Service of summons; time of hearing

§ 16–2304. Service of summons; time of hearing Service of summons issued pursuant to section 16–2303 shall be made personally by the delivery of a true and attested copy to the person summoned. Where reasonable but unsuccessful efforts have been made to make personal service of summons or notice and it appears that it is impracticable to do so, the court may order service of summons or notice by registered mail to the last-known address or by publication, or both, as it deems necessary. It is sufficient to confer jurisdiction if service is effected at any time before the date fixed in the summons for the return thereof, but, on request of the parent or guardian or person having custody of the child, the hearing on the petition may not take place until three days after service of the summons. The United States marshal for the District of Columbia or his deputy shall execute the orders and processes of the Court in the same manner as he executes those of the United States District Court for 77 Stat. 588the District of Columbia, and shall designate at least one of his deputies to serve at the court, where he shall perform such services as the judge requires.