According to R. 4:4-3(a), the summons shall be served, together with the
complaint (and the required attachments to the complaint which include the CIS pursuant
to R. 4:5- 1(b) and TAN pursuant to R. 4:5A-2), by the sheriff, or by a person specially
appointed by the court for that purpose, or by plaintiff’s attorney or the attorney’s agent,
or by any other competent adult not having a direct interest in the litigation.
If personal service cannot be made after a reasonable and good faith attempt,
which must be described with specificity in the proof of service required by R. 4:4- 7,
service may be made by mailing a copy of the summons and complaint by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, to the defendant’s residence or to the residence of
a person authorized by law to accept service for the defendant or, with postal instructions
to deliver to addressee only, to the defendant’s place of business or employment. If the
addressee fails to claim or refuses to accept delivery of the registered or certified mail,
service may be made by ordinary mail addressed to the defendant’s residence. The party
making service may, at the party’s option, make service simultaneously by registered or
certified mail and ordinary mail, and if the addressee fails to claim or refuses accept
delivery of registered mail and if the ordinary mailing is not returned, the simultaneous
mailing constitutes effective service. Mail may be addressed to a post office box in lieu
of a street address only if the sender cannot by diligent effort determine the addressee’s
street address or if the post office does not make street address delivery to the addressee.
The specific facts underlying service must be recited in the proof of service filed with the
court pursuant to R. 1:5-3. See R. 1:5- 2.
More information can be obtained from “ A PRACTITIONER’S GUIDE TO NEW JERSEY’S CIVIL COURT PROCEDURES”
KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
ATTORNEY AT LAW
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
(Fax) 732-572-0030
Personal Injury Dept.: 732-572-0024
website: www.njpersonalinjurylawcenter.com
