In Missouri, an individual granted authorization by the court to effectuate service of process is termed a special server. This designation allows someone who is not typically authorized, such as a sheriff or a registered private process server, to legally deliver court documents to a defendant or other party involved in a legal proceeding. For example, if a plaintiff knows a trustworthy individual who is likely to encounter the defendant regularly, the plaintiff can petition the court to appoint that person as a special server for that specific case.
The importance of this mechanism lies in its ability to ensure effective service in situations where conventional methods might prove difficult or impractical. It can be particularly beneficial when dealing with evasive individuals or in cases where a personal connection increases the likelihood of successful delivery. Historically, such appointments provided a flexible means to navigate unique service challenges, ensuring due process is upheld by facilitating proper notification of legal actions. It also provides the court with more options to ensure that a party receives notice of a pending legal action.
