How is a return of service filed with the court?

• A. The server swears to the facts and submits the return of service to the court, often accompanied by the proof or affidavit.
• B. The defendant submits the return of service.
• C. The clerk automatically generates it with no filing by server.
• D. The return of service is not required.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that proof of service must come from the person who carried out the service. The server prepares a sworn statement—an affidavit or return of service—detailing who was served, when, where, and how service was effected, and then files that document with the court, usually along with any accompanying proof. This sworn filing creates the official record that service occurred, which is necessary for the court to have jurisdiction over the defendant and to move the case forward. The defendant isn’t the one who files this, and the clerk doesn’t generate it automatically without the server’s filing. Also, the return of service is generally required to show proper service; saying it isn’t needed would not reflect typical practice.