A Motion for Substituted Service is a legal document filed by a party in a lawsuit requesting permission from the court to serve the other party with legal documents in a manner alternative to the usual methods of personal service. This motion is typically used in situations where the party to be served is evading service, cannot be located, or their whereabouts are unknown. A sample Motion for Substituted Service typically includes the following elements: 1. Case Caption: The heading of the document containing the court's name, case number, and the parties involved. 2. Introduction: This section provides a brief background of the case and explains the purpose of the motion. 3. Statement of Facts: Here, the moving party presents specific reasons why substituted service is necessary. This may include evidence of the party's attempt at personal service, failed attempts, or diligent efforts to locate the party. 4. Legal Grounds: This section discusses the legal basis for requesting substituted service, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction. The moving party may reference relevant statutory law or court rules that authorize substituted service. 5. Proposed Method of Substituted Service: The motion should detail the alternative method of service the moving party wishes to employ, such as service by certified mail, publication in a newspaper, email, or through a designated person. 6. Supporting Affidavit: In some jurisdictions, an affidavit from the moving party or a third-party may be required to support the motion. The affidavit typically contains sworn statements attesting to the facts and efforts made to serve the defendant. 7. Request for Order: The moving party should explicitly request the court to grant the motion for substituted service and include an order for such service. It is important to note that different jurisdictions may have specific requirements or forms for the Motion for Substituted Service. Therefore, it is essential to consult the applicable rules of the court and consider obtaining legal advice to ensure compliance. Some variations of the Motion for Substituted Service include: 1. Motion for Substituted Service by Certified Mail: In this type of motion, the moving party requests permission to serve the other party using certified mail with a return receipt requested. The motion outlines the legal basis and explains why certified mail is a suitable alternative method of service. 2. Motion for Substituted Service by Publication: This motion is used when the moving party seeks permission to publish a notice in a newspaper or other media outlet to serve the party who cannot be located. The motion describes the efforts made to locate the party and presents reasons justifying service by publication. 3. Motion for Substituted Service via Email or Social Media: With the increase in digital communication, some jurisdictions allow service of legal documents through email or social media platforms. This motion requests the court's permission to serve the defendant using electronic methods and explains why such means would be effective and appropriate. In conclusion, a Motion for Substituted Service is a legal document used to request alternative methods of serving court documents when conventional personal service is not possible. The specific format and requirements may vary, but the purpose is to demonstrate to the court the efforts made to locate and serve the other party in a lawsuit effectively.