What does "reasonable efforts" mean when attempting to locate a defendant?

"Reasonable efforts" refers to the standard of due diligence expected when attempting to locate someone, particularly in the context of serving legal documents. This means that the individual should employ a range of strategies and resources to locate the defendant effectively. Using various methods to find the person aligns with the principle of making a thorough attempt to locate someone, which may include checking public records, utilizing online databases, contacting acquaintances, or consulting relevant resources to gather more information.

This approach ensures that the process server takes the necessary steps to fulfill their legal obligations and demonstrates that they are actively engaged in trying to serve the documents. In legal contexts, a well-documented effort is crucial to support the claim that all reasonable measures were taken to locate the defendant, which can protect the integrity of the legal process. Thus, the emphasis is on a comprehensive approach rather than a singular or limited effort.