can I be sued without being notified of the suit?

[D_S_W]

I've recently discovered through a copy of my credit report that a civil judgement was entered against me a year and a half ago for $2000. But I've never received any notification of this civil suit, let alone the judgement.

Today I called the District Court (in PA) where this suit was filed and asked about it. The woman I spoke with told me that notice of the suit was mailed to the address provided by the plaintiff, which had been a previous address of mine. Additionally, she said that the county sheriff posted a copy of the notice at the premises. The mailed notice was sent by regular mail, and since it was not returned undelivered it was assumed by the court that I received it. But since I did not live there at the time, I didn't receive the mailed notice or see the posted one.

I would have guessed that it's required that lawsuit notifications be sent by certified mail or hand delivered to avoid the exact situation I find myself in. Is that not the case? Is there no legal requirement that a defendant actually be made aware of the suit filed against him?

 

[JETX]

PA allows service by mail without receipt, if certified mail was not received. You need to read the PA Civil Procedures for service at:
http://members.aol.com/RulesPA/C.400_430.html

After reading the Civil Procedures, you still feel that service was not properly made, you need to contact the original court and see about getting the judgment voided.

However, I find it interesting that your post doesn't deny that the debt was owed.