What is the purpose of proof of service in estate proceedings?

• A. It confirms bond coverage.
• B. It proves that notices or citations were properly served to interested parties; essential for the court to proceed.
• C. It lists creditors.
• D. It documents court fees.

Answer: (B)

Proof of service shows that the required notices or citations were properly delivered to all interested parties in the estate case. It is usually an affidavit from the person who served the documents, detailing who was served, how, when, and where, and confirming that service complied with the rules. This matters because the court needs to know that those with a stake in the estate actually received notice so they have a fair chance to participate. Without proper service, the court may not have jurisdiction to proceed and may require re-service or delay the proceedings. This topic isn’t about bond coverage, a creditors list, or court fees; those are separate matters.