“It’s real simple,” says Tom Zollars of Superior Process Services. “Don’t answer your door.”

Generally speaking, a process server can’t leave the ticket at your door. Under Arizona law, a citation must be given to the defendant or a “person of suitable age” who lives at the home.

Translation: To improve the odds of success, roommates and family members must play along. If they open to the door to a server, it’s game over.

Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure – Rule 4.1 Process: Service of Process Within Arizona.

(d) Service of Summons Upon Individuals.

Service upon an individual from whom a waiver has not been obtained and filed, other than those specified in paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) of this Rule 4.1, shall be effected by delivering a copy of the summons and of the pleading to that individual personally or by leaving copies thereof at that individual’s dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein or by delivering a copy of the summons and of the pleading to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process.