How should a temporary no-contact order (50-C) be served?

A temporary no-contact order, as outlined in North Carolina General Statutes, requires personal service to ensure that the respondent is properly notified of the order and its conditions. Personal service involves delivering the document directly to the individual, which allows for confirmation that the person has received the order. This method is crucial in legal proceedings, particularly in sensitive cases involving domestic violence or harassment, where immediate awareness of the order is necessary to protect the involved parties.

Other methods of service, such as by mail or through electronic means, may not guarantee that the respondent is aware of the order or may lead to delays in compliance. Legal representatives can facilitate processes, but they cannot serve the documents in the same way as personal service, which places the responsibility directly in the hands of the law enforcement officers or authorized individuals. Therefore, personal service is the appropriate and mandated method for serving a temporary no-contact order.