Serving out of state by mail

I'm trying to serve someone who recently moved out of state, can I send them the papers certified mail, return reciept? What are my options?

This is in Washington.

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by Unregistered I'm trying to serve someone who recently moved out of state, can I send them the papers certified mail, return reciept? What are my options? This is in Washington.

It depends on what kind of case this is. In some types of cases, and even different kinds of papers, personal service could be required - meaning the papers must be served by a process server - and certified mail wouldn't be an option.

So... Small claims? Civil suit? Child support? Divorce? Business dispute? We have to have the details before this can be answered properly.

Plus, do you mean Washington State or Washington, DC?

Small claims and Washington state.

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by Unregistered Small claims and Washington state.

In Washington State, if the person you’re suing lives in a different state, you cannot sue in small claims court. Instead you must file a regular lawsuit in district court where you can use the Long Arm Statute to sue an out of state opponent.

Unfortunately, suing in district court is also more expensive and complicated than suing in small claims court, so you might want to hire an attorney to represent you for that.