I admit it – I hate sending mail. Print the document, staple the corner, fold, stuff into any envelope, lick the envelope (yuck), stick on a stamp. That’s the easy part.
The tough part? It’s actually getting down to the mailbox and sending it, then doing the darn certificate of service to file with the court. Then I’ve got to upload it and get the ECF receipt.
Does it take a TON of time? Nope, but I figure that when I have to mail out a motion or an amendment to a bankruptcy schedule it takes me about an hour with all the scut work that comes along with it. If I have a paralegal do it, then he or she is tied up for an hour or more – time that could be used to crank out more work that actually makes me money.
Add to that the fact that I’m a bit of a nervous guy. Did I send it out? Am I sure? What if the other side grouses and I’ve got to prove I sent it out. Will the affirmation of service I filed be enough? Did I write the correct date on it?
So about 3 years ago I started using Certificate of Service for my mailings. And before we go any further in this post, full disclosure time.
I am not getting paid to endorse this service.
The owners of this service, Jay and Kaythryn Jump, are friends of mine. If the service sucked, I’d let you know anyway. They’d have to deal with it.
Jay Jump is a NACBA member. We have dinner whenever there’s a conference or an excuse to do so. Jay’s a smart guy and funny to boot.
You’ll note that there is an ad for COS in the sidebar. I do not make a dime off this, nor have I ever. It isn’t an affiliate link, and I have no ownership interest in the company whatsoever.
OK, we’re done with that. Now onto the big deal – I love Certificate of Service. Period.
I have an amendment to file or a motion – even a letter of representation – and I’ll file it with the court. Then I hit the COS website and upload it along with the case information. I can upload a matrix or they’ll just grab it from the court’s website. Maybe I’ll add in an additional party to be served, or whatever. Most of time, it just goes as is.
If I need it served by certified mail I let them know.
Then I go to sleep.
Within a few hours I’ll get an email from COS telling me they’ve served the document. They send along a certificate of service that I upload to the court’s website. The bankruptcy courts all accept the certificate because COS has been accepted as a verified vendor for this sort of thing – I think they’re the only ones out there who are certified by the way.
I’ve never had service challenged, but if I did then I know COS would back me up and go to the mat for me.
What’s it cost? A heck of a lot less than the value of your time, your staff time, the cost of paper, the cost of envelopes, the cost of toner, blah blah blah.
The upshot? It’s less expensive than doing it yourself, it’s automatic, it’s easy, and it’s accepted by the courts.
Do you use COS? Put your comments in below and let’s hear how your use it. I’m sure I can pick up tips and make even better use of the service.
