Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Re: serving papers

Typically, the attorney has someone take care of "serving papers." The legal term for this is "service of process." This is why professionals that serve papers are called "process servers." The attorney does not, and should not serve process in the case. They should either have the sheriff's department or a private process server serve the mother. I have never seen a situation where the attorney expected the client to find a process server. However, the cost is typically paid by the client as a litigation expense, but if you are paying the attorney a flat rate it might be a part of the flat rate. I would review your attorney-client fee agreement to see who is responsible for the cost of service of process. Most attorneys that practice family law or other types of litigation will have a private process server that they use regularly. Sometimes service of process can be difficult if the individual to be served (in this case, your mother) is attempting to avoid service. However, a good private process server will be able to get her served. You might also see if she will waive service of process. If the attorney is insistent that you must find the process server, you might consider hiring a different attorney to help you.