District of Columbia Sample Letter for Summons by Publication A District of Columbia Sample Letter for Summons by Publication is a legal document used in certain cases when the defendant's whereabouts are unknown or cannot be located for the purpose of legal service. This type of summons is typically used when all other attempts to serve the defendant have failed. The District of Columbia courts follow specific procedures for serving a summons by publication. In such cases, a sample letter for summons by publication includes the following important elements: 1. Heading: The letter should have a clear heading indicating that it is a "District of Columbia Sample Letter for Summons by Publication." 2. Plaintiff Information: The plaintiff's name, contact information, and attorney details (if applicable) are mentioned at the beginning of the letter. 3. Defendant Information: The defendant's name, last known address, and any known aliases should be provided in the letter. It is crucial to include as much information as possible to ensure accuracy. 4. Brief Explanation: A brief explanation of the case or legal matter involved should be included to inform the defendant about the purpose of the summons. 5. Statement of Due Diligence: The letter should explicitly state that the plaintiff made reasonable efforts to locate and serve the defendant personally but was unsuccessful. 6. Description of the Publication: The letter should provide details about the publication in which the summons will be published, including the name of the newspaper, its circulation, and the frequency of publication. 7. Notice Period: The letter must specify the length of time the publication will run and the date by which the defendant should respond. 8. Response Instructions: Clear instructions should be provided to the defendant on how to respond to the summons and the consequences of not doing so within the specified time frame. Types of District of Columbia Sample Letters for Summons by Publication: 1. Family Law Cases: Sample letters specifically designed for summoning defendants in family law cases such as divorce, child custody, or child support disputes. 2. Civil Cases: Sample letters for summoning defendants in civil lawsuits involving personal injury, breach of contract, property disputes, and other civil matters. 3. Probate Cases: Sample letters for summoning interested parties in probate cases, such as heirs or beneficiaries, when their whereabouts are unknown. It is important to consult with an attorney or obtain appropriate legal advice when using a District of Columbia Sample Letter for Summons by Publication, as specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the nature of the case and relevant jurisdiction.