What filing notifies the court and the opposing party that a party will appear and participate in the action?

• A. Notice of Appearance
• B. Affidavit
• C. Return Date
• D. Stipulation of discontinuance

Answer: (A)

A Notice of Appearance is the filing that notifies the court and the opposing party that a party will appear and participate in the action. It signals that counsel (or the party if proceeding pro se) will be involved in handling the case, so future papers and communications should be directed to them and the court will recognize them as the party’s representative. This helps prevent default judgments by making clear who is authorized to represent and receive documents for that side.

An affidavit is a sworn statement of facts used to support or oppose motions, not a notice of participation. A return date is the scheduled court appearance date, not a filing that informs who will participate. A stipulation of discontinuance is an agreement to end the case, which has nothing to do with who will appear or participate.