Which statement correctly describes the relationship between filing process and serving process?

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between filing process and serving process?

• A. File process with county clerk; Serve process on Δ within 120 days after filing process
• B. File process with county clerk; Pay the filing fee
• C. Serve Δ first; then file process
• D. File a complaint; Serve summons

Answer: (A)

Filing process starts the case by placing the complaint (or process) with the court, typically at the county clerk’s office. Once filed, the next essential step is to serve the defendant with the summons and complaint to give proper notice and to establish the court’s jurisdiction over them. A deadline to complete that service is common, here specified as within 120 days after filing. This timing ensures the case proceeds promptly and avoids delays or dismissal for lack of proper service. So the correct description fits the sequence: file with the clerk first, then serve the defendant within the 120-day window. The other statements skip the required timing, focus on paying a fee, reverse the order, or omit the deadline, which is why they’re not the best fit.

Filing process starts the case by placing the complaint (or process) with the court, typically at the county clerk’s office. Once filed, the next essential step is to serve the defendant with the summons and complaint to give proper notice and to establish the court’s jurisdiction over them. A deadline to complete that service is common, here specified as within 120 days after filing. This timing ensures the case proceeds promptly and avoids delays or dismissal for lack of proper service. So the correct description fits the sequence: file with the clerk first, then serve the defendant within the 120-day window. The other statements skip the required timing, focus on paying a fee, reverse the order, or omit the deadline, which is why they’re not the best fit.