NC H1040

Allow private process servers to serve summary ejectment claims when the initial service by a proper officer is returned unexecuted.

In counties with 900,000 or more residents, plaintiffs may elect to have the clerk return the summons for service by a private process server instead of forwarding it to the sheriff.

Private process servers serving summary ejectment cases must mail the summons and complaint to the defendant and affix copies to a conspicuous part of the premises, then provide an affidavit of service documenting completion.

Clarify that when computing time periods for summary ejectment service, only legal holidays when the courthouse is closed count as excluded days (excluding weekends in most circumstances).

Effective October 1, 2018, for summary ejectment actions where the summons is issued on or after that date.