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Process Serving 101 – The Basic Elements

Service of legal process is not as easy and straight forward as it might seem.  There are many pitfalls along the way which will snare the unwary process server and, most of all, the uneducated process server.

This course, Process Serving 101, provides the entry level server with the fundamental knowledge needed to serve legal documents in accordance with state law, court rules, and case law.  It also provides hints, tips, and techniques on a wide variety of topics which will improve your understanding of the law, your place in the legal system, and the operation of your business. 

It can also act as a great resource for experienced servers.  Even long time veterans will admit they learn something new every day.  This is one of the wonderful things about the law – it is constantly growing, changing, and morphing even as we live within the society it governs.

We recommend you begin the course at the beginning and work your way through sequentially.  This is especially the case for new servers.  Experienced servers may want to "hop about" a bit but they will receive the maximum benefit if they go through the course in its intended order the first time.

Certification as a Washington Certified Process Server

Each lesson is followed by a short quiz to help you test your understanding of the materials. At the end of the course there is an extensive open book exam on which you must score 80% or higher in order to obtain the WaCPS designation.

Start your career today as a qualified and respected member of the legal community.

  • Civil Law
  • Judicial Process – What it is and What it Means
  • The Court System in the State of Washington
  • Who May Serve Legal Process in the State of Washington
  • The Process Server’s Place in the Legal System
  • The Presumption in Favor of Proper Service
  • Statutes of Limitations
  • County Forms of Government
  • Mailing Requirements
  • Service of the Summons
  • Tips and Tools
  • Service of Landlord Tenant Documents
  • Posting Real Property
  • Who May Serve
  • When to Serve
  • How to Serve
  • Time
  • Fees
  • The Return of Service
  • Service of the Summons
    • Part 1
    • Part 2
    • Part 3
    • Part 4
  • Advertising
  • Before Service Checklist
  • After Service Checklist