Suffolk County · Long Island, New York
Suffolk County Court Guide for Plaintiffs and Defendants
16 plain-language guides to how civil disputes move through the Suffolk courts — being sued, MCA lawsuits, debt cases, business disputes and collecting on a judgment.
Supreme Court: Suffolk County Supreme Court, with civil parts in Riverhead and the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip
Lower court: Suffolk County District Court, Central Islip and outlying district courts
Getting started
Defending a case
- DefendantAnswering a Summons in Suffolk CountyYou usually have 20 or 30 days. Missing it can mean a default judgment.
- DefendantDefault Judgments in Suffolk County and How to Vacate ThemA default can freeze your bank account. It can sometimes be undone.
- DefendantMerchant Cash Advance Lawsuits in Suffolk CountyMCA suits target the business and the owner's personal guaranty.
- DefendantDebt Collection Lawsuits in Suffolk CountyDebt buyers must prove they own the debt and the amount.
Starting a case
- Both sidesBusiness and Contract Disputes in Suffolk CountyRead the contract's venue and arbitration clauses first.
- PlaintiffHow to File a Lawsuit in Suffolk CountySummons, 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 Suffolk CountyIndividuals can sue for up to about $5,000 without a lawyer.
- PlaintiffCollecting Unpaid Invoices in Suffolk CountyDemand letter, account stated, lawsuit, judgment, collection.
During the case
Resolution
- Both sidesSettlement and Mediation in Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County court procedure, not legal advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm current requirements with the court or an attorney before acting.