1. The formal delivery of a writ, summons, or other legal process ( after three attempts, service still had not been accomplished).
— Also termed service of process. [Cases: Federal Civil Procedure 411–518; Process 48–150. C.J.S. Process §§ 26–91.]
2. The formal delivery of some other legal notice, such as a pleading (be sure that a certificate of service is attached to the motion). [Cases: Federal Civil Procedure 665.]
actual service. See PERSONAL SERVICE(1).
constructive service.
1. See substituted service.
2. Service accomplished by a method or circumstance that does not give actual notice.
personal service. See PERSONAL SERVICE(1).
service by publication. The service of process on an absent or nonresident defendant by publishing a notice in a newspaper or other public medium. [Cases: Federal Civil Procedure 414; Process 84–111. C.J.S. Process §§ 58–73, 76.]
sewer service. The fraudulent service of process on a debtor by a creditor seeking to obtain a default judgment.
substituted service. Any method of service allowed by law in place of personal service, such as service by mail.
— Also termed constructive service. [Cases: Federal Civil Procedure 414; Process 69–83. C.J.S. Process §§ 50–57, 73–75.]
3. The act of doing something useful for a person or company for a fee (your services were no longer required).
personal service. See PERSONAL SERVICE(2).
4. A person or company whose business is to do useful things for others (a linen service).
civil service. See CIVIL SERVICE.
salvage service. See SALVAGE SERVICE.
5. An intangible commodity in the form of human effort, such as labor, skill, or advice (contract for services). [Cases: Contracts 190. C.J.S. Contracts § 341.]
service, vb. To provide service for; specif., to make interest payments on (a debt) (service the deficit).
