Ohio AO-440 Summons in a Civil Action is a legal document issued by the court to inform individuals that they are being sued in a civil lawsuit. It notifies them of the lawsuit's existence and outlines their rights and obligations regarding the legal proceedings. The use of relevant keywords will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Ohio AO-440 Summons in a Civil Action and its different types. 1. Ohio AO-440 Summons: The Ohio AO-440 Summons is a standard court document used in civil actions to notify defendants of the lawsuit and provide them with essential information. It specifies the court, case number, and parties involved, along with the time frame in which a response is required. 2. Civil Action Summons: The Civil Action Summons is a legal document that initiates a civil lawsuit by officially notifying defendants of the claims against them. It informs the defendants about their legal obligations, such as filing an answer or appearance within a specified time period. 3. Ohio AO-440 Summons — Personal Service: Ohio AO-440 Summon— - Personal Service is a specific type of summons issued when the defendant must be served with the lawsuit documents in person. A process server or sheriff's deputy personally delivers the summons to the defendant, ensuring that they receive and acknowledge the lawsuit. 4. Ohio AO-440 Summons — Certified Mail: Ohio AO-440 Summon— - Certified Mail is a type of summons used when the defendant's address is known, but personal service is not possible or preferred. The summons is sent to the defendant via certified mail with restricted delivery, providing a record of delivery and receipt. 5. Ohio AO-440 Summons — Unknown Address: Ohio AO-440 Summon— - Unknown Address is utilized when the defendant's current address is unknown. The court may require additional efforts to locate and serve the defendant by conducting a diligent search or employing skip-tracing methods to establish their whereabouts. 6. Ohio AO-440 Summons — Publication: Ohio AO-440 Summon— - Publication is employed when all attempts to locate and serve the defendant have been unsuccessful. The court allows service by publishing a notice in a local newspaper or other authorized publication to reach the defendant and provide notice of the lawsuit. Understanding the different types of Ohio AO-440 Summons in a Civil Action helps legal professionals select and utilize the appropriate summons method based on the circumstances of the case. It ensures that defendants receive due process and an opportunity to respond to the claims made against them in a timely and lawful manner.