What does it mean if a process server is told to perform due diligence?

When a process server is instructed to perform due diligence, it signifies the need to act in a diligent and reasonable manner in the pursuit of serving legal documents. This means that the server should make a genuine effort to locate and serve the intended recipient, employing thorough methods rather than simply attempting service haphazardly.

Due diligence encompasses a variety of actions, such as making multiple attempts to serve documents at different times of the day, utilizing available resources to locate the individual, and documenting these efforts meticulously. The standard of due diligence is crucial because it helps ensure that defendants are properly notified of legal actions against them, which is a fundamental aspect of the legal process. This requirement balances the need for efficiency with the necessity of adhering to legal standards and ensuring that service of process is executed correctly.