What happens if the manner of service is not properly noted in the Certificate of Service?

If the manner of service is not properly noted in the Certificate of Service, it is generally presumed that the document was served by mail. This presumption is important as it helps to establish a baseline for what is considered an acceptable method of service when there lacks specific documentation of how the service was executed. Service by mail is often considered a valid and routine method, especially in circumstances where other methods might not have been adequately recorded.

This presumption protects parties involved and maintains the integrity of the legal process, as there needs to be some assumption of proper service to allow proceedings to continue. The specific rules governing service may vary by jurisdiction, but typically, failing to specify the manner of service defaults to this general presumption, ensuring that the recipient can still be held accountable in court for documents served in this manner.