Special Proceedings

• Author: Michael H. Barr/Burton N. Lipshie/Sharon Stern Gerstman
• Pages: 519-552

Chapter 42

SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

QUICK VIEW

Definitions and Features: A special proceeding is an expedited procedure for obtaining a judgment, usually

for relief other than damages. Special proceedings must be specifically authorized by statute. Unless a statute

authorizes a special proceeding, a party seeking an order must proceed by commencing an action.

The procedure for a special proceeding is similar to that for a motion. The special proceeding is commenced by

filing a petition and notice of petition or order to show cause. The court must make a summary determination

on the “return date,” based on the pleadings, papers, and admissions presented, unless triable issues of fact are

raised.

Scope of Chapter: Types of special proceedings authorized by statute; procedure for special proceedings;

special proceedings under Article 78.

Statutes and Rules: CPLR 103, 105, 506, 1207, 6214, Art 4, Art 52, Art 70, Art 75, Art 76, Art 77, Art 78; Jud

L §750; RPAPL Art 7; RPTL Art 7; Elec L Art 16.

Related Topics: Ch 16, Motion Practice.

Forms: See digital access for the following forms:

• Form 42:10, Notice of Petition.

• Form 42:20, Order to Show Cause.

• Form 42:30, Notice of Motion to Dismiss.

• Form 42:40, Affirmation in Support of Motion to Dismiss.

• Form 42:50, Verified Petition Under Article 78.

• Form 42:60, Verified Answer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Overview

A. Nature of Special Proceedings

§42:01 Purpose

§42:02 Limited Time from Commencement to Completion

§42:03 No Discovery

§42:04 Special Proceeding Distinguished from Action

§42:05 Conversion to or from Action

§42:06 Special Proceeding Distinguished from Motion

§42:07 Procedural Rules for Special Proceedings

NEW YORK CIVIL PRACTICE BEFORE TRIAL 42-2

B. Types of Special Proceedings

§42:20 Authorized by CPLR

§42:21 Authorized by Other Statutes

C. Parties and Pleadings

§42:30 Parties

§42:31 Pleadings

II. Procedure

A. Initiating Special Proceeding

1. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

§42:40 Brief Limitations Period

§42:41 Where to Find Limitations Period

§42:42 How to Commence Proceeding

2. JURISDICTION AND VENUE

§42:50 Subject Matter Jurisdiction

§42:51 Venue Generally Same as for Actions

§42:52 Venue Not Jurisdictional

3. PETITIONER’S PAPERS

§42:60 Notice of Petition or Order to Show Cause Required

§42:61 Content of Petition

§42:62 Affidavits

§42:63 Notice to Produce Papers

§42:64 Content of Notice of Petition

§42:65 Content of Order to Show Cause

4. FILING

§42:70 Commenced by Filing

§42:71 How to Commence Proceeding When Notice of Petition Will Accompany Petition

§42:72 How to Commence Proceeding When an Order to Show Cause Will Accompany Petition

§42:73 When Immediate Assignment of IAS Judge Is Not Possible

5. SERVICE AND NOTICE

§42:80 Notice Required Before Return Date

§42:81 Time Limits on Service

§42:82 Method of Service

B. Temporary Relief

§42:90 Standards for TRO

§42:91 Procedure for TRO

C. Responding to Petition

§42:100 Time for Answer

§42:101 Content of Answer

§42:102 Objections in Point of Law

§42:103 Waiver

§42:104 Affidavits

§42:105 Attachments

§42:106 Counterclaims and Cross-Claims

42-3 SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

D. Replying to Answer

§42:120 Right to Reply

§42:121 Time to Reply

§42:122 Objections in Point of Law

E. Motions

1. GENERAL POINTS

§42:130 Motions Permitted

§42:131 When Useful

2. MOTION TO DISMISS

§42:140 Based on Objections in Point of Law

§42:141 Motion Return Date

§42:142 Answer May Be Permitted When Motion Is Denied

§42:143 Time for Answer

§42:144 Rehearing of Petition

3. MOTION TO CORRECT DEFECTS

§42:150 Purpose

§42:151 Time for Motion

§42:152 Procedure if Motion Granted

§42:153 Procedure if Motion Denied

4. MOTION TO SEVER

§42:160 Severance of Claim, Counterclaim or Party

F. Discovery

§42:170 Need for Court Order

§42:171 Procedure for Notice to Admit

§42:172 Seeking Leave of Court

G. Hearing

§42:180 Papers Filed and Provided to Court

§42:181 Right to Oral Argument

§42:182 Summary Determination

§42:183 Immediate Trial of Any Material Factual Dispute

H. Order and Judgment

§42:190 Entry of Judgment

§42:191 Motions for Reconsideration

III. Special Proceedings Under Article 78

A. General Points

§42:200 Article 78 Replaces Mandamus, Prohibition, and Certiorari

§42:201 Purpose

§42:202 Questions Raised

§42:203 Procedure

B. Scope

1. MANDAMUS

§42:210 Purpose

§42:211 No Mandamus for Discretionary Acts