What is the purpose of "service of process"?

The purpose of "service of process" is to notify a party about a pending legal action. This legal procedure ensures that the party being sued is made aware of the lawsuit, the claims being brought against them, and their obligation to respond. Effective service of process is a fundamental principle in the justice system, as it upholds the due process rights of the parties involved. Without proper notification, a defendant may not have an opportunity to present their side, which could lead to unfair legal outcomes.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary role of service of process. Collecting court fees relates more to the administrative aspects of litigation rather than the notifications to parties involved. Securing a default judgment occurs when a party does not respond to a lawsuit; while effective service of process is required for a default judgment to be entered, it is not the purpose of service. Facilitating attorney-client communication involves private interactions between clients and attorneys, which is separate from the formal notification processes required in litigation.