Your rights · New York
Courts & lawsuits
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…
Calculators and checklists
Free tools: transparent calculations under the law, and lists to tick off and print.
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:
- N.Y. Civil Practice Law and Rules(opens in a new tab)
- CourtHelp — New York State Courts(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)
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p(opens in a new tab)
When you need an answer about your own situation
These pages explain the general rules. A first answer about your own situation is free; the full check confirms every legal point against the statute it cites, and a letter is written only on top of it.