Process Service · Electronic & Social Media
When They Can't Be Found, We Find Another Way.
Electronic and social media service of process is a court-approved alternative when traditional service has failed. DGR has been pioneering it since before most firms knew it was possible.
Our History With Electronic Service
We Did It First. We Still Do It Best.
In October 2017, DGR Legal made legal history. We became the first process server in the world to successfully effect service via LinkedIn and Instagram — two platforms that no one had previously used as a court-approved method of service.
At the time, Facebook and email were the only social media methods that courts had approved. DGR worked through the legal requirements, built the documentation process, and executed service on both platforms — setting a precedent that attorneys and courts across the country have since followed.
That milestone was not a one-time achievement. It reflects how DGR approaches every challenge in process service — by finding a legally sound solution when the conventional path is blocked.
October 2017
First in the World — Service via LinkedIn & Instagram
DGR Legal executed court-approved service of process through LinkedIn and Instagram for the first time in history, establishing a legal framework that has since been used by process servers and attorneys nationwide.
DGR's work on these first cases has been covered by Law.com and cited as a landmark development in the evolution of electronic service of process in the United States. Our team is available to advise on what documentation and court approval will be required for your specific matter.
What Is Electronic Service of Process
When Traditional Service Is Not Enough.
Personal service remains the gold standard — and in most cases it is exactly what DGR provides. But there are situations where a subject cannot be located at a physical address despite thorough due diligence and repeated attempts.
In those cases, courts in New Jersey and across the country can authorize alternate service through electronic means — including email, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp. This is not a shortcut. It is a court-approved legal process that requires judicial authorization, documented due diligence, and precise execution.
Electronic service is not available as a first attempt. It is an authorized alternative when all reasonable efforts at personal service have been exhausted and the court is satisfied that the subject has a known and verifiable presence on the relevant platform.
Important: Court approval is required before electronic service can be effected. DGR can advise on what documentation and due diligence the court will typically require based on our experience with these matters in New Jersey.
How Court Approval Works.
To obtain authorization for alternate electronic service, your application to the court will typically need to demonstrate:
1
Proof that the social media account belongs to the defendant — profile details, activity, connections, and other identifying information.
2
Documented evidence of significant due diligence in attempting traditional personal service — including dates, times, and locations of attempts.
3
Evidence that the subject is active on the platform and likely to receive notice of the service.
4
A proposed method for executing and documenting the service in a way that creates an admissible court record.
Platforms We Serve Through
Every Platform. Court-Admissible.
Where court authorization permits, DGR can execute service across all major social media and electronic platforms — with documentation designed to hold up in court.
DGR was the first in the world to serve via LinkedIn in October 2017. Particularly effective for business defendants and professionals with active profiles. We capture all required profile documentation and execute with a court-admissible record.
Also first executed by DGR in October 2017 alongside LinkedIn. Effective when a subject maintains an active Instagram presence but cannot be located at a physical address. Full documentation of account ownership and service execution provided.
One of the earliest approved methods of social media service, with an established legal framework in New Jersey and across the country. DGR has extensive experience executing Facebook service with proper court authorization and documentation.
Court-approved email service is available when a subject's email address is verified and the court authorizes electronic service. DGR captures delivery confirmation and all required documentation to authenticate service for court submission.
X (Twitter)
Where court authorization is granted, service via X can be appropriate for subjects who maintain an active and identifiable public presence on the platform. DGR documents account ownership and executes service with a complete evidentiary record.
In jurisdictions where WhatsApp service has been authorized, DGR can coordinate execution and documentation. Particularly relevant for matters involving international defendants who are active on the platform but unreachable through other channels.
How It Works
From Court Order to. Completed Service.
Electronic service requires precision at every step. Here is how DGR handles it from start to finish.
01
Due Diligence & Account Verification
Before any court application, DGR conducts thorough due diligence — documenting all traditional service attempts and verifying that the social media account belongs to the subject. This documentation forms the foundation of the court application.
02
Supporting the Court Application
DGR works with your team to compile the documentation needed to support your application for alternate service. We draw on our experience with prior court approvals to help ensure your application is as strong as possible.
03
Court-Authorized Execution
Once the court order is in hand, DGR executes service precisely as authorized. Every step is documented — screenshots, timestamps, delivery receipts, and all platform-specific information required to authenticate the service.
04
Court-Ready Affidavit
DGR prepares a complete affidavit of service documenting every aspect of the electronic service for submission to the court. The record is thorough enough to withstand challenge and designed to meet the evidentiary standards the court will apply.
When we have had to arrange for unusual service of individuals who are evading service, DGR has come through for us time and time again in the most professional manner possible.
Which method of international service is typically fastest?
Service via agent, where permitted, is the fastest — often completed in weeks. Hague Service Convention typically takes several months. Letters Rogatory can take six months to over a year. The right choice depends on the country, your timeline, and whether a future judgment needs to be enforced abroad.
Can I serve international documents by mail?
It depends on the destination country. Some countries permit mail service, while others explicitly prohibit it and would invalidate service made that way. We advise on what is permissible for your specific destination before anything is sent.
What happens if a foreign court refuses my service request?
When service is refused, options may include correcting deficiencies and resubmitting, attempting an alternative permitted method, or exploring other available channels. We work with you to identify the best path forward based on the specific country and circumstances.
Why do I need to translate documents for international service?
Many countries require documents in their official language to ensure the defendant can understand the proceedings. Translation requirements vary significantly by country. DGR advises on specific requirements and coordinates professional certified translation services.
Can DGR serve in countries that are not Hague Convention members?
Yes. We provide service in non-Hague countries through Letters Rogatory or, where permitted, service via agent. Each non-Hague country has different procedures and we have experience navigating these processes worldwide.
What proof of service will I receive for international service?
Proof varies by method and country. Hague Service Convention service includes a formal certificate issued by the foreign Central Authority. Service via agent typically produces affidavits and supporting documentation. We advise on what proof to expect before your matter begins.
Subject Evading Service? We Have Options.
Tell us what you have tried and where things stand. We will advise on whether electronic service is a viable path and what it will take to get court approval.
Frequently ASked Questions
Questions We Hear Most.
Can I use social media service as a first attempt?
No. Electronic and social media service is an alternate method authorized by the court only after significant due diligence and failed attempts at traditional personal service. It cannot be used as the initial method of service.
How do I get court approval for electronic service?
You file an application with the court demonstrating that traditional service has failed, that the subject has a verifiable presence on the platform, and proposing a specific method of service. DGR can advise on what documentation the court will typically require based on our experience with these matters.
How do you prove the social media account belongs to the defendant?
DGR documents profile details, activity, connections, photos, and any other identifying information that ties the account to the subject. The strength of this documentation is critical to the court's approval and to defending the service if it is challenged.
What if the subject does not see the message or ignores it?
Courts are aware that, as with publication service, there is no guarantee the subject will actually read the notice. What matters is that the service was executed as authorized and properly documented. DGR captures all available delivery indicators and builds the strongest possible evidentiary record.
Is electronic service available in all states?
Electronic service rules vary by jurisdiction. New Jersey courts have approved social media service in appropriate circumstances. Other states have different standards and requirements. DGR advises on what is available and permissible in your specific jurisdiction.
What makes DGR qualified to handle electronic service?
DGR was the first process server in the world to execute service via LinkedIn and Instagram in October 2017. We have more experience with electronic service than virtually any other process service company — and we have built the documentation processes that courts accept.