THE PROCESS SERVER WAS AWARE DEFENDANT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION WAS IN THE MILITARY; THE “AFFIX AND MAIL” METHOD OF SERVICE DID NOT OBTAIN JURISDICTION OVER DEFENDANT (SECOND DEPT).

The Second Department determined personal jurisdiction was not obtained over defendant in this foreclosure action. The process server, who used the “affix and mail” method of service, was aware defendant was in the military:

After the hearing, the Supreme Court determined that the plaintiff had not established personal jurisdiction over the defendant. Service pursuant to CPLR 308(4), known as “affix and mail” service, “may be used only where service under CPLR 308(1) or 308(2) cannot be made with due diligence'” … . “While the precise manner in which due diligence is to be accomplished is not rigidly prescribed, the requirement that due diligence be exercised must be strictly observed, given the reduced likelihood that a summons served pursuant to [CPLR 308(4)] will be received”… . A mere showing of several attempts at service at either a defendant’s residence or place of business may not satisfy the “due diligence” requirement before resort to affix and mail service … . ” [D]ue diligence’ may be satisfied with a few visits on different occasions and at different times to the defendant’s residence or place of business when the defendant could reasonably be expected to be found at such location at those times” … . …

According to the affidavit of service and the process server’s in-house work order sheet, however, the process server knew that the defendant was in active military service. Since the process server was aware that the defendant was engaged in active military service at the time the process server attempted service at the address, the process server’s four attempts at service prior to resorting to affix-and-mail service were not made when the defendant “could reasonably be expected to be found at such location” … . Mid-Island Mtge. Corp. v Drapal, 2019 NY Slip Op 06488, Second Dept 9-11-19