What type of legal order must be served personally upon the defendant to be valid?

The requirement for personal service upon the defendant is particularly crucial for an Order of Protection. This legal order is designed to provide immediate protection to an individual from harassment or harm by another individual. The law mandates that the defendant must be personally served with the order so that they are made fully aware of its terms and any required actions or prohibitions. This ensures that the respondent has proper notice and the opportunity to contest the order if they choose to do so.

In contrast, although some other legal orders may also require service, they do not necessarily have the same strict requirement for personal notification to the defendant as an Order of Protection. For example, while a summons typically requires service as well, it can sometimes be served in alternative ways if personal service fails, depending on the jurisdiction. Writs and injunctions also have their own procedural requirements for service, which may not include the necessity for personal delivery in all circumstances. This distinction makes the personal service of an Order of Protection especially critical in its enforcement and the protection of the individual requesting it.