Section 6-312 - Service by delivery to dwelling house or usual place of abode; service by delivery to agent.
§ 6-312. Service by delivery to dwelling house or usual place of abode; service by delivery to agent.
(a) "Person" defined.- In this section, "person" has the meaning stated in Rule 1-202 of the Maryland Rules.
(b) General applicability.- This section applies to a person who is a defendant subject to a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint.
(c) Service authorized; effectiveness; not exclusive method.-
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a party may effect service by delivering a copy of the summons and the complaint to a defendant personally or by leaving copies of the summons and complaint at the defendant's dwelling house or usual place of abode with a person of suitable age and discretion residing at the dwelling house or place of abode or by delivering a copy of the summons and the complaint to an agent authorized by appointment or law to receive service of process.
(2) Any service under this subsection is as effective as actual personal service.
(3) The method of service provided in this subsection is in addition to and not exclusive of any other means of service that may be provided by statute or rule for obtaining jurisdiction of a defendant.
(d) Insurer defenses not affected.- This section does not affect any defense, including noncooperation, available to an insurer or a person who has a self-insurance plan under the terms of the applicable insurance or self-insurance plan.
(e) Defendant's consent.- A defendant who is subject to the provisions of this section is deemed to have consented to service of process as described in this section.
[1999, ch. 434.]