Legal Definitions - constructive service

Constructive service is a legal term that refers to the delivery of a legal notice or process in a way that does not give actual notice to the recipient. This can include methods such as service by mail or publication in a newspaper.

For example, if someone is being sued but cannot be located, the court may allow constructive service by publishing a notice in a newspaper. This is considered a valid form of service even though the person may not actually see the notice.

Another example of constructive service is when a creditor attempts to serve a debtor with legal papers but does so fraudulently, such as by leaving the papers in a sewer. This is known as "sewer service" and is not a valid form of constructive service.

Overall, constructive service is a way to legally deliver important documents even when the recipient cannot be found or does not respond to traditional methods of service.