As amended through March 15, 2024
Rule L410 - Service - Real Property Actions(a) If a defendant is deceased or his identity or whereabouts are unknown and the plaintiff motions the Court for an order authorizing service of publication upon such a defendant, the plaintiff shall attach an affidavit to such motion setting forth the following averments: (1) The plaintiff has caused the records in the offices of the Register and Recorder to be examined to ascertain the date of death of the defendant, whether he died testate or intestate, the names and addresses of all the defendant's heirs, legatees or devises, and whether or not there has been any adverse conveyance of the real estate that is subject of the suit.(2) The plaintiff has made a good faith effort to locate the whereabouts of the defendant, defendants, or defendant's heirs, stating in detail the efforts made. An illustration of a good faith effort to locate the defendant includes (1) inquiries of postal authorities including inquiries pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 39 C.F.R. Part 265, (2) inquiries of relatives, neighbors, friends, and employers of the defendant, (3) examinations of local telephone directories, courthouse records, voter registration records, local tax records, and motor vehicle records, and (4) a reasonable internet search. Note to Pa.R.Civ.P. 430.(2) In the case of a corporation that has been dissolved, the plaintiff has caused the records in the offices of the Register and Recorder to be examined to ascertain whether or not there has been adverse conveyance or distribution of the real estate that is the subject of the suit.(b) Unless otherwise directed by the court or required by law or rule of court, service by publication shall be made for one (1) week in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.Amended effective 4/18/2019.