With more photographs required for every serve, the service detail page took longer and longer to load and now this is no longer a problem. Server bandwidth has been recovered with the usage of new photo thumbnails!

You may have noticed we are now routing traffic over ssl(https). For good reasons, we opted to use an 'Extended Validation Certificate'. To better explain: "These criteria require extensive verification of the requesting entity's identity by the certificate authority (CA) before a certificate is issued.". For more information you can see the current guidelines: Guidelines for Extended Validation Certificates. This change should not have any side effects on the application. Go Secure Now

This is, as it should be, a complete refactor from our last major release. To run better we are now in a complete MVC. PHP 5.3.x on Apache using APC. We have also worked to reduced screen clutter and simplify the menu and forms. If you have any feedback about what you would like to see or any other changes, contact service [at] mdwestserve [dot] com, your thoughts are always invited.

FTP transfers allow for large batches of files to be sent at once. While this means does not allow for additional instructions and case numbers, if a file is sent over titled as the file itself (e.g. file XYZ would have a filename of XYZ.pdf), then our staff can easily match up the information and look up the case numbers. While this approach may not suite all clients, it provides an easy method for clients who need a large number of files served and do not have time to transfer each one on its own.

Another method that we offer is the java uploader, which allows for an even greater ease of transfer. Rather than using forms to enter the file (using the "Browse" button to find the files on your hard drive one at a time), simply drag and drop the files onto our java uploader, and it will do the rest! This transfer method does require the same level of organization that FTP transfers do in regard to naming the files.

We use the USPS exclusively for all mailings. This gives MDWestServe the benefit of access to the USPS API (United States Postal Service Application Programming Interface), which provides access to the postal database of valid addresses. We use this database to check all addresses for validity before initiating service or sending mailings.

In addition to verifying all addresses, we verify all case numbers. We have found that this minimizes the chance of court documents being misfiled or rejected based on insufficient case number formatting. Our staff performs this service immediately following data entry, and will notify the client if a file's accompanying case number is not valid.

We offer a simple yet powerful solution for pre-sale service. All that is needed to send a file for service is a file number (for your own reference), a case number (for us to file the affidavits under), and the documents to serve (in PDF form). For basic service under Maryland Rule of Procedure 14-209, we make two good faith attempts (each on a separate day) to serve the defendant(s) at all addresses provided. If our efforts to personally serve the defendant(s) are unsuccessful, then at this point we post a set of service documents to the deed of trust property (one set for each defendant), send out mailings via first class and certified mail to all defendants at all listed addresses, and then we file affidavits. Additional service beyond this scope can easily be performed to meet any needs, so long as the needs are specified in the "Additional Instructions" field when the file is sent over.

Defaulting purchaser service under Maryland Rule of Procedure 14-102(B) necessitates an open-ended approach to service. As this will not allow for a simple cause-and-effect style of service (such as mailing and posting), we can pursue personal service of documents to the defendant at any given address in any order provided. If finding additional information becomes necessary, we also have access to several databases such as MRIS, MVA records, and detective work done via phone, internet, or through the Maryland Land Records.

Our eviction service involves serving the occupants of a particular address under Maryland Rule of Procedure 14-102(D) (3). This service is generally completed one of two ways: by personal delivery to an occupant at the property in question, or by mailing and posting after two unsuccessful attempts. In the event of non-delivery, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure, we write the date of posting on each document. As with all other types of service we offer, additional service can be performed to meet any needs, so long as the needs are specified in the "Additional Instructions" field when the file is sent over.

We offer our clients the service of sending their occupant notices. In compliance with Maryland Real Property Article 7-105.9(B), our notices are sent by first-class mail, with the text "IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL OCCUPANTS: FORECLOSURE INFORMATION ENCLOSED. OPEN IMMEDIATELY." in 14pt-sized font on the front of the envelope. This service is prepared by our staff in-line following data entry. Notice mailings and affidavits are usually prepared on the same day as receipt of the file, so that documents will be ready to be filed in court as soon as the service affidavits have been prepared.

Our mobile application allows for our process servers to access and update information directly from the field. At the moment, it provides servers with instructions for all active files, as well as a means for servers to enter service details into our affidavit generation system. Soon we hope to update this software with easy access downloads for all service documents, so a smart-phone can be taken directly to a printer (e.g. Staples, Kinko's, or Office Depot) allowing for real-time in-the-field service updates and decentralized service operation.