If a minor's parent or guardian cannot be found, who else can receive service?

The correct answer involves the principle that if a minor's parent or guardian is unavailable, service can be directed to any adult who has care and control over the minor. This is based on the understanding that individuals who have direct responsibility for a minor's welfare are suitable to receive legal documents as they are in a position to act in the minor's best interest.

This choice facilitates timely legal processes, ensuring that the minor's rights are upheld and that appropriate representation or action can occur without undue delays that might happen if only the parent or guardian were considered acceptable for service. In many jurisdictions, including Maricopa County, the law recognizes the practical realities of guardianship and caregiving, allowing adults who are actively involved in the minor's life to step in for service in lieu of the parent or guardian when they are not reachable.

The other possible answers, while they might seem viable in specific contexts, do not align with the general provisions for serving a minor. For instance, requiring only an attorney representing the minor restricts service options and can unnecessarily complicate situations where immediate action is required. Similarly, local law enforcement officers or merely any family member of legal age might not have the established relationship or direct responsibility that justifies them receiving service on behalf of the minor