An alias summons is a second summons that is issued by the court when the first attempt to serve a summons was unsuccessful.

Can a summons be sent by mail?

Service by Certified Mail You may deliver the Summons and a copy of the Complaint by certified mail. It should be restricted delivery, return receipt requested. Restricted delivery means that only the person you addressed the Summons to can sign for it.

What does summons returned mean?

A summons is a paper issued by a court informing a person that a complaint has been filed against her. After service to the defendants, the original summons, along with the “return of service” proving the summons and complaint were served, is filed with the court to show that each defendant was served.

What does summons sent mean?

When we say a summons issued, it means that a plaintiff in a civil proceeding has filed a complaint and has issued a summons against the defendant to appear in court. A summons is issued to the defendant to start legal proceedings.

Is email considered legal written notice?

Email is increasingly accepted as a form of written notice, both in contracts and under statute, but is far from universal.

What does it mean to receive an alias summons and what?

I received an alias summons. It says I have 28 days to serve the plaintiff’s attorney an answer to the complaint and my answer must be filed with the court 3 days after service to the attorney. The answer day is April 11, 2013. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action.

How to serve a defendant with a summons?

Thus, if the defendant has not been served within 30 days of filing your lawsuit, you have two options. First, you may complete an alias summons form and serve the defendant through the Sheriff’s Office, by Certified Mail, or Special Process Server with judge’s approval.

What does an alias mean on a complaint?

It means they tried to serve you before but were unable so they had to file an alias. If you do not answer the complaint you can have a default judgment placed against you. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action. An alias summons means that the plaintiff tried to serve you once before but was unsuccessful.

When does a summons expire in Cook County?

Note that a summons is valid for only 30 days. Consequently, if the defendant is not served within 30 days of filing, the first summons (or a previous summons) will then have expired. If this is the case, you must then complete, file and issue a second summons known as an alias summons.