Should I Answer the Door for a Process Server? A Straightforward Guide
It’s an unnerving moment: a knock on the door from a stranger who seems to know your name. Therefore, your first instinct might be to ignore it, especially if you suspect they are a process server. This leads to a common question we hear from people all over Louisiana: “Should I answer the door?” Should I answer the door for a process server if I want to address the situation head-on?
As of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, understanding the facts can save you a lot of trouble. The short answer is, in most cases, yes. While hiding might feel safer, it doesn’t make the lawsuit disappear. In fact, it can actually work against you. This guide explains why it’s often better to answer the door for a process server.
Myth vs. Fact: Does Avoiding Service Stop the Lawsuit? ❌
Let’s clear up the biggest myth right away.
Myth: “If I don’t answer the door or touch the papers, a server can’t legally serve me, and the case will go away.”
Fact: This is completely false. The lawsuit exists the moment a party files it with the court, whether you have the papers in your hand or not. Avoiding the process server only delays your official notification; it doesn’t stop the legal action itself. Ultimately, you are only running from a clock that has already started ticking.
What Happens If You Don’t Answer the Door? 🤔
Refusing to open the door doesn’t end the process. Instead, it just forces a professional process server to use other legal methods to complete their job. Should I answer the door for a process server then? It’s worth considering the alternatives.
- They Will Come Back: A professional server is persistent because their job is to complete the service. They will return at different times and on different days—early in the morning, late in the evening, and on weekends—until they find you.
- They Can Try Your Workplace: If they can’t serve you at home, the next logical and legal place to try is your job. This can be embarrassing and create an awkward situation in front of your colleagues and employer.
- They Can Use “Substituted Service”: This is a critical point. Under Louisiana law (domiciliary service), if a process server cannot hand you the papers directly, they can often legally serve you. They do this by giving the documents to a person of “suitable age and discretion” who lives at the same residence as you. This means your spouse or roommate could accept the papers on your behalf, and the court would consider you legally served.
- You Lose Valuable Time: Most importantly, the clock for you to respond to a lawsuit doesn’t officially start until a server serves you. By avoiding service for a week or two, you only shorten the amount of time you have to hire an attorney and prepare a defense.
The Benefits of Simply Answering the Door ✅
Answering the door is not an admission of guilt. Rather, it is an act of taking control of the situation. Here’s why it’s the smarter move:
- You Get the Information: You receive a copy of the legal documents. As a result, you know exactly who is suing you and why. You can’t defend yourself against a lawsuit you know nothing about.
- The Process is Quick and Discreet: A professional process server wants a simple, quiet exchange. Typically, they will identify you, hand you the papers, and leave. The entire interaction usually takes less than a minute. Avoiding them can lead to a more public scene at your work or with your neighbors.
- You Can Start Planning: Once you have the papers, you can immediately contact an attorney. This gives you the maximum amount of time to handle the situation properly.
A Note on Professional Conduct
Remember, a legitimate process server from a reputable company like Lafayette Process Servers LLC is a neutral professional. They are not there to argue or intimidate you. Their only job is to deliver a notice. Therefore, they will always be respectful and conduct themselves with integrity.
In conclusion, while the idea of receiving legal papers is stressful, avoiding the process server is a losing strategy. The best course of action is to answer the door, accept the documents, and take the first step toward addressing the legal matter head-on. Ultimately, the key question remains: Should I answer the door for a process server? The answer is a resounding yes, as it allows you to start managing the situation directly.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
- Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, Art. 1234 (Domiciliary Service): The state law explaining how a server can make service at your home. Link to Louisiana Legislature
- FindLaw: “What Happens if You Avoid a Process Server?” An article explaining the legal consequences of evading service. Link to FindLaw
- Lafayette Process Servers LLC: Your expert for professional and discreet service of process in Louisiana. Link to Lafayette Process Servers LLC