AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
(Arkansas – Ark. R. Civ. P. 4 compliant)
[// GUIDANCE: Delete any bracketed text and unused options before filing. Cross-check local court rules for additional formatting or caption requirements.]
I. DOCUMENT HEADER
A. Court & Case Caption
IN THE [_] COURT OF [_] COUNTY, ARKANSAS
CASE NO.: [__]
[PLAINTIFF NAME],
Plaintiff,
v.
[DEFENDANT NAME],
Defendant.
B. Title
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
C. Effective Date
This Affidavit is executed on the _ day of _, 20____ (“Effective Date”).
II. AFFIANT IDENTIFICATION & RECITALS
- My name is [FULL LEGAL NAME OF SERVER] (“Affiant”).
- I am over eighteen (18) years of age, competent to testify, and have personal knowledge of the facts stated herein.
- I am:
☐ a duly appointed sheriff/deputy sheriff of _ County, Arkansas;
☐ a bonded process server appointed pursuant to Ark. R. Civ. P. 4(c)(2);
☐ an attorney of record in this action; or
☐ other: _________.
III. OPERATIVE STATEMENTS OF SERVICE
-
On [DATE OF SERVICE] at [TIME] a.m./p.m., I served the following legal documents (collectively, the “Documents”):
• [Summons]
• [Complaint]
• [Other: ________] -
Person/Entity Served (“Recipient”):
• Full Name (or Registered Agent): ____
• Address: ______
• Relationship to Defendant (if substitute service): ____ -
Method of Service (Ark. R. Civ. P. 4):
☐ Personal delivery to the Recipient.
☐ Certified mail, return receipt requested, restricted delivery, marked “deliver to addressee only,” tracking number: ____.
☐ Service on authorized agent for service of process: ______.
☐ Substitute service at Defendant’s usual place of abode by leaving copies with [NAME & AGE OF ADULT RESIDENT], a resident of suitable age and discretion then residing therein.
☐ Other court-authorized method: ____. -
Manner of Confirmation:
☐ Signed Return Receipt attached hereto as Exhibit A.
☐ Photograph/GPS log attached hereto as Exhibit B.
☐ Contemporaneous notes attached hereto as Exhibit C.
IV. SUBSTITUTE SERVICE DETAILS (If Applicable)
- If box 6 “Substitute service” is checked, Affiant additionally states:
a. The Recipient’s usual place of abode is the address listed in ¶5.
b. The individual served was at least 18 years old and of suitable discretion.
c. On information and belief, the individual resides at the same abode as the Recipient.
V. TIMING COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
- Service was effected within one hundred twenty (120) days after filing of the initial complaint, satisfying Ark. R. Civ. P. 4(i).
VI. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES OF AFFIANT
- Affiant declares under penalty of perjury that:
a. The foregoing statements are true and correct.
b. Service was carried out in full compliance with Arkansas law and any applicable court order.
c. No fees prohibited by law were charged or collected.
[// GUIDANCE: Arkansas does not require additional indemnity, limitation of liability, or dispute-resolution language in an affidavit. Sections VII–IX of the master architecture are intentionally omitted as “Not Applicable.”]
VII. EXECUTION & NOTARIZATION
Signed this _ day of _, 20____.
[PRINTED NAME OF SERVER]
Affiant/Process Server
STATE OF ARKANSAS )
) SS.
COUNTY OF __ )
Subscribed and sworn before me on the _ day of _, 20____.
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ___
Notary Seal:
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS CHECKLIST
☐ Exhibit A – Return Receipt (Certified Mail)
☐ Exhibit B – Photographic Evidence / GPS Log
☐ Exhibit C – Contemporaneous Service Notes
☐ Exhibit D – Court Order Authorizing Alternative Service
[// GUIDANCE: Attach only those exhibits that exist; remove unused placeholders.]
PRACTICAL NOTES FOR COUNSEL
[// GUIDANCE:
1. Verify service method matches any court-ordered alternative service authorization.
2. File the executed Affidavit promptly to avoid disputes regarding timeliness or sufficiency of service.
3. Retain original exhibits; file copies with the court if permitted by local rules.
4. For corporate defendants, confirm registered agent information via Arkansas Secretary of State records immediately prior to service.]