Can summons be served by mail in tennessee

In Tennessee, the rules for serving a summons by mail are governed by Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 4.12. According to this rule, a summons can be served by mail in certain circumstances.

Here are the requirements for serving a summons by mail in Tennessee:

1. The summons must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the defendant's last known address.
2. The summons must be accompanied by a copy of the complaint and any other relevant documents.
3. The plaintiff must also include a notice of the right to waive service of summons, which is a form provided by the court.
4. The defendant has 30 days from the date of mailing to return the signed waiver of service or to file an answer to the complaint.

If the defendant fails to return the waiver of service or file an answer within the 30-day period, the plaintiff can file a proof of service with the court, which will be considered equivalent to personal service.

It's important to note that serving a summons by mail is not always possible, and the court may require personal service in certain situations. For example, if the defendant is a minor or an incapacitated person, personal service may be required.

Additionally, if the defendant is a corporation or other business entity, service by mail may not be sufficient, and personal service or service by a process server may be required.

It's always a good idea to consult with an attorney or check with the court to determine the best method of service for your specific situation.