Arizona Process Server Practice Exam

What document provides notice that an action has been filed?

1. Petition

2. Summons

3. Affidavit

4. Subpoena

The correct answer is: Summons

The document that provides notice that an action has been filed is the Summons. A Summons informs the defendant that a lawsuit has been initiated against them and outlines the requirement for their response within a specified timeframe. It serves as an official notification and is typically served to the defendant along with the complaint or petition that details the claims being made. In the context of legal procedures, the Summons is crucial in ensuring that the defendant is aware of the legal action and has the opportunity to respond. This notice is essential to uphold the principle of due process, allowing the defendant a fair chance to defend themselves in court. Other documents, while important in legal proceedings, serve different purposes. A Petition initiates a lawsuit or legal action but does not serve as a notice. An Affidavit is a sworn statement often used to provide evidence but does not notify a party of a legal action. A Subpoena compels a person to testify or produce evidence in a legal proceeding but does not provide notice of the action itself.