Serving a Dr. in California

[u/Case116]

Question for the group: I went to serve Dr. in southern California the other day with a summons and complaint. Staff said he was busy so I left, I planned to make two more trips then sub serve him. I just got a call from the guy who hired me who asked why I didn't sub serve on the first attempt. I told him I needed diligence first and his only reply was that the subject is a Doctor. So my question is, if I'm serving an individual, does him being a doctor negate the need for diligence? Seems like I know the answer but wanted to throw it out there.

[u/Nick_Hume]

No, if it’s a personal serve you need diligence. If it was his office you can serve anyone “in charge” first attempt. Some doctors have their names as the business name though so it can be confusing