Representing yourself in court—known as proceeding "pro se"—is a significant undertaking. While you are in control of your case, Illinois law requires that certain critical steps, like serving legal documents, are handled by a neutral, third-party professional to ensure fairness and legality.
Representing Yourself in Illinois? Don't Let Improper Service Derail Your Case
What is Proper Service?
"Service of process" is the legally required procedure for notifying all parties that a legal action has been filed against them. To be valid, this step must be performed in strict compliance with state law, ensuring due process is upheld for everyone involved.
The Risks of Improper Service
In Illinois, you cannot serve papers for a case you are a part of, as this is a conflict of interest. Attempting to do so, or failing to follow legal procedure, is one of the quickest ways to have your case delayed or even dismissed entirely by the court.
The Role of a Professional
A professional process server acts as your expert partner, ensuring this critical step is handled correctly. We manage the delivery of documents according to legal standards, removing the burden from your shoulders and guaranteeing compliance so you can focus on the facts of your case.
The All-Important Proof of Service
After successfully serving the documents, a process server provides you with a notarized Affidavit of Service. This document is your official proof to the court that the other party was notified legally, allowing your case to move forward without procedural challenges.
Choosing to represent yourself doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. By entrusting your service of process to our team, you protect your case and empower yourself to proceed with confidence. Contact Prism CourtServe to ensure your legal documents are served correctly.