Final Expense Direct v. Python Leads, LLC

Final Expense Direct v. Python Leads, LLC · United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division · January 22, 2025 · No. 8:23-cv-2093-WFJ-AAS

Summary

This United States District Court order grants the Plaintiff's motion for alternative service of process on a defendant residing in Pakistan. Following unsuccessful attempts to serve the defendant through the Hague Convention, the court authorized email service pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(f)(3), finding it reasonably calculated to provide notice and not prohibited by international agreements. The order directs the Plaintiff to serve the defendant via email along with the summons, amended complaint, and this court order.

Court
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division
Writing for the Court
Amanda Arnold Sansone
Jurisdiction
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
Decision date
January 22, 2025
Docket number
8:23-cv-2093-WFJ-AAS
Procedural posture
Motion to allow service of process on foreign defendant by electronic means under Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(f)(3).
Precedential value
nonprecedential
Disposition
granted

Topics

service of processcivil procedure

Practice areas

civil procedure

Questions Presented

  1. Whether Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(f)(3) permits service of process on a foreign defendant by email when not prohibited by an international agreement.

Holdings

  1. Rule 4(f)(3) allows a district court to order service by email on a foreign defendant where the method is not prohibited by an international agreement and is reasonably calculated to give notice.

Key quotations

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(f)(3) allows a district court to order an alternative method of service to be effectuated upon foreign defendants if it is not prohibited by international agreement and is reasonably calculated to give notice to the defendants.

Factual background

Plaintiff seeks to serve Ali Raza, a resident of Pakistan, with summons and complaint. Traditional service via the Hague Convention failed. Raza's email address is reliable and the Pakistani Central Authority did not object to email service.

Procedural history

Plaintiff filed a motion seeking court authorization to serve Defendant Ali Raza by email after traditional Hague Convention service attempts failed.

Court Document

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