As a process server working with One Legal, certain assignments, particularly those involving subpoenas, may require the delivery of a fee to the service recipient. This article explains how these fees are managed and your responsibilities in handling them.
Witness Fees and Subpoena Services
Requirement for Witness Fees:
Context: When serving subpoenas, it is often legally required to provide a witness fee to the individual receiving the subpoena. This fee compensates them for their time and effort to comply with the subpoena.
One Legal’s Provision: To facilitate this, One Legal provides an eCheck within the packet of service documents. This ensures that you do not have to use your own funds or checks for this purpose.
Role of the Process Server:
Delivery of the Check: Your primary responsibility is to deliver the eCheck to the service recipient as part of the service process. It is One Legal that is actually paying the fee, not you personally.
Understanding eChecks
What is an eCheck?
Definition: An eCheck, or electronic check, functions just like a traditional paper check but is issued digitally. It can be sent and received instantly via email without the need for additional software or technology.
Characteristics: Each eCheck contains all the elements of a paper check, including the routing number, account number, signature line, amount, payee's name, and a check number.
Deposit Options: Recipients can deposit eChecks as they would a paper check—through bank tellers, ATMs, or mobile banking apps.
Exceptional Circumstances: In rare cases where a digital check cannot be utilized, One Legal may ask you to advance a fee. However, this is always optional, and you have the right to decline.
One Legal takes responsibility for ensuring that witness fees are provided where required, using eChecks to simplify the process for our contractors. Your role is crucial but straightforward—delivering the check without needing to manage or advance personal funds. This setup underscores our commitment to supporting our contractors efficiently and effectively. If you ever face a situation where an eCheck is not suitable, please contact us via a note or a telephone call. Learn how: Overview: Communicating With One Legal.