the delivery of copies of legal documents such as summons, complaint, subpena, order
to show cause (order to appear and argue against a proposed order), writs, notice
to quit the premises and certain other documents, usually by personal delivery to
the defendant or other person to whom the documents are directed. So-called "substituted
service" can be accomplished by leaving the documents with an adult resident of
a home, with an employee with management duties at a business office or with a designated
"agent for acceptance of service" (often with name and address filed with the state's
Secretary of State), or, in some cases, by posting in a prominent place followed
by mailing copies by certified mail to the opposing party. In certain cases of absent
or unknown defendants, the court will allow service by publication in a newspaper.
Once all parties have filed a complaint, answer or any pleading in a lawsuit, further
documents usually can be served by mail or even FAX.
See also personal service service service by FAX service by mail service by publication
substituted service
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