Serving the Order

Rules for serving ex parte and standard protective orders are identical, with one exception: To effect proper service, the deputy must:

1. Personally read the order to Respondent and leave a copy with him or her, or
2. If Respondent is not a Tennessee resident, the order can be served by mail on the appropriate secretary of state, who must then promptly send a certified copy to Respondent by registered or certified return receipt mail, along with written notice that service was so made.  If Respondent refuses to accept delivery of the registered or certified mail, his or her refusal is the same as delivery and constitutes service.

T.C.A. § 20-2-215.

However, if Respondent was served with a copy of the petition, notice of hearing, and any ex parte order issued, and the court rules that the ex parte order be extended to a standard order of protection, that order shall be served by:

1. Delivering a copy of the order of protection to Respondent or Respondent’s lawyer, or
2. By the clerk mailing it to Respondent’s last known address. If the address “cannot be ascertained upon diligent inquiry,” the certificate of service shall so state. Service by mail is complete upon mailing.

T.C.A. § 36-3-609(d); §§ 20-2-215, 216.

Because violating a protective order is now a crime rather than merely civil contempt, it is absolutely essential that the deputy serving the order comply with every detail of the rules of service. It is never acceptable to leave the order with a third party who promises to give it to the Respondent.