§ 16-58-134 - Time limit for service.

16-58-134. Time limit for service.

If service of the summons is not made upon a defendant within one hundred twenty (120) days after the filing of the complaint, the action may be dismissed as to that defendant without prejudice upon motion or upon the court's initiative. If a motion to extend is made anytime before the court enters a dismissal without prejudice, the time for service may be extended by the court upon a showing of good cause. If service is made by mail pursuant to this rule, service shall be deemed to have been made for the purpose of this provision as of the date on which the process was accepted or refused. This paragraph shall not apply to service in a foreign country pursuant to Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 4(e) or to complaints filed against unknown tortfeasors.