What is meant by domiciliary service under the federal rules for process service?

Domiciliary service refers to the delivery of legal documents, such as summonses or complaints, at a person's usual place of living. This is significant because it ensures that individuals receive notice of legal actions taken against them in a location where they are likely to be found, thereby respecting the principles of due process. Serving documents at a domicile allows the recipient to be informed of the proceedings in a familiar context, facilitating their ability to respond to legal matters.

This method aligns with the understanding that notice is most effective when it occurs in a person's home environment, where they are expected to be present. This contrasts with other forms of service, such as serving at a workplace or through mail, which may not guarantee that the individual receives the documents directly or timely.