In a Decision – K.A. v. J.L (a "Reported Decision") >> the Court Held:
The Chancery Division determined that the Service of Papers via Facebook was permitted inasmuch as Defendant’s had utilized Social Media to initiate contact with the child as to whom he claimed biological attachment.
Plaintiffs instituted this action to enjoin defendant from holding himself out as the father of their son, Z.A., to enjoin defendant from contacting plaintiffs and Z.A., and to compel defendant to remove information pertaining to Z.A. that he has allegedly published online. Plaintiffs allege that defendant initiated contact with their family by locating K.A.’s Facebook profile and sending him a friend request, which K.A. denied. Plaintiffs allege that defendant then contacted Z.A. through Instagram, another social media platform. In light of their difficulty in reaching defendant by mail, plaintiffs now seek leave to effectuate substituted service of process via Facebook.
Rule 4:4-4(b)(3) permits a court to enter an order permitting service by means other than those provided by rule “consistent with due process.”
The only communication received from defendant has been through the Facebook account. Permitting service in this case through Facebook meets the due process requirement.