The summons tells the defendant he is being sued. It is normally served by a certified process server along with the lawsuit and other ancillary documents. The summons also informs the defendant that he must “appear and defend” himself within 20 days after he was served with the summons and complaint (the lawsuit). The phrase appear and defend means the defendant can file an answer to the lawsuit or a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, among other motions at his disposal. If the summons is served outside Arizona, the defendant has 30 days to appear and defend from the date of service. Service by publication is complete 30 days after the first date of publication. Direct service — a  process server handing the lawsuit to the defendant — is complete when made. Service upon the Arizona Motor Vehicle Superintendent, for example, is complete within 30 days after filing the affidavit of compliance and return receipt or officer’s return.