What Happens If Someone Refuses to Be Served Legal Papers?

Avoidance Doesn’t Stop the Legal Process – SAVUS Ensures Delivery

It's not uncommon for individuals to try and avoid being served legal documents. Some may refuse to accept the papers, deny their identity, or actively evade being found. However, refusing to accept service does not stop the legal process—and it doesn’t protect them from legal consequences.

At SAVUS, we are trained to handle these situations with professionalism and within legal guidelines. If a respondent is identified but refuses to physically accept the documents, our process servers will clearly state what the documents are and then leave them in their presence. This still qualifies as a legal service.

What If the Person Can’t Be Located or Won’t Cooperate?

We often work with clients dealing with difficult-to-serve or evasive respondents. SAVUS uses the respondent’s last known address and, where available, a recent photo or personal details to confirm identity. If the individual cannot be found through standard means, we offer advanced skip tracing services to locate and serve them lawfully.

Avoiding service may delay proceedings, but it doesn’t make them disappear. Courts recognize these tactics and, with proper documentation from a licensed process server, legal proceedings can often continue in their absence.

Why Choose SAVUS Process Servers in Adelaide?

Our team is experienced in dealing with avoidance tactics and emotionally sensitive situations. We are fully licensed and insured, and bring the knowledge, discretion, and persistence needed to complete service—even when the recipient is uncooperative or attempting to evade.

Using a professional like SAVUS not only ensures legal compliance but saves you time, stress, and added legal costs.