What Makes Women’s Process Servers Successful?

Women have a specific advantage as process servers over men: their gender.

Defendants in action are often wary of document delivery. Naturally, they fear the consequences of accepting documents. Fears of financial ruin, embarrassment, and how they will defend themselves are common.

Many Defendants awaiting document service anticipate a man who will intimidate them and perhaps create a scene in front of others. Unfortunately, this is a scenario promoted by the entertainment industry and it leaves a lasting impression.

A woman at the door or asking for a person in a business is considered, for the most part, less suspicious. Defendants do not typically associate women with process servers, which is a benefit when defendants hope to evade service.

Others may be less aware of the presence of a woman in the process. A woman can carry out the service in a discreet manner that will go unnoticed and will prevent the accused from feeling embarrassed, especially in a work setting.

Defendants may tend to be less confrontational or aggressive with a woman due to the absence of threatening behavior. People faced with a physically imposing process server can instinctively become defensive and act combative.

Defendants are more comfortable accepting documents from a woman. Studies have shown that women excel at active listening. Many people believe that a woman is likely to feel more empathy for her situation. Right or wrong, this belief is advantageous.

An analysis of psychological sensitivity studies by a Northeastern University professor showed that women generally outperform men in decoding non-verbal messages and body language. Along with this finding, the analysis also established that women are better at detecting lies. Both traits are valuable in a process server.

If the Defendant is reluctant to accept service, a courteous explanation from a woman serving the service about how acceptance will actually benefit them by allowing them to respond to the claim may be helpful.

While women in some circles may be viewed less favorably than men in terms of “toughness,” recent evidence shows that women are just as focused, tenacious, and achievement-oriented. Many female processors have enrolled in self-defense and martial arts programs to ensure their safety and competence to handle situations that may turn hostile or combative.

The reality is that a female prosecutor can facilitate the service of documents to Compliant and Non-Compliant Defendants.