{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-13-338","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 13-338","heading":"Prerequisites for order of publication.","body":"An order for the substitution of publication for personal service may not be made until:\n\n(a)\n(1)\nA summons for the defendant has been issued and returned \"not to be found\"; and\n(2)\nThe plaintiff proves by affidavit to the satisfaction of the court:\n(A)\nThe nonresidence of the defendant or his or her absence for at least 6 months; or\n(B)\nDiligent efforts to find the defendant or that the defendant seeks to avoid service of process by concealment.","path":["Title 13. Procedure Generally. [Enacted title]","Chapter 3. Process and Parties.","Subchapter II. Service of Process; Legal Representatives."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/13-338","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"0e3584f030d9ea85fc45c0efa4d11ec373b720a9d2ad63d38e1fd2bdc1cb917b","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-13-337","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-13-339"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}