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The Judgment New York Supreme Court form serves as a crucial document in legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving arbitration and insurance claims. This specific form originates from a case in Queens County, where Liberty Mutual Insurance Company sought to stay arbitration related to uninsured motorist benefits claimed by Fanny Tigre and Teresa Hernandez. The form outlines the procedural history, including the dates of motion and the index number associated with the case. It highlights the essential elements of the petition, including the jurisdictional challenges raised regarding the service of the original and amended notices. The form details the legal arguments presented by both parties, focusing on whether the service was performed in accordance with the relevant procedural rules. Key issues include the validity of the return dates and the method of service, which were contested by the respondents. Ultimately, the form culminates in a court order that addresses these procedural defects and dismisses the proceeding, underscoring the importance of adhering to established legal protocols in arbitration matters.

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Short Form Order and Judgment

NEW YORK SUPREME COURT - QUEENS COUNTY

Present: HONORABLE JAIME A. RIOS

IA PART 8

 

 

Justice

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

X

Index

LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,

Number 14682/04

 

 

Petitioner,

Motion

 

 

 

Date September 1, 2004

 

- against -

 

 

 

 

Motion

FANNY TIGRE and TERESA HERNANDEZ,

Cal. Number 20

 

 

Respondents,

 

 

- and -

 

JOHANNA MARTINEZ,

 

Proposed Add’l. Respondent.

 

 

 

X

 

The following papers numbered 1 to 7 were read on this amended notice of petition and petition by the petitioner, pursuant to CPLR article 75, seeking to permanently stay the arbitration demanded by the respondents or alternative relief.

 

 

 

Papers

 

 

 

Numbered

Notice of

Petition - Affidavits

- Exhibits

1-4

Answering

Affidavits - Exhibits

..................

5-7

Upon the foregoing papers it is ordered that the amended notice of petition and petition are determined as follows:

The threshold issue presented in this proceeding to permanently stay an arbitration for uninsured motorist insurance benefits is whether service of the original petition and amended notice of petition and petition were jurisdictionally defective.

The genesis of the controversy was a letter dated October 4, 2002, wherein the attorney for the respondents Fanny Tigre and Teresa Hernandez (the respondents), advised the petitioner Liberty Mutual Insurance Company (Liberty Mutual), of the respondents’ notice of intention to make a claim for

uninsured/underinsured benefits based upon an accident that occurred on September 4, 2002.

By demand dated June 1, 2004 and received by Liberty Mutual on June 7, 2004, the respondents, through their attorney, sought arbitration of their claim for such benefits.

Court records disclose that Liberty Mutual filed a notice of petition and petition to permanently stay the arbitration on June 25, 2004; however, the notice of petition bore a return date of June 27, 2004, a period of two days, and there is no affidavit of service in the record. In any event, on June 30, 2004, Liberty Mutual served an amended notice of petition bearing a return date of July 27, 2004.

Annexed to the amended notice of petition is an affidavit of service which initially states that service was made by certified mail, return receipt requested; however, Liberty Mutual has not produced the return receipt or other evidence of such mailing. Moreover, the affidavit of service also states that service was accomplished by regular mail, and the respondents’ attorney has produced an envelope demonstrating that the amended notice was served on him by regular mail.

In its petition Liberty Mutual seeks, inter alia, a permanent stay on the ground that the adverse vehicle had insurance coverage. In the alternative, it seeks leave to join the driver of the offending vehicle, and a temporary stay pending a hearing on the issue of coverage. In addition, Liberty Mutual seeks an order directing the respondents’ compliancy with the insurance policy provisions mandating discovery.

The respondents oppose the petition contending, inter alia, that: (1) the original notice of petition was a nullity as it bore an incorrect return date; (2) the amended notice of petition was a nullity as it was served by regular mail rather than in a manner required by CPLR 7503; (3) Liberty Mutual failed to demonstrate that the offending vehicle was insured; and, (4) Liberty Mutual waived its right to discovery.

Pursuant to CPLR 304, a special proceeding is commenced by the delivery of a notice of petition and petition to the clerk of the court in the county in which the special proceeding is brought, and the payment of the filing fee (see Matter of One Beacon Ins. Co./CGU Ins. Co. v Daly, 7 AD3d 717 [2004]; Matter of Allstate Indem. Co. v Martinez, 4 AD3d 422 [2004]; CPLR 304).

