Opinion ID: 1491482
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mr. Mittledorf

Text: Mr. McAdams argues that the Trial Court erred in dismissing his motion for a default judgment against Keith Mittledorf, who allegedly bought the diamonds from the Stanleys. In his fourth amended complaint, Mr. McAdams alleged that the Stanleys sold the diamonds that they bought from Ms. McAdams to Mr. Mittledorf. Mr. McAdams asked that the Chancellor order Mr. Mittledorf to turn over the diamonds to him, or, in the alternative, pay restitution. On November 19, 1996, Mr. McAdams moved for default judgment against Mr. Mittledorf based on his alleged failure to file a timely answer. Mr. McAdams alleged that service via certified mail, restricted delivery requested, was attempted on Mr. Mittledorf who refused delivery. He alleged that he filed the return of summons with the refused returned envelope attached. He also alleged that he mailed a cover letter with a copy of the complaint, summons, and interrogatories by first class mail to Mr. Mittledorf at his residence. He alleged that the envelope was opened and returned to him. Attachments to the motion included the amended summons with the envelope stamped return and marked refused, and the cover letter with the envelope marked refused, return to sender. Arkansas R. Civ. P. 4(d)(8)(A) states, in part, as follows: Service pursuant to this paragraph shall not be the basis for the entry of a default or judgment by default unless the record contains a return receipt signed by the addressee or the agent of the addressee or a returned envelope, postal document or affidavit by a postal employee reciting or showing refusal of the process by the addressee. If delivery of mailed process is refused, the plaintiff or attorney making such service, promptly upon receipt of notice of such refusal, shall mail to the defendant by first class mail a copy of the summons and complaint and a notice that despite such refusal the case will proceed and that judgment by default may be rendered against him unless he appears to defend the suit. Any such default or judgment by default may be set aside pursuant to Rule 55(c) if the addressee demonstrates to the court that the return receipt was signed or delivery was refused by someone other than the addressee. The Chancellor denied the motion because Mr. McAdams did not have a document establishing that the service was refused specifically by Mr. Mittledorf. Mr. McAdams's exhibits satisfied Rule 4; thus, we reverse on this point.