(a) (1) If, on affidavit of the plaintiff, it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the plaintiff has used reasonable diligence to ascertain the identity and residence of and to serve a summons on the persons named as unknown defendants and persons joined as testate or intestate successors of a person known or believed to be dead, the court shall order service by publication in accordance with Rule 2–122 of the Maryland Rules and the provisions of this subtitle.
(2) The order shall direct that a copy of the summons, the complaint, and the order for publication be mailed immediately to the party if the party’s address is ascertained before expiration of the time prescribed for publication of the summons.
(b) This section does not authorize service by publication on any person named as an unknown defendant who is in open and actual possession of the property.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 14 - Miscellaneous Rules
Subtitle 6 - Actions to Quiet Title
Section 14-602 - Action Established
Section 14-603 - Possession and Control of Property; Equitable Relief
Section 14-604 - Applicability of Maryland Rules
Section 14-605 - Notification of Holders Not Named as Parties
Section 14-606 - Complaint -- Contents
Section 14-608 - Defendants; Admissions
Section 14-609 - Unknown Defendants or Claims
Section 14-610 - Effect of Death of Defendant
Section 14-611 - Court Order for Joinder of Parties or Title Report
Section 14-612 - Any Claimant May Appear
Section 14-613 - Naming of Additional Defendants
Section 14-615 - Service by Publication
Section 14-616 - Procedure for Service by Publication
Section 14-617 - Evidence; Recordation of Judgment
Section 14-618 - Judgment Is Binding and Conclusive