Serving Court Papers in California
I have a court date April 7th in los angeles CA and I am trying to serve the court papers to a property owner whom I am suing. No one ever seems to be at the address I have for him so serving him has been very difficult. What if I am not able to serve him?
Can I mail a copy of the papers via certified mail to the property manager? I am not suing the property manager but she is the only link I have to the property owner since I have never me the property owner.
I know there are timelines that I have to serve the papers so I am wondering if I should change the court date.
Re: Serving Court Papers in California
You're the plaintiff? When you say "I am trying to serve the court papers", are you referring to difficulties encountered by your process server?
Is this small claims court? If so, read this and this.
Re: Serving Court Papers in California
First, the plaintiff can NEVER serve anything himself. In your state, there may be exceptions for small claims. However, you really should still use the sheriff or a process server. If they are unable to serve the person, then your state law may allow service by publication.
Is the person just a sole prop type of operation? Is there an LLC or corporation involved? If so, you can look up the registered agent on the SOS web site for your state. You serve the registered agent. They have to be available for service.