How is service on a deceased person typically handled?

How is service on a deceased person typically handled?

• A. Service is Not Required for Deceased Individuals
• B. Service is Posted at the Courthouse Only
• C. Service on the Personal Representative or Heir, or As Allowed by Law
• D. Service Is Mailed to Decedent's Last Known Address

Answer: (C)

When a person is deceased, you don’t serve the person themselves. The goal is to give notice to someone who can represent the decedent’s interests and be bound by the case. The proper recipient is the estate’s personal representative (the executor or administrator) or, if permitted by law, the heirs or another authorized estate representative. Serving in this way ensures the court can exercise jurisdiction and that the party who can respond on behalf of the estate actually receives notice. Other options fall short because they don’t ensure meaningful notice to the person or entity authorized to handle the decedent’s affairs, or they don’t establish jurisdiction in the proceeding.

When a person is deceased, you don’t serve the person themselves. The goal is to give notice to someone who can represent the decedent’s interests and be bound by the case. The proper recipient is the estate’s personal representative (the executor or administrator) or, if permitted by law, the heirs or another authorized estate representative. Serving in this way ensures the court can exercise jurisdiction and that the party who can respond on behalf of the estate actually receives notice. Other options fall short because they don’t ensure meaningful notice to the person or entity authorized to handle the decedent’s affairs, or they don’t establish jurisdiction in the proceeding.