Service of process by social media just got a serious vote of confidence.

A state judge's opinion from last year approving an instance of service by Facebook—which made waves more recently as an attorney in the case brought it to light—was approved for publication by the state Supreme Court's Committee on Opinions Wednesday.

In the opinion, dated April 11, 2016, Morris County Presiding Chancery Part Judge Stephan Hansbury said that because the traditional contact methods of certified and regular mail failed in the case, service via Facebook was proper—since the social media platform appeared to be the only viable means of contacting the defendant, and it was clear that the defendant was actively using his account.

This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.

To view this content, please continue to their sites.

Go To Lexis →

Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Go To Bloomberg Law →

Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

NOT FOR REPRINT