§ 7A-217. Methods of subjecting person of defendant to jurisdiction.
§ 7A‑217. Methodsof subjecting person of defendant to jurisdiction.
When by order or rule a small claim action is assigned to a magistrate,the defendant may be subjected to the jurisdiction of the court over his personby the following methods:
(1) By delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint tohim or by leaving copies thereof at the defendant's dwelling house or usualplace of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residingtherein. When the defendant is under any legal disability, he may be subject topersonal jurisdiction only by personal service of process in the mannerprovided by law.
(2) When the defendant is not under any legal disability, he maybe served by registered or certified mail as provided in G.S. 1A‑1, Rule4(j). Proof of service is as provided in G.S. 1A‑ 1, Rule 4(j2).
(3) When the defendant is under no legal disability, he may besubjected to the jurisdiction of the court over his person by his writtenacceptance of service, or by his voluntary appearance.
(4) In summary ejectment cases only, service as provided inG.S. 42‑29 is also authorized.
(1965, c. 310, s. 1;1969, c. 1190, s. 20; 1973, c. 90; 1983, c. 332, s. 3.)