Return of service is a confirmation that there was service of process. Also termed proof of service, and the document evidencing service may be termed certificate of service. The document is generally filed by the server, potentially a sheriff or a professional process server, in court. For example, California Code of Civil Procedure § 417.10 lays out how proof that a summons was served shall be made, and individuals may also fill out a POS-040 Proof of Service form and file it with the court.
[Last updated in April of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]