What records should be kept about each service attempt?

• A. Date, time, location, method, person served, relation to defendant, and any obstacles encountered.
• B. Only the date and recipient's name.
• C. The server's preferred lunch time.
• D. The court's calendar entries.

Answer: (A)

Keeping thorough records of each service attempt is essential to prove that service was pursued properly and in a timely manner. A complete log should capture the date and time of the attempt, the location where service occurred, the method used, the person served, how that person is related to the defendant, and any obstacles or issues encountered during the attempt. Date and time show when service happened; location confirms where it occurred; method documents whether it was personal, substituted, or another allowed method; person served identifies the recipient; relation to the defendant clarifies who this person is in connection to the case; obstacles provide context such as refusals, evasive behavior, or incorrect addresses, which might require additional attempts or alternate methods. This level of detail helps the court verify proper service and supports the enforceability of deadlines; without it, the record can be inadequate and lead to challenges or delays. Recording only the date and recipient’s name omits critical elements of due diligence; a server’s lunch time is irrelevant; and court calendar entries do not document actual service attempts.