Under federal rules for process service, where can papers be left if no one is home?

Under federal rules for process service, the appropriate action when no one is home is to leave the papers in a manner that ensures they can be accessed by the intended recipient. Leaving documents in a mailbox at the residence can meet this requirement because mailboxes are considered a secure location associated with the residence. This method allows the recipient to receive the documents promptly upon their return home.

Other options such as leaving the papers with a neighbor or a family member can raise concerns about the reliability of document delivery. While these may sometimes be permissible under specific local rules, they do not universally apply under federal guidelines. Leaving papers at a local post office would not be appropriate, as it does not directly ensure that the intended recipient receives the documents in a timely manner. Therefore, using the mailbox at the residence is the most straightforward and compliant option under federal rules.