Rule 1-097. Eminent domain; notice of presentation of petition; service.

Upon the filing of the petition in eminent domain, a copy thereof, together with a notice specifying the time when and place where such petition will be presented to the court shall be served upon such owner. If any such owner has a usual place of abode in this state, but is absent therefrom, such notice and copy of petition may be served upon such owner by leaving a copy thereof at such usual place of abode with some person over the age of fifteen (15) years, residing at the usual place of abode of such owner, and informing such person that said notice is to be delivered to the owner upon whom such service is sought to be had. All such services made upon an owner in person within this state shall be made at least ten (10) days before the date specified for the presentation of such petition. Such services may be made by any disinterested person over the age of eighteen (18) years, and proof of the service shall be made by the affidavit of such person. If the name or residence of any owner be unknown, or if the owners, or any of them, do not reside within the state, or cannot be found therein, and are not served with such notice as provided herein, notice of the time of hearing the petition, reciting the substance of the petition and the time and place fixed for the hearing thereof, shall be given by publication for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the time of hearing the petition, the last publication to be at least three (3) days prior to such date, in a newspaper published in the county in which the proceedings are pending, if one is published in the county, and in a newspaper published in another county, having a general circulation in the county in which such proceedings are pending, if no paper is published in the county where said proceedings are pending. Personal service of such notice and copy of the petition out of the State of New Mexico at least twenty (20) days before the date specified for the presentation of the petition shall be equivalent to publication with respect to all persons so served. Return of such service shall be made by the affidavit of the person making the same.