Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Rhode Island

This is a very typical situation. Leaving notices does not mean that the defendant received the notices. Perhaps, for example, he's away on vacation or in a hospital. The court is looking for proof that he received the notice. That's why a constable's signature works best. There is no law requiring a person to accept a certified letter. I advise my clients to reject them, After all, when does a certified letter contain money as opposed to bad news? You have sufficient proof now that he is ducking service. Generally, you need an affidavit from the constable that he tried, but this defendant avoided him and a showing from the USPS that you tried by certified mail and he refuses to accept it. Motion the court for yet another form of service. This time the judge usually allows the constable to go there and tack the summons and complaint on the defendant's door. The court will then be satisfied that he received this form of service, although there is no actual proof. Good luck