
Quoting
flyingron
No, if you know where she is, you must do personal service. The alternate means only apply if you don't know where she is after performing suitable due diligence in finding her. If you can't get the sheriff in the county she is now residing to serve her, use a private process server or by mail. You will have to show that service was performed. THere's no arguing that "she didn't hear about it." NC requires serivce in a form that will assure she did. You, as a party, are not permitted to serve her yourself.
As far as eligibility to file, that's on you. You'll swear in an affidavit she left you a year ago or more. The rest will be duked out in court.