Florida Process Server Practice Test

What is an Alias Summons?

1. The second summons delivered if the first was unsuccessful

2. A new case filed in the same court

3. A summons for a different defendant

4. Final notice before court action

The correct answer is: The second summons delivered if the first was unsuccessful

An Alias Summons refers specifically to a subsequent summons issued when the initial summons could not be successfully served to the defendant. This occurrence may arise when the process server is unable to find the defendant at the address on file or if the defendant evades service. The purpose of the Alias Summons is to initiate another opportunity to serve the defendant and notify them that a legal action is pending against them. In contrast, a new case filed in the same court does not relate to the concept of summoning a defendant but rather involves initiating a separate legal matter. A summons for a different defendant indicates that it pertains to a separate subject of legal action rather than an ongoing case. Lastly, a final notice before court action is more about warning a defendant prior to a lawsuit rather than being an official summons document, which requires specific legal format and content related to the case at hand.