In this case, Father did not make a written request as provided by Rule 54.01. In this case, neither the court nor the clerk specially appointed Kevin Nichols. Since he was not so appointed, he did not have the authority to serve process on Mother. When the requirements for manner of service are not met, a court lacks power to adjudicate. State ex rel.
Actual notice is insufficient.
Father argues that Mother waived her claims of invalid service of process and lack of personal jurisdiction by not raising these defenses in a timely motion or other pleading. A defending party who wishes to raise defenses of lack of personal jurisdiction, insufficiency of process, or insufficiency of service of process must do so either in a pre-answer motion or in the party's answer. Two fundamental precepts must be borne in mind. First, a personal judgment rendered by a court without personal jurisdiction over the defendant is void and may be attacked collaterally. Second, a defendant 'is always free to ignore the judicial proceedings, risk a default judgment and then challenge that judgment on jurisdictional grounds in a collateral proceeding.' . . .