When must service of process occur under Rule 4(m) if the complaint is properly filed?

• A. The plaintiff must serve within 90 days after the complaint is filed, unless the court extends for good cause.
• B. The plaintiff must serve within 60 days after filing.
• C. Service must be completed within 120 days after filing.
• D. The plaintiff must serve within 30 days after filing.

Answer: (A)

Under Rule 4(m), once a complaint is properly filed, service of process must be completed within 90 days. The court may extend that time for good cause shown. If service isn’t completed within 90 days and no extension is granted, the action is typically dismissed without prejudice. This 90-day deadline is the standard, and extensions are discretionary, based on showing good cause. The other time frames (60, 120, or 30 days) do not apply under Rule 4(m).