What are the main methods of service for individuals in Arizona?

• A. Only personal service is allowed.
• B. Personal service or substituted service on a suitable adult at the defendant's dwelling or place of business when personal service cannot be completed with reasonable diligence.
• C. Service by mail as the default method.
• D. Only service by publication.

Answer: (B)

In Arizona, serving an individual is designed to ensure actual notice. The standard approach is to deliver the papers personally. If personal delivery cannot be completed after reasonable diligence, you may then use substituted service by delivering to a suitable adult at the defendant’s dwelling or place of business. This combination—personally delivering first, with substituted service as a fallback when direct service isn’t achievable—is why this option is the best choice. It balances the need to actually inform the defendant with practical means when direct service isn’t possible.

Service by mail or service by publication aren’t the default methods for individuals. Mail is allowed only under specific circumstances or with consent, and publication is a last resort used only when the defendant’s location can’t be found. So the primary methods described—personal service and substituted service when diligence to obtain personal service has failed—best reflect Arizona practice.