What does a diligent search refer to in the context of process serving?

A diligent search in the context of process serving refers to the comprehensive and thorough effort made to locate an individual, specifically an officer or agent of a domestic corporation within Arizona. This requirement is rooted in the legal expectations that process servers must exhaust reasonable means to find the persons to be served, ensuring that all efforts are made to meet the legal standards for proper service of process.

This process includes various methods, such as checking public records, contacting known associates, and possibly visiting the last known addresses, demonstrating a commitment to fulfill the legal obligation. It underscores the importance of due diligence in the legal process, emphasizing that simply making a half-hearted attempt to find someone is insufficient.

In contrast, the other options do not fully capture the essence or scope of what constitutes a diligent search. For instance, merely glancing at public records lacks the depth and rigor required, while involving law enforcement for an investigation goes beyond the process server's responsibilities. Serving documents to an alternate address represents a different aspect of the serving process rather than focusing on finding the correct individual. Therefore, the emphasis on a thorough search aligns precisely with the requirements of diligent search in process serving.