DMBM675460 - Summary proceedings (Sc): How the sheriff officer effects service of the summons

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Usually the sheriff officer will effect service by sending to the defender by recordeddelivery first class post, the defender's copy summons (form 1b) and a certificate of citation (DMBM675100).

Where either postal service is not possible or it is unsuccessful the defender's copy summons (form1b) may be served

• personally on the defender
• by being left with an occupant at the defender's dwelling place or with an employee at the defender's place of business
• by depositing it in the defender's dwelling place or place of business by means of a letter-box or other lawful means or
• affixing it to the door of the defender's dwelling place or place of business.

The latter two methods of service will only be used if

• the other methods have been unsuccessful and
• the sheriff officer sends, by ordinary post, a letter containing a copy of the defender's copy summons, to the address where the defender is most likely to be found.