I received a summons from St. Thomas USVI concerning unpaid maintenance fees. This came via regular mail. isn't it required to come via registered or certified mail or by a process server?
Also, Can they require me to attend a civil suit in St. Thomas? Is this even enforceable?
Even though the USVI is NOT a state, it is US territory.
As a US territory or state, and according to the US Constitution the principle of comity applies to verdicts issued by the courts among all parties (territory or state).
I'm not sure what is required to effect lawful service from the USVI across the Atlantic and/or Pacific Ocean, but that is a moot point.
Assume you ignore the service, a default judgment MIGHT actually issue.
Assume you go to the USVI to attack the service, you could probably be tricked into being served, or jus served in court.
Yeah, it shouldn't happen, but unless you're a millionaire, it often happens.
Depending on what it is alleged you woe, you could try and negotiate a settlement.
Or, you could ignore it, and let the USVI entitity somehow get a judgment, then he or she is in the same quandry, trying to cross that ocean to track down your assets, which have been mysteriously moved.
Or, if you live in debtor friendly states like TN, TX, or FL, to name three, a USVI judgment holder (or any other judgment holder subject to the comity) would probably be hard pressed to ever see one red cent.
So, what do you do?
Your call.
I'd spend about $200-330 and buy an hour or so of a good lawyer's time in my area.
That way, you could have some self satisfaction of doing your due diligence.
