What is required for the affidavit when using service by publication?

For service by publication, the affidavit must specifically include the dates and manner of publication. This requirement is essential because service by publication is a method used when the whereabouts of a defendant are unknown, and traditional methods of serving process are impractical. The affidavit serves as a formal declaration that the process has been properly published in an appropriate newspaper or publication as mandated by law, which establishes the legal basis for the court to proceed despite the lack of direct service to the defendant.

In addition to the dates and manner of publication, including this information helps ensure that all procedural requirements have been met, which is crucial for upholding the validity of the service in court. The court needs to verify that the publication was made in accordance with legal standards, which is why these details are necessary.

Other aspects, such as the recipient's last known address or evidence of them avoiding service, may be relevant in broader contexts but are not specifically required for the affidavit in service by publication. Consent from the recipient is not applicable in this scenario, as service by publication is used precisely when the recipient cannot be directly contacted or has not agreed to the service terms.