Houston Texas Plaintiff's Motion For Substituted Service is a legal document filed by the plaintiff in a lawsuit in Houston, Texas, requesting the court's permission to serve the defendant with legal documents by an alternative method when traditional methods of service have been unsuccessful or are deemed impractical. This motion is typically filed in a civil case when the defendant's whereabouts are unknown or when the defendant is actively evading service. The Motion for Substituted Service begins by identifying the plaintiff's name, the defendant's name, and the case number associated with the lawsuit. The motion then provides a brief background of the case, outlining the claims and the relief sought by the plaintiff. To support the request for substituted service, the motion provides a detailed explanation of the steps taken to locate and serve the defendant through traditional methods, such as personal service or certified mail. The plaintiff may mention visits to the defendant's last known address, attempts to contact the defendant through phone numbers or email addresses, or any other efforts made in good faith to effectuate proper service. If the defendant has intentionally avoided or evaded service, those details must be included as well. The plaintiff's motion will propose an alternative method of service, which is usually deemed appropriate given the circumstances of the case. Common alternatives include service through a designated agent, substitute service upon an identified person at the defendant's residence, or service by publication in a local newspaper. The motion must include an affidavit or a declaration under penalty of perjury from the plaintiff or their attorney, verifying the accuracy of the facts stated in the motion and affirming the efforts made to serve the defendant. This affidavit provides credibility to the motion and demonstrates to the court that the request for substituted service is justified. In instances where the plaintiff can provide specific information about the defendant's current location or usual place of business, they may also request an order allowing service through certified mail to that address. This can be an additional alternative method, especially if there is a chance the defendant may still receive the legal documents at a known location. Different types of Houston Texas Plaintiff's Motion for Substituted Service may vary based on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, a motion may focus solely on substituted service through a designated agent if the plaintiff has been unable to locate the defendant's current address but knows the identity of their agent. Another type may request service by publication if all efforts to locate the defendant have proven fruitless, and it is believed that public notice in a local newspaper will provide reasonable notice. It's important to note that while the specifics of the motion may vary, the common purpose remains the same: to request the court's approval for an alternative method of service when traditional methods have been exhausted or are impractical. Ultimately, it is up to the judge to decide whether to grant the motion and allow substituted service in a particular case.