N.Y. Uniform Justice Court Act § 902: Pleadings; form

§ 902. Pleadings; form.

(a) All pleadings shall be formal pleadings, as in supreme court

practice, except that:

1. If the plaintiff's cause of action is for money only, the complaint

may be set forth by indorsement upon the summons. The indorsement shall

consist of a statement of the nature and substance of the cause of

action, and the summons in such instance shall set forth the amount in

which the plaintiff will take judgment in the event of default. Unless

the rules of the court provide otherwise, the clerk shall make such

indorsement for a plaintiff appearing without attorney.

2. Where the plaintiff's cause of action is for money only and the

defendant appears without attorney, he may, unless the rules provide

otherwise, describe his answer to the clerk, who shall indorse the

substance of the answer on, or annex it to, the summons.

(b) If a formal complaint must be or is used, it shall be served with

the summons, except that if service is made by publication the CPLR

shall govern.

(c) The address of the defendant, and that of his attorney if he shall

appear by attorney, shall be stated with or in the answer.

(d) The rules may provide, in actions for money only in designated

categories in which the plaintiff might otherwise proceed by indorsement

as above provided, that a formal complaint, or a formal answer, or both,

shall be required.

(e) The court in any case may, at any time before judgment, on its own

motion or on the motion on notice of a party, direct the service and

filing of a formal pleading.