Which type of summons must be served personally to a defendant whenever possible?

The type of summons that must be served personally to a defendant whenever possible is the dispossessory summons. This is because a dispossessory summons is specifically designed to initiate eviction proceedings in landlord-tenant disputes. Personal service is critical in these cases to ensure that defendants are fully aware of the legal actions being taken against them and to provide them with an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

Personal service ensures that the defendant receives the summons directly, which is essential for the court to establish jurisdiction and to uphold due process rights. If a defendant is not personally served, it can lead to delays in the proceedings and potential complications regarding the legal enforcement of any eventual judgment.

In contrast, the other options typically involve different legal processes where personal service might not be as critical. For example, subpoenas and notices of garnishment can sometimes be served via mail or other methods depending on the jurisdiction’s rules and the specific circumstances of the case. Therefore, understanding the specific requirements for different legal documents is crucial for a process server to effectively fulfill their roles.