Commencement of Actions and Service of Process Flashcards
Summons Requirements
(N)ot (V)ery (D)etailed (I)nformation
Names of the Party’s
Venue - basis of the choice of venue
Date of Filing
Index number
To commence an action in NY State you must
File either (1) summons and complaint or (2) summons and notice
with the county clerk
Complaint or Notice
Complaint must be filed with court clerk with the summons
Party may file summons and notice with court in the absence of a complaint.
Immediate filing
Where court finds circumstances prevent immediate filing the court can sign an order to commence the action
Mistakes or Defects
The court is specifically authorized to correct any mistakes or defects in filing on any terms as are just, or disregard them if NO substantial right of a party is prejudiced
Service of Process - Generally
both the service and the process must be sufficient.
The process is deemed sufficient when summons and complaint or notice is correct.
Timing of Service
Service of S&C must be made w/i 120 days of filing.
Proof must be filed with the court.
Defects of service affect PJ, not SMJ
failure to serve w/i required period results in dismissal when person served objects in a timely fashion.
Otherwise objection is deemed waived.
Timing of Service where Statute of Limitations is 4 months or less
Filing deadline is shortened and service must occur within 15 days of the expiration of the statute
When service may be made
No sundays without showing of irreparable injury
No saturday service if the person serving KNOWS the person being served observes the Sabbath on saturday, even if service is made outside the state.
Service on Holidays is allowed.
Who may make the Service
over 18
not a party
Proof of Service
- Who was served
- What was served
- Date and time of service
- Who did the serving
“In Hand” Service
Nearly always sufficient
Hiding papers inside something renders service ineffective.
need not announce it is a service of summons or complaint.
may leave papers near individual or on floor behind him and walk away.
Luring an individual into the state for service
individual lured to state by fraud to effectuate service is invalid.
service effectuated when individual is in state voluntarily for legal proceedings ‘in hand’ service cannot be the sole basis for personal jurisdiction.
Delivery and Mailing of Summons
complaint is delivered to person of suitable age and discretion
at the actual place of business, dwelling place, or abode,
and mailing a copy of the summons by first class mail to either D’s last known residence or the individuals actual place of business within 21 days.
Affixing and Mailing
After other means of service has been tried with due diligence and failed
A copy of summons must be affixed to the door of the individuals actual place of business, dwelling, or usual place of abode,
and a copy is mailed by first class mail to either the individuals last known residence or their actual place of business.
Infants and Incompetents
personal service may be effectuated on incompetent personally
must also be effectuated on a parent, guardian, adult spouse, custodian, or conservator.
Service on Agents
Delivery may be made on an agent so long as agent is designated under CPLR 318
Personal Service on a Business Entity
Sufficient Individuals for In Hand Service
Partner,
managing general partner of a partnership
Managing, General Agent, General Partner for a Limited Partnership
Any member or manager of a LLC
Any officer, director, managing or general agent,
cashier, assistant cashier, or any other agent authorized by a foreign or domestic corporation.
Delivery and Mailing Service on a Business Entity
Service is effectuated by delivering the summons to the business entities office,
to the person in charge of the office,
or any employee authorized to receive service and
mailing a copy of the summons and complaint by first class mail to the entities office
Delivery of Service to Secretary of State
Secretary of State must be served with 2 copies
Secretary of States office mails one to the corporation at address on file.
cannot get default judgement based on this service alone
unless the summons and complaint is mailed to corporations last known address.
Service by Mailing
only used when D will not contest service.
Copy of summons and complaint is mailed to individual by regular first class mail,
return receipt requested.