N.C. R. Prac. Sup. & Dist. Ct. Civ. P. 14

As amended through December 11, 2024

Rule 14 - Perfection Of Service And Service By Publication

14.1 Eight Month Deadline to Perfect Service Other than Service By Publication: Once a Complaint is filed with the Clerk of Superior Court's Office, the parties/counsel shall be allowed a period of eight months to perfect service via means other than service by publication. If service has not been perfected after the initial eight-month period has expired, the parties/attorneys shall be required to serve the Complaint via publication as long as an affidavit is filed establishing that the parties/counsel have exercised due diligence in attempting to obtain personal service.

14.2 Requirement to Initiate Service By Publication: The service-by-publication process shall be initiated within 15 calendar days from the expiration of the initial eight-month period for service.

14.3 Filing Proof of Service: Proof of Service and any required affidavits shall be filed within 15 calendar days after service has been perfected. Proof of Service and any required affidavits must comply with N.C.G.S § 1A-1, Rule 4 and § 1-75.10.

14.4 Violation of Rule 14: Any violation of Rules 14.1, 14.2 or 14.3 will cause the case to be identified as delinquent and subject to dismissal at a clean-up calendar hearing.

N.c. R. Prac. Sup. & Dist. Ct. Civ. P. 14

Revised 11/13/2015; effective 1/1/2016.