State on behalf of Ja’Quezz G. v. Teablo P. (Nebraska 2016)

The method of notice of a paternity action must be reasonably calculated to inform the Defendant the action is pending and give the Defendant a chance to object. If the Defendant fails to appear at a hearing after proper service, a default order can be entered. In this case, the State tried to serve the Defendant personally twice at two different addresses. When he could not be personally served, the State sent a certified letter to the address he provided to his parole officer, which was his grandmother’s house, and she signed for the letter. This method of service was sufficient. The court had jurisdiction to enter a default order when Defendant did not appear at the paternity hearing.