Complaint Waived File With Court In Cook
Description
Form popularity
FAQ
Verification of complaints is largely optional under the CPLR. There are some statutes, however, that require a verified complaint in certain circumstances. See New York Statute Search; see also Overview – Initiating a Special Proceeding.
If you want to file a motion, the process is generally something like this: You write your motion. You file your motion with the court clerk. The court clerk inserts the date and time your motion will be heard by the judge. You “serve” (mail) your motion to the other side.
An answer is a formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint in which the defendant responds to all of the allegations in the complaint and sets forth any defenses to all or part of plaintiff's claims. An answer is filed by the defendant after s/he has been served with a copy of the complaint.
On a separate page or pages, write a short and plain statement of the answer to the allegations in the complaint. Number the paragraphs. The answer should correspond to each paragraph in the complaint, with paragraph 1 of the answer corresponding to paragraph 1 of the complaint, etc.
Unless a rule or statute specifically states otherwise, a pleading need not be verified or accompanied by an affidavit.
If the motion to dismiss is convincing, you might have to present your own affidavits and documents to prove that the allegations did occur as you have described, or at least there is a question about the facts of the case as to whether or not what you have alleged actually happened.
When the complaint is verified, the answer shall be verified.
Generally, if the complaint has been sworn to (verified), then the answer must be verified as well. See CPLR 3020. In any event, the answer must be signed by defendant's attorney or by defendant if self-represented.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
Plaintiffs may seek monetary damages only up to $3,000.00. Defendants can defend against the complaint either pro se or with an attorney.