With respect to service, CPLR 7503[c] provides that notice of an application to stay arbitration shall be served in the same

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manner as a summons or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested (see CPLR 7503[c]). The service requirements of CPLR 7503 have been strictly construed, and it has been held repeatedly that service by ordinary mail renders the application jurisdictionally defective (see Matter of Yak Taxi v Teke, 41 NY2d 1020 [1977]; Matter of N.Y. Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co. v Czumaj, 9 AD3d 833 [2004]; Matter of Cartier v County of Nassau, 281 AD2d 477 [2001]; Matter of Progressive Ins. Co., 235 AD2d 704 [1997]).

Although CPLR 7503[c] permits service of an application to stay arbitration upon a claimant’s attorney if the attorney’ s name appears on the demand for arbitration or the notice of intention to arbitrate, at all times service must be made in the same manner as a summons or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested (see Matter of Yak Taxi, Inc. v Teke, supra; CPLR 7503[c]).

Here, with respect to the original notice of petition and petition, Liberty failed to demonstrate proper service. Moreover, it was jurisdictionally defective as it failed to give adequate notice of the return date to the respondents (see Matter of Cartier v County of Nassau, supra; Matter of Hawkins v McCall, 278 AD2d 638 [2000], lv denied, 96 NY2d 713 [2001]; CPLR 403[b], [c]).

With respect to the amended notice of petition, Liberty failed to produce any proof of service upon the respondents in accordance with CPLR 7503[c], and the respondents demonstrated that the amended notice of petition was served on their attorney only by regular mail.

As a result, the amended notice of petition and petition are also jurisdictionally defective (see Matter of Yak Taxi v Teke, supra; Matter of N.Y. Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co. v Czumaj, supra; Matter of Cartier v County of Nassau, supra; Matter of Progressive Ins. Co., supra).

Accordingly, it is ORDERED and ADJUDGED that the proceeding is dismissed.

Dated: December 10, 2004

______________________________

 

J.S.C.

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Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Jurisdiction This judgment originates from the New York Supreme Court, specifically in Queens County.
Governing Law The applicable laws include the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR), particularly Article 75 and Section 7503.
Petitioner The petitioner in this case is Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, which sought to stay arbitration related to uninsured motorist benefits.
Respondents The respondents are Fanny Tigre and Teresa Hernandez, who initiated a claim for uninsured/underinsured benefits following an accident.
Service Requirements According to CPLR 7503(c), notice of an application to stay arbitration must be served in the same manner as a summons or by certified mail with a return receipt.

Judgment New York Supreme Court: Usage Guidelines

Completing the Judgment form for the New York Supreme Court requires careful attention to detail. Each section of the form must be filled out accurately to ensure proper processing. Below are the steps to guide you through the process of filling out the form.

  1. Begin by entering the title of the court at the top of the form: NEW YORK SUPREME COURT - QUEENS COUNTY.
  2. In the "Present" section, write "HONORABLE JAIME A. RIOS" followed by "IA PART 8 Justice".
  3. Next, fill in the "Index Number" field with the appropriate number, e.g., 14682/04.
  4. In the "Petitioner" section, write the name of the petitioner, for example, LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY.
  5. Indicate the "Motion Date" as September 1, 2004.
  6. In the "against" section, list the respondents: FANNY TIGRE and TERESA HERNANDEZ.
  7. Include the "Cal. Number" as 20.
  8. For any additional respondents, use the "Proposed Add’l. Respondent" section to write JOHANNA MARTINEZ.
  9. Proceed to the section where you will summarize the papers that were read. Number the papers as follows: 1 to 7.
  10. In the "Papers Numbered" section, list the types of documents included: Notice of Petition - Affidavits - Exhibits 1-4 and Answering Affidavits - Exhibits 5-7.
  11. Fill in the order section, stating the determination of the petition as required.
  12. Finally, sign and date the form at the bottom, ensuring all information is correct and complete.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the purpose of the Judgment New York Supreme Court form?

The Judgment form serves as a legal document that outlines the court's decision regarding a case. In this instance, it pertains to a petition filed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company seeking to stay an arbitration regarding uninsured motorist benefits. The form provides the details of the case, including the parties involved, the motions presented, and the court's final ruling.

Who are the parties involved in this case?

The parties in this case include Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as the petitioner, and Fanny Tigre and Teresa Hernandez as the respondents. Additionally, Johanna Martinez is listed as a proposed additional respondent. Each party has specific roles in the legal proceedings, with Liberty Mutual seeking to challenge the arbitration demanded by the respondents.

What were the main issues raised in the petition?

The petition raised several critical issues. Liberty Mutual sought to permanently stay the arbitration for uninsured motorist benefits, arguing that the vehicle involved in the accident had insurance coverage. They also requested to join the driver of the offending vehicle and a temporary stay pending a hearing on the coverage issue. The respondents countered these claims by arguing that the original and amended notices of petition were jurisdictionally defective due to improper service.

What does it mean for a petition to be jurisdictionally defective?

