Which statement best describes what a proof of service is?

Which statement best describes what a proof of service is?

• A. A sworn document (affidavit) filed with the court attesting who was served, when, where, and by what method.
• B. A notarized copy of the complaint.
• C. A certificate of occupancy.
• D. A log entry by the server.

Answer: (A)

Proof of service is a sworn statement filed with the court that records who was served, when, where, and by what method. This affidavit provides official evidence that notice of the lawsuit was properly given, which is necessary for due process and for the case to proceed. A notarized copy of the complaint doesn’t show who was served or how service was accomplished, so it doesn’t fulfill the proof of service requirement. A certificate of occupancy is unrelated to serving papers. A log entry by the server might show an attempt or routine notes, but it isn’t sworn and isn’t the formal, filed document that courts rely on to confirm service.

Proof of service is a sworn statement filed with the court that records who was served, when, where, and by what method. This affidavit provides official evidence that notice of the lawsuit was properly given, which is necessary for due process and for the case to proceed.

A notarized copy of the complaint doesn’t show who was served or how service was accomplished, so it doesn’t fulfill the proof of service requirement. A certificate of occupancy is unrelated to serving papers. A log entry by the server might show an attempt or routine notes, but it isn’t sworn and isn’t the formal, filed document that courts rely on to confirm service.