Guides · New York
Courts & lawsuits: guides, questions and what to do now
If you are served with court papers in New York, the clock starts at once. This section explains the deadlines, how to answer, and what happens if you don't.
Being sued, answering a summons, deadlines (statutes of limitations), default judgments, representing yourself, appeals.
What to do now
Steps in order, for when it happened today.
How to do it
Step-by-step processes: forms, deadlines, fees and where to go.
- How toHow to vacate a default judgment in a New York debt caseIf a creditor got a judgment because you didn't answer or show up, you can ask the same court to vacate (cancel) it. The main grounds are: a…
- How toHow to answer a debt lawsuit in New York: deadlines, defenses and filingTo answer a debt lawsuit in New York, you file a written answer with the clerk of the court named on the summons, and serve a copy on the plaintiff's…
- How toCourt fee waiver in New York: how to ask for poor person reliefIf you can't afford court fees in a New York civil case, you can ask the court to waive them ("poor person relief") under CPLR § 1101. If you're…
Questions people ask
A short, straight answer to one question, with the source.
- QuestionStatute of limitations in New York: how long do you have to sue?It depends on the kind of claim. Under New York's Civil Practice Law and Rules, most contract claims must be filed within six years (CPLR § 213(2)),…
- QuestionCan you represent yourself in a New York court? What to know before going without a lawyerYes. Under CPLR § 321(a), a person may bring or defend a civil case in New York "in person" — without a lawyer. Corporations and voluntary…
The official sources on this topic
Every page here rests on statutes, regulations and government sites. These are the ones that come up most on this topic:
- CourtHelp — New York State Courts(opens in a new tab)
- N.Y. Civil Practice Law and Rules(opens in a new tab)
- Small Claims — New York State Unified Court System(opens in a new tab)
- CPLR § 1101 — waiver of court costs and fees(opens in a new tab)
- New York City Civil Court Act(opens in a new tab)
- CPLR Rule 5015 — relief from a judgment or order(opens in a new tab)
Next step
The guides explain the rules. When you need an answer about your own situation, describe what happened and get a free first answer; the full check confirms every legal point against its source.
Ask about your situation — freeYour rights: Courts & lawsuitsGuided path