Summons & Complaint

A Summons & Complaint initiates a legal action in city, state and federal courts and identifies the parties involved. A summons is the document that tells the defendant to appear in court to answer the complaint made by the plaintiff.  The complaint identifies the plaintiff’s reason for filing the lawsuit, and what action the plaintiff wants taken to settle the lawsuit.

UPSI serves documents pursuant to the rules and regulations of the CPLR (Civil Practice Laws and Rules) and the FRCP (Federal Rules of Civil Procedure).

In city and state courts, a Summons and Complaint must be served within 120 days of index number being purchased.

In federal court, a Summons and Complaint must be served within 90 days of docket number being purchased. The exception is the Northern District of New York, which mandates the document be served within 60 days of docket number being purchased.

If Summons & Complaint document is to be filed electronically through NYSCEF, click here.