can hand a process server. What a license plate search returns, what it can't, and how it turns into a serve.

4 min read·Shane Swatzell
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Documents & filingJune 16, 2023

How Are Legal Documents Authenticated?

Apostilles, authentication certificates, and the Hague Convention — what "authenticated" actually means, which documents need it, and how to get it done in Texas.

10 min read·Shane Swatzell
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Skip tracingMay 30, 2023

What Is Skip Tracing?

When the defendant has moved, changed numbers, or gone quiet, skip tracing is how they get found. What it is, how it works, and when you need more than the basics.

5 min read·Shane Swatzell
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Service of processMay 25, 2023

How Long Does It Take to Have Papers Served?

The honest answer is "it depends" — on the address, the defendant, and the service level you choose. Here's what moves the number and how to make it faster.

6 min read·Shane Swatzell
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Service of processApril 27, 2023

Types of Papers a Process Server Serves — and What the Process Is

Citations, subpoenas, family-law papers, writs — what each one is, who has to receive it, and what has to happen for the service to count.

9 min read·Shane Swatzell
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Choosing a process serverApril 4, 2023

Goldilocks and the Three Process Serving Companies

Too cheap, too slow, or just right — how to tell the difference between process serving companies before you hand one your case, and what the price actually buys you.

10 min read·Shane Swatzell
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A note on timing and outcomes. Service-level turnaround targets describe first-attempt goals under normal conditions and are not guarantees of successful service, which depends on the recipient's availability, address accuracy, and access. Encore Legal Process acts as a process server, filing agent, notary, and records-retrieval vendor — not a law firm — and does not provide legal advice. Documents we prepare in support of a filing are prepared at counsel's direction for counsel's review and signature. Substituted, electronic, posted, and publication service require a court order; counsel remains responsible for the motion and for compliance with the applicable rules. Investigations are conducted under Texas Private Investigator License #A29721001.

Fees and sales tax. Court filing fees, Secretary of State fees, custodian and copy fees, and witness fees are passed through at cost. Applicable Texas state and local sales tax is added to taxable services; valid exemption or resale certificates are accepted where applicable. Any tax is reflected on your quote and invoice.
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