Return of service in Arizona refers to the time when the process server files an affidavit of service with the court indicating whether he served the defendant or was unable to serve him. He can try later to serve the defendant again once he obtains more specific information on his whereabouts. The judge gets a copy of the affidavit for her file.

A return of service must be made within the time during which the person must respond to the lawsuit. The return of service by the sheriff or duly appointed or registered process server may be “impeached” — questioned the veracity or credibility of the server — only by the high standard of clear and convincing evidence.