Title: Hillsborough Florida Sample Letter for Summons by Publication for Defendant — Affidavit of Counsel Keywords: Hillsborough Florida, sample letter, summons by publication, defendant, affidavit of counsel Introduction: The Hillsborough Florida Sample Letter for Summons by Publication for Defendant — Affidavit of Counsel is a legal document used by attorneys in Hillsborough County, Florida, when they cannot locate a defendant to serve them with a traditional summons. This detailed description will explore the content and purpose of this legal document, ensuring clarity and compliance with legal procedures. 1. Overview of the Hillsborough Florida Sample Letter for Summons by Publication for Defendant — Affidavit of Counsel: This document serves as a template for attorneys practicing in Hillsborough County to commence legal actions against defendants who cannot be personally served. It describes the requirements, language, and formatting necessary to publish a summons by publication and provides an affidavit of counsel to support the filing. 2. Purpose of the Sample Letter for Summons by Publication: The purpose of this sample letter is to provide a framework for attorneys to notify defendants of pending legal actions through publication in a local newspaper. It ensures that defendants are made aware of legal proceedings against them, even if traditional methods of service are unsuccessful. 3. Content of the Hillsborough Florida Sample Letter for Summons by Publication: a. Heading: The letter will typically include the attorney's contact information, the court's name, and the case number. b. Introduction: An introductory paragraph explains the purpose of the letter and the defendant's involvement in pending legal proceedings. c. Description of Attempts to Locate the Defendant: This section outlines the steps taken to serve the defendant and the reasons for resorting to publication. d. Detailed Summons: The letter should include an exact copy of the summons to be published, ensuring all necessary legal language is included. e. Publication Instructions: Clear instructions on how to publish the summons in a local newspaper, including the required number of consecutive publications, should be provided. f. Proposed Affidavit of Counsel: This section offers a fillable template for the affidavit of counsel, which includes the attorney's statement affirming the defendant's inability to be located and the publication plan. Types of Hillsborough Florida Sample Letter for Summons by Publication for Defendant — Affidavit of Counsel: 1. Civil Litigation: This letter is used in civil cases where the defendant cannot be personally served and publication is the only method of notice. 2. Family Law Matters: Attorneys dealing with divorce, child custody, or other family law cases may utilize this letter to serve defendants who are difficult to locate when traditional service methods fail. 3. Probate or Estate Cases: When beneficiaries or interested parties in probate or estate proceedings are untraceable, attorneys may resort to this letter for summons by publication. Conclusion: The Hillsborough Florida Sample Letter for Summons by Publication for Defendant — Affidavit of Counsel is an essential legal document for attorneys when traditional methods of defendant service are unsuccessful. By utilizing this letter, lawyers ensure they have followed due process and made every reasonable attempt to notify defendants of pending legal actions. It enables the judicial system to proceed fairly, even when locating defendants proves challenging.