Civil Procedure Multistate Bar Practice Exam

What must a plaintiff provide to successfully complete the service of process?

1. Accurate defendant information

2. Proof of payment of filing fees

3. A signed affidavit by the judge

4. Notice of claim to the defendant

The correct answer is: Accurate defendant information

To successfully complete the service of process, a plaintiff must provide accurate information about the defendant. This includes the defendant's name and address, which are crucial for the court to ensure that the defendant is properly notified of the lawsuit and given an opportunity to respond. Service of process is a fundamental requirement in civil litigation as it protects the due process rights of the defendant, ensuring they are aware of the claims against them. Other options do not fulfill the requirements for proper service. Proof of payment of filing fees pertains to initiating a lawsuit and ensuring the court's jurisdiction but is not involved in the service of process itself. A signed affidavit by the judge is not a requirement for service; rather, affidavits typically relate to the verification of certain facts or compliance with procedural requirements. Lastly, while notice of claim is important in some contexts for certain types of actions (like tort claims against public entities), it is not a standard requirement for service of process in general civil litigation. Therefore, obtaining accurate defendant information remains the essential element for effective service.