N.Y. Uniform District Court Act § 400: Method of commencing action or special proceeding

§ 400. Method of commencing action or special proceeding.

1. An action is commenced in this court by filing a summons and

complaint. A special proceeding is commenced by filing a notice of

petition and petition or order to show cause and petition. For purposes

of this section, and for purposes of section two hundred three of the

civil practice law and rules, filing shall mean the delivery of the

summons and complaint, the notice of petition and petition or order to

show cause and petition to the clerk of the court in the district in

which the action or special proceeding is brought together with any fee

required by section nineteen hundred eleven of this act. At the time of

filing, the original and a copy of the papers shall be date stamped by

the court clerk who shall file the original and maintain a record of the

filing and shall return the copy to the party who brought the filing.

The clerk shall accept the fee and file the papers as soon as reasonably

practicable.

2. Jurisdiction is acquired over a party to an action or special

proceeding by service upon such party of a copy of the summons and

complaint, the notice of petition and petition or the order to show

cause and petition.

3. The actual index number shall be on the summons, notice of petition

or order to show cause as served. Failure to include the index number on

the papers as served shall be cured by stipulation between the parties

or by leave of court, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.