What must you do with the proof of service after completing service?

• A. Mail a copy of the proof of service to the court.
• B. Store the proof of service for internal records only.
• C. File the affidavit with the court.
• D. Discard the document after filing.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that completing service isn’t finished until the fact of service is officially recorded with the court. The proof of service—typically the sworn affidavit of service—documents who was served, when, where, and how. Filing that affidavit with the court makes the service part of the court record and starts any applicable deadlines for the other party to respond. It provides the court with verifiable evidence that notice was given and that service was proper. Keeping it only for internal records or mailing it somewhere else doesn’t formally confirm service in the court’s files, and discarding it would remove the official record of notice.