A sheriff, his deputy, a constable, or other proper officer authorized by Connecticut statute, may serve process. An “indifferent person” may be named to serve process under certain circumstances.

Process in a divorce is served by leaving a true and attested copy of the summons and complaint on the defendant, or at his usual place of residence.

A spouse whose address is known but who cannot be served personally can be served by certified or registered mail both in the state an outside the state. The plaintiff must get permission from the court. This requires that he or she file a Motion for Order of Notice and an Order of Notice. When the court approves them, the sheriff normally mails them to the defendant. The sheriff then completes the Return of Service, which sets forth the facts of the mailing, and attaches the postal receipt.

With the permission of the court, an absent spouse may be served by registered or certified mail when he or she cannot be served personally.

A missing spouse may be served by publication. With the court’s permission, the plaintiff may publish a notice of the divorce in a newspaper. The notice is published once a week for two successive weeks, after which the defendant is considered served.