Section 53-11-3. Personal service; generally

   (a) Except as otherwise prescribed by law or directed by the probate judge, a party in interest who is a resident of this state is entitled to personal service of any petition and citation for proceedings that are subject to the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, personal service shall be made by delivery of a copy of the petition and citation by the sheriff or some other lawful officer at least ten days before the hearing except that, if waived in writing, the ten-day provision shall not apply. An entry of such service shall be made on the original and the copy for the party served.

(c) A party who is in the military service may be served by any commissioned officer who shall file with the probate court a certificate stating that copies of the petition and citation were served in person.

(d) Individuals who are not sui juris shall be served as provided in this chapter or as provided in Code Section 15-9-17.

(e) When personal service is required by this Code section, unless otherwise directed by the probate court, service may be made by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery if the petitioner so requests in the petition. The court shall cause a copy of the petition and the citation to be sent by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery with return receipt requested and with delivery restricted to addressee only. If the return receipt is not signed by the addressee, dated at least ten days before the date specified in the citation, and received by the court before the date specified in the citation for the filing of objections, service shall be made as otherwise required by this Code section.

Code 1981, § 53-11-3, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 504, § 10; Ga. L. 1998, p. 1586, § 45; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1589, § 3.