Alternative Service

/ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv ˈsɜːrvɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A method of serving legal documents to a party through means other than personal delivery, often by mail, publication, or electronic service.
    The court authorized alternative service when the defendant could not be located for personal delivery.

Forms

  • alternative service

Commentary

Alternative service is typically employed when traditional personal service is impracticable; practitioners should specify the alternative method clearly in pleadings or court orders.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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