Which of the following statements about discovering true names after filing with fictitious names is correct?

Study for the Arizona Family Law and Paralegal Certification Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complemented by hints and explanations for each question. Prepare confidently for your exam!

When a party is named in the filing by a fictitious name, the proper fix when the true identity is later discovered is to amend the pleading to substitute the real name. This correction keeps the case moving forward without forcing a new filing, and it preserves the original filing date for purposes of the statute of limitations, provided the substitution relates to the same claim and facts.

Arizona rules allow amending pleadings to correct misnomers or misidentifications, so you simply update the caption and body to reflect the true name and proceed with service on the correct person or entity. Dismissal or refiling isn’t required because the issue is a naming error, not a new or separate action. No action isn’t correct either, since the record must accurately reflect who is involved in the case.

So the best course is to amend the pleading to reflect the true name, ensuring the case continues under the correct party identity.