1. When a protection order is issued, extended, modified, or terminated under this chapter, the court shall transmit a copy of the order to the sheriff of the county in which the respondent resides for service on the respondent.

2. If the respondent cannot be served, the order may be served on the respondent by publication under rule 4 of the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure.

3. Service must be made on the respondent at least five days before the hearing. If service cannot be made or if additional time is required to complete service by publication, the court may set a new date for the hearing.

4. No service fee may be charged to the petitioner.