What does 'service by publication' mean?

It means the court is notifying you of the lawsuit by publishing the notice because other contact methods likely failed.

When is my answer due?

Your answer is due within 40 days from the first publication date, which was May 11, 2026.

What happens if I don't respond to this notice?

If you don't answer within 40 days, the plaintiff may request a default judgment against you.

Court Notice — Wake (26CV004966-910)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Civil action

Affects:DefendantsGeneral Public

A plaintiff has filed a civil lawsuit against Samantha Ann (Cannon) Smith in Wake County district court and service is being made by publication. The defendant has 40 days from first publication to file an answer or the plaintiff will seek the relief requested in the complaint.

Key Takeaways

Defendant: Samantha Ann (Cannon) Smith is being served by publication.
Deadline: 40 days to file an answer from first publication date.
Failure to respond lets plaintiff ask the court for requested relief.
Case filed in Wake County District Court (File No. 26CV004966-910).

Deadline · Response Deadline

June 20, 4004

Pro users tracking court notice like this were alerted the second it filed. Never miss a deadline

Published

May 11, 2026 · 1 week ago

What to do next

1
File an answer with the court
Prepare and file an answer in Wake County District Court before 40 days from May 11, 2026 (on or before June 20, 2026).
2
Contact the plaintiff or their attorney
Locate plaintiff's counsel or contact Liam Smith to discuss the complaint and possibly obtain a copy.
3
Seek legal counsel
Consult an attorney promptly to review the complaint and defenses to avoid a default judgment.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'service by publication' mean?: It means the court is notifying you of the lawsuit by publishing the notice because other contact methods likely failed.
When is my answer due?: Your answer is due within 40 days from the first publication date, which was May 11, 2026.
What happens if I don't respond to this notice?: If you don't answer within 40 days, the plaintiff may request a default judgment against you.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Service by publication: Notifying a defendant of a lawsuit by publishing notice in a newspaper when other methods of service are unavailable.
Answer: The defendant's written response to the complaint stating defenses or denials.
Default judgment: A court decision in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond.

Full Notice Text

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
 DISTRICT COURT DIVISION
 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
 COUNTY OF WAKE 
Liam Smith, Plaintiff
 v.
Samantha Ann (Cannon) Smith, Defendant
 File No: 26CV004966-910

The Defendant, Samantha Ann (Cannon) Smith, is hereby notified that a civil action has been commenced against you in the above-entitled action.
You are required to answer the Complaint within 40 days from the date of first publication of this notice, exclusive of the date of first publication, or the Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
IPL0338456
May 11,18,25 2026

Related Notices

Notice

DateCategoryCity

A plaintiff has started a civil case against Samantha Ann (Cannon) Smith in Wake County District Court. The defendant must file a written answer within 40 days from the first publication date or the plaintiff may obtain the requested relief.

May 18, 2026Court NoticeRaleigh

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