Monroe County (Rochester) · Western New York, New York
Monroe County (Rochester) Court Guide for Plaintiffs and Defendants
16 plain-language guides to how civil disputes move through the Monroe courts — being sued, MCA lawsuits, debt cases, business disputes and collecting on a judgment.
Supreme Court: Monroe County Supreme Court, Hall of Justice, 99 Exchange Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14614
Lower court: Rochester City Court, Hall of Justice, plus town and village justice courts
Getting started
Defending a case
- DefendantAnswering a Summons in Monroe County (Rochester)You usually have 20 or 30 days. Missing it can mean a default judgment.
- DefendantDefault Judgments in Monroe County (Rochester) and How to Vacate ThemA default can freeze your bank account. It can sometimes be undone.
- DefendantMerchant Cash Advance Lawsuits in Monroe County (Rochester)MCA suits target the business and the owner's personal guaranty.
- DefendantDebt Collection Lawsuits in Monroe County (Rochester)Debt buyers must prove they own the debt and the amount.
Starting a case
- Both sidesBusiness and Contract Disputes in Monroe County (Rochester)Read the contract's venue and arbitration clauses first.
- PlaintiffHow to File a Lawsuit in Monroe County (Rochester)Summons, complaint, index number, then proper service.
- Both sidesServing the Summons and ComplaintService mistakes are the most common reason judgments get vacated.
- PlaintiffSmall Claims and Commercial Claims in Monroe County (Rochester)Individuals can sue for up to about $5,000 without a lawyer.
- PlaintiffCollecting Unpaid Invoices in Monroe County (Rochester)Demand letter, account stated, lawsuit, judgment, collection.
During the case
Resolution
- Both sidesSettlement and Mediation in Monroe County (Rochester) CasesMost civil cases settle. Structure matters as much as the number.
- PlaintiffEnforcing and Collecting a JudgmentA judgment is good for 20 years and earns 9% interest.
- Both sidesAppealing a Civil DecisionThe notice of appeal is due 30 days after service with notice of entry.
General information about Monroe County (Rochester) court procedure, not legal advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm current requirements with the court or an attorney before acting.