>>1692905
In State Courts such as California, after you have made three attempts to serve a defendant with legal process (lawsuit), you are able to serve anyone who answers the door of the defendant's residence that appears to be 18 years old or older. You just check off the correct boxes on the proof of service, sign a declaration of due diligence re: the three attempts, and you have to mail a copy of the process to the defendant's address. "Substitute service" is complete ten days after the date of mailing of the copy.Similar requirement for serving a person at their business.
I'm of the belief that for Federal Court, you have to show an inability to serve the defendant, by bringing a motion before the Court, requesting that you be allowed to serve the defendant by substitute service. A motion means that you are "moving the court" to grant a request or order. Legal anon for about 28 years.