What does "substituted service" refer to in Arizona?

Substituted service in Arizona refers to the practice of delivering legal documents to an alternative recipient when the primary recipient is not available. This method is typically used when attempts to personally serve the individual fail, such as when the person is evading service or simply cannot be found at their usual address. By allowing documents to be served to someone else—often a family member or a coworker—substituted service ensures that the recipient can still receive the necessary legal notices or summons, thereby facilitating access to the judicial process.

The other options do not accurately depict what substituted service entails. For instance, serving documents to more than one recipient is a separate concept and does not relate to the primary reason for using substituted service. Similarly, service of documents via email involves electronic communication, which is not applicable in this context unless specifically permitted by court rules. Lastly, serving documents to the local courthouse is a method of filing, not serving, and does not meet the requirements of delivering documents to a party involved in litigation. Thus, the definition provided aligns perfectly with the established legal framework surrounding substituted service in Arizona.