This form is a Verfied Complaint for Replevin. The plaintiff has filed this action against defendant in order to replevy certain property in the defendant's possession.
This form is a Verfied Complaint for Replevin. The plaintiff has filed this action against defendant in order to replevy certain property in the defendant's possession.
The Civil Court has monetary jurisdiction up to $50,000.00, including replevin when the value of the chattel does not exceed that amount.
A summons with notice or summons and complaint must be served within 120 days of filing with the County Clerk.
You can either answer the summons in writing or in person. If you answer in person, you must go to the courthouse clerk's office and tell the clerk about your defenses to the plaintiff's claims. The clerk will check off the boxes in a Consumer Credit Transaction Answer In Person form.
To win, you must prove your civil case by the “preponderance of the evidence.” In other words, the judge or jury must believe that your case is stronger than the other side's case.
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.
The basic principle that each side pays their own legal fees is literally called the "American Rule". There are quite a few situations where that can be flipped, for attorneys fees, court costs, and other expenses.
After a summons with notice is served, the defendant will demand that the plaintiff serve a complaint. The plaintiff must then have the complaint served within 20 days after being served with the demand, or the case may be dismissed.
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.
To begin an action in Small Claims Court, a person, or someone acting on his or her behalf, must come to the Small Claims Court Clerk's office in the proper county and fill out a statement of claim. To find out where the clerk's office is located in your county, click on Locations.
The writ of replevin must be directed to the sheriff, or other officer authorized by law, of the county where the chattels are located. The write of replevin must describe the chattels with specificity.