Which action is correct when addressing a residence service attempt that could not be completed?

• A. Document the attempted service and follow policy for unresolved service.
• B. Abandon the case and file a failed service.
• C. Deliver the document to a neighbor instead.
• D. Post the documents publicly in the neighborhood.

Answer: (A)

When residence service can’t be completed, the action you take must build a clear, defensible record and follow established procedures for unresolved service. Documenting the attempted service—including date, time, address, who was contacted or where access was refused, and the outcome—creates an auditable trail. This record supports any future steps the policy allows, such as retry attempts or using an authorized alternative method, and helps ensure the recipient receives proper notice under due process.

Abandoning the case leaves the matter without proper notice and undercuts due process, which is not permissible. Delivering the documents to a neighbor or posting them publicly typically isn’t valid service unless the agency’s policy explicitly allows those methods; without that authorization, these approaches don’t satisfy the required notice to the recipient and could jeopardize the case.