This morning I had the summons in a divorce case published in a newspaper in order to “serve” the respondent by publication. Pursuant to CCP 415.50, upon proving to the court that a party you are trying to serve is very difficult, or unable, to be found, the court may order the summons to be published in a newspaper. But who reads the newspaper anymore… and even then, who reads the classifieds?? There have been several articles, blog posts, even TV show story lines (see: The Wire) where people contemplate the end of newspapers. Let’s face it, with so much other media competing for our attention, the newspaper is losing the battle.
So, for purposes of service of summons, shouldn’t we start changing with the times as well? Craigslist has pretty much become synonymous with “classifieds.” I know many who read various Craigslist sections for fun. I’m sure if there was a “summons” section, more people would read that for fun than people read the “public notices” section of a given newspaper.
