How do I serve a summons?

Serving a summons in Indiana requires following a specific procedure in order to ensure that the defendant has been properly notified of the legal complaint filed against them. The summons must be issued by the clerk of court, which is done after the plaintiff has filed a complaint in the court and paid the filing fee. The summons must then be personally delivered to the defendant or mailed by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested. If the defendant is a corporation or other legal entity, the summons must be served by the sheriff or a court-approved process server. The process server must complete an affidavit indicating where and when the summons was served and provide proof, such as a signed copy of the summons or a photograph of the defendant accepting the summons. The proof should be filed with the court and a copy provided to the plaintiff. If the defendant is in another state, the summons may be served via U.S. mail with a return receipt requested or an overnight delivery service. If the defendant cannot be located and served, the plaintiff may ask the court for an order of publication, which requires the defendant to be served by publishing a notice in a newspaper in the county where the suit was filed.

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