Dodging Court Papers Won’t Save You. The Court can still get you

Dodging Court Papers Won’t Save You. The Court can still get you

Some people think if they run from the bailiff or refuse to collect court papers, the case will just end. That is wrong. The law has a remedy called “substituted service” and once it is done, the court will treat you as if you were properly served.

Here’s how it works

If a bailiff tries to serve you personally and can’t reach you maybe you keep dodging, or you’ve moved your opponent can apply to the court for permission to serve you another way. Once the judge grants it, the documents can be delivered by other means such as:

•  Pasting it at your last known address or gate
  Leaving it with an adult in your house or office
  Publishing it in a newspaper
  Serving your lawyer if you already have one
  Sending it by email, SMS, or even WhatsApp (yes, courts now allow this)

Once the court orders it and it is done, the law counts it as proper service whether you actually saw the paper or not. That means the time for you to respond starts running. If you fail to act, the other party can get default judgment against you the court decides without hearing your own side.

Think about it, dodging service doesn’t delay the case, it only puts you at risk of losing without defending yourself.

Practical wisdom for you:

Always keep your addresses up to date.

Don’t ignore legal-looking messages or pasted notices.

If you discover a case has been served on you by substituted means, consult a lawyer immediately time is short.

The court’s interest is justice, not hide and seek. Refusing to accept service won’t save you. Facing it early, with proper legal advice, is the wiser and safer path.