Under Rule 4j2, if a minor has no parent/guardian, service should be made on which of the following?

Under Rule 4j2, if a minor has no parent/guardian, service should be made on which of the following?

• A. The minor
• B. The guardian ad litem
• C. The parent or guardian
• D. The court clerk

Answer: (B)

In North Carolina, service of process on a minor follows Rule 4(j). If the minor has a parent or guardian, service goes to that person. When there is no parent or guardian, the rule directs that service be made on the guardian ad litem appointed by the court. The guardian ad litem represents the child’s interests in the litigation and is the proper recipient of notice so the minor is adequately informed and protected under due process. The minor cannot be served directly in this situation, and there isn’t a default that assigns service to the court clerk for this purpose.

In North Carolina, service of process on a minor follows Rule 4(j). If the minor has a parent or guardian, service goes to that person. When there is no parent or guardian, the rule directs that service be made on the guardian ad litem appointed by the court. The guardian ad litem represents the child’s interests in the litigation and is the proper recipient of notice so the minor is adequately informed and protected under due process. The minor cannot be served directly in this situation, and there isn’t a default that assigns service to the court clerk for this purpose.