When commencing an action in New York Supreme Court, which documents are filed with the court clerk?

• A. Summons and complaints
• B. Summons and notices
• C. Complaints only
• D. Pleadings and motions

Answer: (A)

Starting a civil action in New York Supreme Court is accomplished by filing the summons and the complaint with the court clerk. The summons serves to notify the defendant that suit has been brought and tells them to appear and respond, while the complaint sets out the factual basis and legal theories of the plaintiff’s claims. Together, they establish the court’s jurisdiction and initiate the expense and timeline of the case. While there is a related method called a summons with notice used in some circumstances, the standard way to commence an action is with a summons and a complaint, not a complaint alone or later filings like pleadings and motions, which come after the action has begun.