How are owners and claimants notified if the owner cannot be located?

• A. Service of process by publication or other legally permitted methods under the applicable statute.
• B. Direct service of process by personal hand to the owner.
• C. Notification by email to the owner’s last known address.
• D. Immediate informal notice via phone call.

Answer: (A)

When the owner cannot be located, due process requires notifying through substitute service allowed by law. Service of process by publication or other legally permitted methods under the applicable statute is used because it provides a legitimate way to reach potential claimants even when personal service isn’t possible. Publication in a newspaper or, if the statute allows, other approved methods (such as mailing to a last-known address, electronic notice, or posting) satisfy the notice requirement and keep the proceeding moving forward. Direct personal hand service isn’t feasible without locating the owner; email to a last-known address or a phone call doesn’t meet the formal service standards required for due process.