If service by certified mail and service by personal delivery by a peace officer are unsuccessful, the court may enter a default judgment.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. It depends on the county

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is that a court must have proper notice to exercise its power over a defendant. If the usual methods—certified mail and delivery by a peace officer—cannot be completed, the court does not automatically grant a default judgment. Instead, you must show due diligence and pursue authorized substitute methods of service (such as service by publication, posting, or another allowed method) or obtain a court order for substituted service. Only after proper service or a valid substituted-service order is in place can a default judgment be entered. Without that, proceeding to a default would undermine due process, so the statement is false.