In Saint Paul, Minnesota, a "summons — for service by alternative means" refers to a legal document issued by a court to notify an individual or party of a lawsuit or legal action against them. This particular summons is considered an alternative means of serving the defendant, as opposed to traditional service methods such as personal delivery or certified mail. Alternative service methods may be utilized when traditional methods have been unsuccessful in reaching the intended recipient, or when the defendant is actively avoiding service. These alternative methods ensure that individuals involved in legal proceedings have knowledge of the lawsuit and an opportunity to respond, in accordance with their constitutional rights. Some alternative means of serving a summons in Saint Paul, Minnesota may include: 1. Posting: If the defendant's whereabouts are unknown, the court may permit "service by posting," where a copy of the summons is affixed to a prominent place, such as the courthouse bulletin board. This method is considered valid if reasonable efforts to locate the defendant have been exhausted. 2. Publication: When the defendant cannot be personally served and their current address is unknown, the court may allow service by publishing a notice in a local newspaper. This method aims to provide notice to the defendant through public dissemination. 3. Residence Service: If the defendant cannot be found or evades service, the summons may be delivered to someone of suitable age and discretion at the defendant's residence. This individual must have a relationship with the defendant or live in the same household. It is important to note that these alternative service methods must comply with Minnesota's legal requirements and regulations. The court generally makes the determination on whether alternative service is appropriate, and the plaintiff must provide evidence of their attempts to serve the defendant through conventional means. In summary, a "summons — for service by alternative means" in Saint Paul, Minnesota is a legal document issued by the court when traditional service methods are not feasible or successful. The alternative methods may include posting, publication, or delivering the summons to someone at the defendant's residence. These alternative means ensure that the defendant is informed of the pending legal action, giving them an opportunity to respond and uphold their rights within the legal process.