Australian couple served repossession papers through Facebook

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An Australian couple were served legally binding repossession documents through the social networking site Facebook. Not being able to reach the couple using more conventional methods, a lawyer was granted court permission to serve them papers through the popular site.

The couple's home is being repossessed after they missed repayments on a mortgage of AU$150,000 (£44,000), reports The BBC.

Mark McCormack, a lawyer in Canberra, had attempted to contact them at their home address and via email, to no avail. The couple had also missed a court appearance in October.

In what is thought to be a legal first, McCormack went to the courts to ask permission to serve the papers through Facebook. Before approaching the courts, the lawyer found the woman's online profile. He then used the details listed to argue in the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court that she was the right person.

When granting permission, the judge stipulated that the legally binding papers be served via a private message and not posted on her public profile for others to see.

McCormack said: "It's somewhat novel, however we do see it as a valid method of bringing the matter to the attention of the defendant."

The lawyer explained that he thought the courts would continue to use Facebook in this way, provided it was considered likely to work in each individual case.

Australian courts have previously granted permission for defendants to be served with legal papers via email and text message. However, this is the first reported case of the use of Facebook for this purpose.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

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Australian couple served repossession papers through Facebook

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Darwin renters warned of property scam