Alternate service: how to serve a defendant if you can't do it in person
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Usually, when you start a case in the Probate and Family Court, you need to let the other side know by “serving” them with notice of the case. Most of the time, this service takes the form of a sheriff or constable giving the defendant the court papers in person.
If the sheriff could not serve the defendant with a Divorce /Separate Support Summons in person or if you do not know where the Defendant lives, ask the court to order Service by Alternate Means. This can include
- publishing the summons in the newspaper,
- maiingl the summons and complaint to the defendant at the last address you have for them, and
- other ways to let the defendant know about the court case that the court allows.
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