Are there restrictions on process server fees?

• A. Fees may be whatever the server negotiates with the client.
• B. Fees are determined by the defendant’s lawyer.
• C. Fees may be charged in any amount, as long as services were provided.
• D. Fees should be reasonable and in line with court rules; excessive charges may be improper.

Answer: (D)

Fees for service of process are governed by reasonableness and court-approved standards. This means you can’t set charges by personal whim or simply do whatever the client or their lawyer wants; the amount should align with established schedules or rules and what is customary for the area and the work performed. If a fee seems excessive given the location, number of attempts, or complexity, it may be improper and could be challenged in court. A clear, itemized invoice and adherence to any allowed costs (like mileage or out-of-pocket expenses) help ensure the fee is fair. The other approaches ignore these safeguards: allowing any negotiated amount, letting the defendant’s lawyer unilaterally set the fee, or charging arbitrary amounts just because service was completed, all conflict with the requirement that fees be reasonable and in line with court rules.