Electronic service of process system and method for carrying out service of court papers

Abstract

A system and method for online creation and integration of service of process functions is provided, for use in conjunction with paper or electronic filing of court papers. By logging on to a web page, the user can access a rules and decision matrix database providing the rules and requirements for process service by jurisdiction and type. Such rules can be incorporated into process requests using online tools and document management software. Once entered, the requests are compiled in a database, and a system controller coordinates with affiliated process servers to procure process service in the desired jurisdiction.

1 . An online system for handling service of process requests related to court cases, comprising:
 a gateway for accessing the system and entering user data to create a process request;   a web page for receiving the user data, the web page having a screen with a plurality of information areas for accepting entry of the user data and displaying stored data;   a first routine for uploading the user data on the system;   a second routine for accessing the stored data on the system;   a rules engine and decision matrix containing rules information for use with the process request; and   a system controller operably connected to the first routine, the second routine, and the web page for transmitting the stored data to the web page, receiving the user data from the web page, and providing the rules information to assist the user in formulating the process request.   
   
   
       2 - 45 . (canceled)