What is the statue of limitations on a New York civil claim?

It depends on the claim type. Contract claims are generally 6 years from breach. Personal injury claims are 3 years. Medical malpractice is 2.5 years. Legal malpractice is 3 years. File and serve promptly — if you are close to the deadline, request same-day service.

Can a summons be left with a doorman or building staff?

Under CPLR 308(2), a summons may be left with a person of suitable age and discretion at the defendant's residence or place of business, followed by mailing. A building doorman generally qualifies. This is substitute service, not personal service, and the rules around it are precise.

How many copies of the complaint do we provide?

One complete set for the defendant. We do not file the complaint for you — filing is handled separately at the courthouse or through e-filing. Our role is personal service.

Process Serving

Serve Summons and Complaints in New York

Service of a summons and complaint initiates a civil lawsuit in New York. Without proper service, the court does not acquire personal jurisdiction over the defendant and the case cannot proceed. Every method under CPLR 308 has technical requirements that must be followed precisely to avoid a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction.

Book Service Now Request a Quote

What we do

How we handle summons and complaints

We serve summonses and complaints on individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities using the method appropriate to the defendant type. Personal delivery is standard for individuals under CPLR 308(1). Corporate service under BCL 306 or CPLR 311 is also available. A notarized affidavit of service is returned on completion, formatted for court filing.

Timeline

Standard service is completed in 3 to 7 business days. Same-day service is available if a statute of limitations is expiring.

Pricing

Residential service in NYC and Long Island is $135. Corporate service statewide is $115. Individual statewide service is $175. Secretary of State service is $175 plus the $40 SOS statutory fee.

See all tiers

FAQ

Questions about serving summons and complaints

What is the statue of limitations on a New York civil claim?: It depends on the claim type. Contract claims are generally 6 years from breach. Personal injury claims are 3 years. Medical malpractice is 2.5 years. Legal malpractice is 3 years. File and serve promptly — if you are close to the deadline, request same-day service.
Can a summons be left with a doorman or building staff?: Under CPLR 308(2), a summons may be left with a person of suitable age and discretion at the defendant's residence or place of business, followed by mailing. A building doorman generally qualifies. This is substitute service, not personal service, and the rules around it are precise.
How many copies of the complaint do we provide?: One complete set for the defendant. We do not file the complaint for you — filing is handled separately at the courthouse or through e-filing. Our role is personal service.

Talk to a real person who has done this thousands of times.

Same-day and rush options available. We will quote your job in minutes and start the clock on the same call.

Call (631) 555-0100 Request a Quote