Define “personal service” in the context of civil process.

Personal service refers to the process of delivering legal documents, such as a summons or complaint, directly to the individual named in the lawsuit. This method is considered the most effective way to ensure that the defendant is aware of the legal action against them, as it provides direct and personal notification. The primary goal of personal service is to give the defendant an opportunity to respond to the lawsuit in a timely manner.

When the lawsuit documents are delivered in person, it confirms that the recipient received the documents directly, minimizing the risk of claims that the defendant was unaware of the proceedings. This aspect of personal service underscores its importance in upholding due process rights, ensuring the defendant has received notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Other methods of service, such as mailing documents or leaving them with a family member, may not guarantee that the defendant is adequately informed about the lawsuit, which is why they do not fulfill the requirements of personal service. Similarly, notifying the defendant through an attorney is not considered personal service, as it does not involve direct contact with the individual named in the legal action.