Who may endorse an extension of time for summons?

• A. The clerk
• B. The judge
• C. The defendant
• D. The plaintiff

Answer: (A)

In North Carolina practice, extensions of time for service of summons are endorsed by the clerk of court. The summons is issued by the court, and the clerk’s office handles the timing aspects of service. When a party needs more time to serve, the clerk can stamp the summons with an extended due date, allowing service to proceed without waiting for a judge’s order for every extension. If even more time is needed beyond what the clerk can grant, a motion to extend must be brought before and decided by a judge. This clarifies why the clerk is the proper person to endorse the extension.