§ 35A-1109. Service of notice and petition. - North Carolina Statutes

§35A‑1109.  Service of notice and petition.

Copies of the petition andinitial notice of hearing shall be personally served on the respondent. Respondent's counsel or guardian ad litem shall be served pursuant to G.S. 1A‑1,Rule 4, Rules of Civil Procedure.  A sheriff who serves the notice and petitionshall do so without demanding his fees in advance.  The petitioner, within fivedays after filing the petition, shall mail or cause to be mailed, by first‑classmail, copies of the notice and petition to the respondent's next of kin allegedin the petition and any other persons the clerk may designate, unless suchperson has accepted notice.  Proof of such mailing or acceptance shall be byaffidavit or certificate of acceptance of notice filed with the clerk.  Theclerk shall mail, by first‑class mail, copies of subsequent notices tothe next of kin alleged in the petition and to such other persons as the clerkdeems appropriate. (1987, c. 550, s. 1; 1989, c. 473, s. 18.)