I have a federal lawsuit im amending do I have to reserve [sic]the defendant? and if so can i mail it certified mail or would i have to hire a process server again? im in PA.
Why is it so that you've "
looked up the rules" and yet need to ask if it is necessary (
do I have to) serve the defendant with your proposed amended complaint?
Try once more with FRCP Rule 5 - "Serving and Filing Pleadings and Other Papers". And in particular subsection (a)(1)(B) "(serving)
a pleading filed after the original complaint".
The time line and conditions under which you can file and serve your amended pleading are governed by FRCP Rule 15 - without leave of court or consent of opposing party - within 21 days of service of the original service of process; or within 21 days from the filing of a responsive pleading by the defendant or a motion under Rule 12 (b)(e) or (f).
Once a party has made a formal appearance in the lawsuit future service of pleadings, motions, discover documents, etc., can be made by mail with a certificate of service, but you won't find anything within the rules speaking of effecting service upon an opposing party by "
certified mail"!