Arizona Laws 22-513. Method of service
A. In addition to any other available methods of service, the plaintiff may serve the summons and complaint by registered or certified mail. Service is deemed complete on the date of delivery of the registered or certified mail to the defendant as indicated on the return receipt that is received and filed with the court either in person or by first class mail. If the date of delivery was not entered by the postal carrier or is illegible, service is deemed complete on the date the return receipt is received and filed with the court, either in person or by first class mail. The clerk of the small claims division of the justice court may make service by certified restricted mail, return receipt requested.
Terms Used In Arizona Laws 22-513
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Person: includes a corporation, company, partnership, firm, association or society, as well as a natural person. See Arizona Laws 1-215
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
- Process: means a citation, writ or summons issued in the course of judicial proceedings. See Arizona Laws 1-215
- small claims division: means a forum in justice courts in which procedures shall allow the inexpensive, speedy and informal resolution of small claims. See Arizona Laws 22-501
- Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
B. If the defendant cannot be served by registered or certified mail, personal service by a process server or an authorized officer or by any other means pursuant to court rule may be used. If personal service is used, an affidavit of service shall be filed with the court.
C. If personal service is used, service is deemed complete on the date of delivery that is indicated on the certificate of service.
D. At the time a complaint is filed, the clerk shall notify the plaintiff that if the plaintiff serves the summons and complaint by registered or certified mail under subsection A of this section the plaintiff may file the registered or certified mail return receipt with the court either in person or by first class mail.