New York County (Manhattan) · New York City, New York
New York County (Manhattan) Court Guide for Plaintiffs and Defendants
16 plain-language guides to how civil disputes move through the Manhattan courts — being sued, MCA lawsuits, debt cases, business disputes and collecting on a judgment.
Supreme Court: New York County Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
Lower court: Civil Court of the City of New York, New York County, 111 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
Getting started
- Both sidesThe Courts of New York County (Manhattan): Which One Hears Your CaseManhattan has more than one trial court. Filing in the wrong one costs time and money.
- PlaintiffSupreme Court vs. Civil Court in New York County (Manhattan)Monetary limits, speed and the relief you need decide the courthouse.
Defending a case
- DefendantAnswering a Summons in New York County (Manhattan)You usually have 20 or 30 days. Missing it can mean a default judgment.
- DefendantDefault Judgments in New York County (Manhattan) and How to Vacate ThemA default can freeze your bank account. It can sometimes be undone.
- DefendantMerchant Cash Advance Lawsuits in New York County (Manhattan)MCA suits target the business and the owner's personal guaranty.
- DefendantDebt Collection Lawsuits in New York County (Manhattan)Debt buyers must prove they own the debt and the amount.
Starting a case
- Both sidesBusiness and Contract Disputes in New York County (Manhattan)Read the contract's venue and arbitration clauses first.
- PlaintiffHow to File a Lawsuit in New York County (Manhattan)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 New York County (Manhattan)Individuals can sue for up to about $10,000 without a lawyer.
- PlaintiffCollecting Unpaid Invoices in New York County (Manhattan)Demand letter, account stated, lawsuit, judgment, collection.
During the case
Resolution
- Both sidesSettlement and Mediation in New York County (Manhattan) 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 New York County (Manhattan) court procedure, not legal advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm current requirements with the court or an attorney before acting.