Reasonable Compensation for Serving Eviction Summons/Complaint?

Question

Lawyer advised I can't serve them myself of course since I'm plaintiff so just ask any friend or acquaintance to do so, doesn't have to be a licensed process server. I'd rather it be an arm length distance and a paper trail so will write a check for the errand. He said each of the 4 named defendants has be be served individually. How much should my server be paid per defendant served? And is it legal to compensate for such an errand?

Matthew Paul · Answer

Around here in Md , its $ 50 to $ 75 per summons

Neil G. · Answer

thats a good deal! for my previous 30 days notice to quit months ago, my lawyer charged me $150 to write up and have a process server serve. in retrospect, i could have done it myself as it wasn't an UD and that one never turned into one, like i feared it would.

this one is already at the next step, as i already served the 3 days pay or quit my self last week, and tenants did neither =L

so now i have prepared all the paperwork and will take my lawyer's advice and have an acquaintance serve them for hopefully $50 since is a neighbor anyways.  lawyer said since i'm not likely to get the back rent due even if it goes to collection due to the tenants steep downward spiral, thus to just sue for a clerk's judgment (or something like that) where i just get repo not restitution of monetary damages.

its good to know its pretty much legal to pay an adult for the one time service without breaking any labor laws.

Carol Venolia · Answer

I used a paralegal who charged me $150 to write up a 30-day notice, deliver it, and advise me as the drama unfolded. If my tenants hadn't moved out and paid up, he would have charged more for the next legal steps.