Efficient, Court-Compliant Third-Party Mailing
For busy attorneys, paralegals, and legal support teams, proper service of documents is essential – and often time-sensitive. When you need a trusted, neutral third party to mail your legal documents and generate an Affidavit of Service by Mail, Pro Legal Support Services provides fast, accurate, and fully compliant service throughout Minnesota.
Our Third-Party Mailing service ensures your notices, responses, and other legal documents are served correctly via U.S. Mail, saving you valuable time and reducing risk.
What Our Third-Party Mailing Service Includes
Our team handles the full mailing workflow start to finish, acting as your independent third-party server:
- Set-up and document preparation
- Envelope creation and labeling
- Postage and mailing
- First-Class, Priority, or Certified Mail options
- Creation of your official Affidavit of Service by Mail
Most clients use First-Class Mail, but we accommodate Priority or Certified Mail upon request.
Once mailed, you will receive a completed affidavit confirming service was performed correctly and by an authorized third party.
Pricing
Flat Rate + Postage per Service
This flat rate includes:
- Initial service set-up
- Envelope, label, and postage preparation
- Physical mailing of the document(s)
- Completion and delivery of the Affidavit of Service by Mail
Simple. Transparent. Reliable.
What Is Service By Mail in Minnesota?
Service by mail is a legally recognized method of delivering documents through the U.S. Postal Service under the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure and the Minnesota General Rules of Practice.
In Minnesota, service of process rules distinguish between initial service (starting a lawsuit, like a summons and complaint) and subsequent documents (after the case begins).
Attorneys commonly serve most post-initial documents by first-class mail under Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 5.02, which allows regular U.S. mail for pleadings, motions, notices, and similar papers once the case is underway.
Our role as a third party ensures your mailing meets the procedural requirements for court acceptance.
Notes on Small Claims/Conciliation Court
In a conciliation court (small claims), the court administrator often handles initial summons service by first-class mail for claims up to a certain amount. Subsequent filings, such as counterclaims or responses, follow the general Rule 5 mail service.
Why Attorneys Use Third-Party Service by Mail
Using a third-party provider adds an extra layer of compliance, documentation, and peace of mind.
Legal professionals choose service by mail because it is:
- Cost-effective for routine or post-commencement filings
- Convenient (no need to schedule in-person service)
- Court-approved, when completed correctly
- Low-risk, minimizing confrontation or escalation
- Time-efficient, especially when formal service is not required
Overall, service by mail balances accessibility with due process, allowing attorneys to advance cases without unnecessary expense or delay. If the recipient evades service or disputes it, courts can impose costs on them.
For specific cases, consult Minnesota's court rules or an attorney, as requirements vary by case type (e.g., family vs. civil).
Key Distinctions
Initial summons/complaints generally require personal service (or acknowledged mail waiver under Rule 4.05), not simple first-class mail. This aligns with common practice for cost-effective service on represented or known parties.
Mail service is standard and proper for these non-initial documents, with proof via certificate or affidavit of service.
Common Documents Served by Mail
Here are more documents attorneys commonly serve by first-class mail in ongoing civil cases, including small claims/conciliation court after initial service, family law, eviction, debt collection, etc.