Independent Contractor Process Server Agreement

This Independent Contractor Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Dependable Consults ("Company") and the undersigned process server ("Contractor"). By submitting an application and performing services through the Dependable Consults platform, Contractor agrees to the following terms.

1. Independent Contractor Status

Contractor acknowledges and agrees that:

• Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, partner, or joint venturer of the Company.
• Contractor is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits. The Company will not withhold federal, state, or local income tax, Social Security tax, or any other payroll tax.
• Contractor retains full control over the manner, method, and means of performing services, subject to compliance with applicable laws and the quality standards outlined herein.
• Contractor is free to accept or decline any service assignment at their discretion.
• Contractor may perform services for other companies or clients simultaneously.

2. Scope of Services

Contractor agrees to perform process serving and related legal support services as assigned through the Company platform, including but not limited to:

• Personal service of process (citations, subpoenas, writs, notices, and other legal documents)
• Substitute service where permitted by law
• Skip tracing and address verification as needed
• Completing and filing affidavits/proofs of service
• Providing timely status updates through the Company platform

3. Legal Compliance

Contractor agrees to:

• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing process serving in the State of Texas, including Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) Rules 106 and 107.
• Maintain any required certifications, licenses, or registrations as mandated by the jurisdictions in which Contractor operates.
• Serve documents only in accordance with the rules of the court that issued them.
• Never misrepresent their identity or use deception in violation of applicable law when attempting service.
• Not engage in trespass, harassment, intimidation, or any unlawful conduct during service attempts.
• Comply with all applicable privacy and data protection regulations.

4. Due Diligence & Service Standards

Contractor agrees to exercise due diligence in all service attempts, including:

• Making a reasonable number of attempts at varying times and days as required by the assignment.
• Accurately documenting the date, time, location, and outcome of each service attempt.
• Completing service within the timeframe specified by the assignment urgency level (routine, rush, or same-day).
• Providing clear, legible, and truthful affidavits of service or non-service.
• Immediately reporting any safety concerns, threats, or inability to complete service.
• Maintaining professional conduct and appearance at all times when representing the Company.

5. Compensation

Contractor compensation is determined as follows:

• Payment rates are established per assignment and communicated prior to acceptance.
• Contractor will be compensated only for accepted and completed assignments.
• Additional compensation for mileage, wait time, stakeout hours, or rush service will be agreed upon in advance.
• Payment will be processed within the Company's standard payment cycle (typically 7-14 business days after completion and verification).
• Contractor is responsible for maintaining accurate records for tax purposes. The Company will issue a 1099-NEC for annual compensation exceeding $600.

6. Insurance & Liability

Contractor acknowledges and agrees that:

• Contractor is solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own general liability insurance, auto insurance, and any other coverage required by law.
• The Company is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, property damage, or losses incurred by Contractor during the performance of services.
• Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company, its officers, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising from Contractor's acts or omissions.
• Contractor is responsible for the condition and maintenance of their own vehicle and equipment.

7. Confidentiality

Contractor agrees to:

• Treat all case information, client data, and documents as strictly confidential.
• Not disclose any case details, addresses, personal information, or service outcomes to any third party.
• Use Company systems and data solely for the purpose of completing assigned services.
• Return or securely destroy all Company materials and data upon termination of this Agreement.
• Report any data breaches or unauthorized disclosures immediately to the Company.

8. Platform Use & Reporting

Contractor agrees to:

• Use the Company's platform to receive assignments, log attempts, and submit proofs of service.
• Provide timely and accurate updates on service status within the platform.
• Upload GPS-verified photos and documentation when required by the assignment.
• Not share login credentials or allow unauthorized access to the platform.
• Respond to Company communications within a reasonable timeframe (typically within 24 hours).

9. Background Check Authorization

By submitting an application, Contractor authorizes the Company to:

• Conduct a background check including criminal history, driving record, and identity verification.
• Verify certifications, licenses, and professional references provided in the application.
• Periodically re-verify Contractor's eligibility throughout the term of this Agreement.

Contractor understands that a criminal record or failed background check may result in denial or termination of the contractor relationship.

10. Termination

This Agreement may be terminated:

• By either party at any time, with or without cause, upon written notice.
• Immediately by the Company if Contractor violates any term of this Agreement, engages in unlawful conduct, or fails to meet service standards.
• Immediately by the Company if Contractor's certification or license is revoked, suspended, or expires.

Upon termination, Contractor must complete any in-progress assignments or return unserved documents to the Company. Payment for completed services will be processed per the standard payment cycle.

11. Non-Solicitation

During the term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months following termination, Contractor agrees not to:

• Directly solicit or contact Company clients for the purpose of providing competing services.
• Recruit or solicit other Company contractors for competing business purposes.

12. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be:

• First addressed through good-faith negotiation between the parties.
• If unresolved, submitted to mediation in Dallas County, Texas.
• If mediation fails, resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

13. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for any legal proceedings shall be in Dallas County, Texas.

14. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties regarding the subject matter herein. It supersedes all prior agreements, representations, and understandings. The Company reserves the right to update these terms at any time. Continued performance of services after notification of changes constitutes acceptance.

15. Contact Information

Dependable Consults
5465 Legacy Dr
Plano, TX
info@dependableconsults.com
(469) 596-9419