Why You Need a Constable or Process Server in Massachusetts, Including Boston

When legal documents need to be served, ensuring they are delivered properly and legally is crucial. In Massachusetts, including Boston, constables and process servers play a vital role in the legal system, ensuring that court orders, summonses, subpoenas, and eviction notices are delivered in compliance with state laws. Whether you are involved in a legal dispute, managing property, or running a business that requires legal document handling, hiring a professional process server is essential to avoid complications.
What is a Constable or Process Server?
A constable or process server is a legal professional authorized to deliver court documents to individuals involved in legal proceedings. In Massachusetts, constables often have broader authority than process servers, including executing court orders and handling evictions. Process servers focus on the proper delivery of legal documents, ensuring that all paperwork is served according to legal requirements.
In Boston and across the state, constables and process servers are critical for ensuring that legal documents are delivered in accordance with Massachusetts law. While process servers work primarily to deliver documents like subpoenas, summonses, and complaints, constables are public officers who can perform a range of legal duties, such as:
Serving documents
Enforcing evictions
Conducting civil enforcement actions
Understanding the difference and knowing when to engage a constable or process server is critical for ensuring your legal matters proceed without delays.
Why Professional Service of Process is Important
Improper service of legal documents can result in case delays, dismissals, or legal disputes. A professional constable or process server ensures:
Legal Compliance: Documents are served in strict accordance with Massachusetts laws. Failure to meet legal standards for service of process can undermine your entire case. In Boston, courts are strict about the legal process, and improper service could derail your case.
Timely Delivery: Legal matters are time-sensitive, and professionals ensure prompt service. Delays in document delivery can lead to missed deadlines, postponed hearings, or even cases being dismissed.
Proper Documentation: A proof of service (affidavit of service) is provided, confirming that the document was legally served. This documentation is crucial when the matter goes before a judge.
Avoidance of Conflict: Having a neutral third party handle document delivery reduces potential hostility in sensitive cases, such as divorces or family disputes.
Common Documents Served by Constables in Massachusetts, Including Boston
Colon Constable Services specializes in serving a variety of legal documents, including:
Summons & Complaints
Subpoenas
Divorce & Family Court Papers
Eviction Notices (14-Day, 30-Day Notices, and Court Orders)
Small Claims Notices
Restraining Orders
Civil Lawsuit Notifications
Debt Collection Notices
Each of these documents must be delivered in a very specific way to ensure that the party receiving them is fully informed. For example, eviction notices require not only delivery but often a follow-up action that may involve posting the notice on the door of a property. A professional constable can manage these tasks with precision, ensuring all legal steps are followed.
Benefits of Hiring a Massachusetts Constable or Process Server
1. Knowledge of State Laws
Massachusetts has strict rules regarding how and when legal documents must be served. A licensed constable understands these laws and ensures compliance to prevent legal challenges. Massachusetts courts, especially in Boston, can dismiss a case if a defendant was not properly notified, and the law stipulates that certain types of documents must be served in specific ways (e.g., in person, by mail, or via certified delivery). A professional process server knows the details of these requirements and ensures that all steps are followed correctly.
2. Fast and Reliable Service
Time-sensitive legal matters require quick action. A professional process server ensures that documents are delivered as quickly as possible, helping legal proceedings move forward without delay. Whether it's an eviction notice with a deadline or a summons that must be delivered within 48 hours, a professional will work quickly to ensure timely delivery and help avoid costly delays in the legal process.
3. Legally Valid Proof of Service
Hiring a professional means you will receive an official Affidavit of Service, which serves as proof that documents were properly served. This documentation is critical in court cases. Without valid proof of service, the recipient of the documents could dispute the delivery, leading to a delay in the case or potentially invalidating the entire process. Having an affidavit ensures that your case is protected and ready for court.
4. Assistance with Difficult-to-Serve Individuals
Some individuals try to evade being served legal documents. A skilled constable or process server has the experience and legal tools to locate and serve individuals, even in challenging circumstances. This includes tracking down people who are trying to avoid service by using alternate addresses, engaging in surveillance, or using skip-tracing services to find hidden individuals. Professional process servers are experienced in handling the nuances of difficult or evasive situations, making sure your legal process continues without a hitch.
5. Support for Landlords & Property Managers in Boston
For landlords and property managers, serving eviction notices and legal documents is a necessary but often stressful task. A professional constable ensures that notices are delivered correctly and legally, avoiding tenant disputes and delays. Massachusetts law requires that eviction notices be served in a specific manner, and failure to comply with the rules could delay the process or result in the notice being considered invalid.
By working with a professional constable, landlords in Boston and across Massachusetts can ensure that their eviction proceedings are carried out smoothly, with the proper documentation and timelines adhered to. Whether serving a 14-day notice or a formal court order, a constable will ensure the notice is served within the required timeframe and in the correct manner.
6. Court Document Retrieval Services
In addition to serving legal documents, a constable can retrieve important court records on behalf of attorneys, businesses, or individuals, saving time and effort. For example, when a case is filed, an attorney may need copies of specific court records or documents that are part of the public record. A constable can retrieve these documents quickly, ensuring that legal teams have the information they need for their cases.
Why Choose Colon Constable Services?

At Colon Constable Services, we provide professional and efficient process service throughout Boston and Massachusetts. Our team understands the complexities of legal document delivery and ensures compliance with all state regulations. Whether you need to serve an eviction notice, a subpoena, or a summons, we handle every case with professionalism and discretion. We offer both in-person and mail services, ensuring that we can meet your needs no matter your location or the type of legal matter you’re facing.
We specialize in a wide range of process serving services, including:
Eviction Notices: Fast and efficient delivery of eviction notices, including follow-up actions required by law.
Legal Documents: Ensuring that summons, subpoenas, and complaints are served in a timely manner to facilitate legal proceedings.
Court Document Retrieval: Streamlining the process of obtaining court records and legal documents from local courts.
Contact Us Today
For reliable process serving and constable services in Boston and throughout Massachusetts, contact Colon Constable Services at 617-586-5482 | [email protected]