Which document is typically required when serving a legal entity?

When serving a legal entity, the document that is typically required is a summons and complaint. This is because a summons is used to formally notify the entity that a legal action has been initiated against it. The complaint outlines the details of the case, including the claims being made and the basis for the court's jurisdiction. Together, these documents establish the foundation for the legal proceedings and allow the entity an opportunity to respond to the allegations placed against it.

The other options represent different legal contexts. A notice of appearance is filed by a party when they wish to formally indicate their presence in a case, but it does not initiate any legal action. A writ of execution is a court order to enforce a judgment after a court case has concluded, which is not relevant at the initial stage of serving a legal entity. An affidavit of service is a document used to detail how and when the summons and complaint were served, but it does not serve the purpose of initiating the legal process itself. Thus, the summons and complaint are crucial for properly serving a legal entity.