Which service method involves delivering documents to a person at the defendant's residence who is of appropriate age and discretion?

• A. Substitute service
• B. Service by publication
• C. Alternative service
• D. Service outside Arizona

Answer: (A)

Substitute service is the method used when you can’t personally hand the papers to the defendant. It involves delivering the documents to someone at the defendant’s residence who is at least 18 years old and appears to be of suitable discretion—typically a household member—on whom you reasonably rely to notice the defendant. This ensures the defendant gets actual notice through a responsible adult at the dwelling after you’ve shown due diligence in trying to serve personally. In Arizona, you’d also typically document who received the papers and may need to file proof of service describing the substitute recipient and the circumstances, sometimes with a follow-up mailing to the defendant at the last known address. This option fits the description because it specifically involves delivering to a person at the defendant’s residence who is of appropriate age and discretion. Service by publication, service outside Arizona, and alternative service refer to different scenarios or methods and do not match this situation.