A petition is considered jurisdictionally defective when it does not comply with legal requirements for service and notice. In this case, Liberty Mutual's original notice had an incorrect return date, and the amended notice was served by regular mail instead of the required certified mail. Such defects can prevent the court from having the authority to rule on the case, leading to dismissal.

What was the court's decision regarding the petition?

The court dismissed the proceeding, concluding that both the original and amended notices of petition were jurisdictionally defective. This decision was based on Liberty Mutual's failure to provide proper service and adequate notice to the respondents, which is essential for the court to have jurisdiction over the case.

What are the implications of this judgment for the parties involved?

The dismissal of the petition means that Liberty Mutual cannot stay the arbitration as they sought. This ruling allows the respondents, Fanny Tigre and Teresa Hernandez, to proceed with their claim for uninsured motorist benefits without further delay. It highlights the importance of adhering to legal procedures in order to protect one's rights in court.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Return Date: Failing to provide a correct return date on the notice of petition can render the document invalid.

  2. Improper Service Method: Using regular mail instead of certified mail, return receipt requested, does not meet the legal requirements.

  3. Lack of Affidavit of Service: Not including an affidavit of service with the original petition can lead to jurisdictional issues.

  4. Missing Evidence of Mailing: Failing to provide proof, such as a return receipt, for certified mail service weakens the case.

  5. Jurisdictional Defects: Ignoring the strict service requirements can result in the entire petition being dismissed.

  6. Inadequate Notice: Not giving adequate notice of the return date can lead to claims that the petition is a nullity.

  7. Failure to Demonstrate Insurance Coverage: Not proving that the offending vehicle had insurance can undermine the petition's basis.

  8. Waiving Discovery Rights: Neglecting to adhere to discovery provisions may result in waiving those rights altogether.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with legal matters in the New York Supreme Court, particularly in cases involving arbitration, several forms and documents often accompany the Judgment form. These documents play crucial roles in the legal process, ensuring that all parties are properly informed and that the proceedings are conducted according to the law.

  • Notice of Petition: This document formally notifies the opposing party of the legal action being taken. It outlines the specific relief being sought from the court and includes essential details such as the date of the hearing.
  • Affidavit of Service: This is a sworn statement confirming that the legal documents have been properly served to the opposing party. It serves as proof that the other party has been notified of the proceedings.
  • Answering Affidavit: This document is submitted by the opposing party in response to the Notice of Petition. It presents their arguments and any defenses they may have against the claims made in the petition.
  • Exhibits: These are supporting documents or evidence attached to the main legal filings. Exhibits can include contracts, correspondence, or any relevant materials that support the claims or defenses in the case.
  • Proposed Order: This document outlines the specific order that one party is asking the court to issue. It details the relief sought and is often submitted alongside the main petition for the court's consideration.

Understanding these accompanying documents is essential for navigating legal proceedings effectively. Each plays a vital role in ensuring that the process is transparent and that all parties are afforded their rights under the law.

Similar forms

  • Notice of Petition: Similar to the Judgment form, a Notice of Petition initiates a legal proceeding. It outlines the request for relief and must be served properly to ensure jurisdiction.
  • Affidavit of Service: This document serves as proof that legal papers were delivered to the involved parties. Just like the Judgment form, it must meet specific requirements to be valid.
  • Answering Affidavit: Respondents use this document to respond to a petition. It parallels the Judgment form in that it addresses the claims made and presents the respondent's side of the case.
  • Exhibits: Exhibits are documents presented to support claims made in a petition or response. They are similar to the Judgment form as they provide evidence necessary for the court's consideration.
  • Motion for Summary Judgment: This document requests the court to rule in favor of one party without a trial. Like the Judgment form, it seeks a definitive decision based on the presented evidence.
  • Order to Show Cause: This document compels a party to appear in court and explain why a certain action should not be taken. It is similar in function to the Judgment form as it seeks a court's directive.
  • Final Judgment: This document concludes a legal proceeding, providing a resolution to the issues presented. It shares the goal of the Judgment form in establishing the court's final decision on the matter.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Judgment New York Supreme Court form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure that your submission is valid and effective. Here are some key do's and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do ensure proper service. Always serve the notice of petition and petition in accordance with the law, using registered or certified mail with return receipt requested.
  • Do double-check the return date. Make sure the return date on your notice is accurate and provides adequate notice to all parties involved.
  • Do include all necessary documents. Attach any affidavits and exhibits that support your petition to provide a complete picture of your case.
  • Do keep copies of everything. Retain copies of all documents you submit and any correspondence related to the case for your records.
  • Don't ignore the rules of jurisdiction. Be aware that failing to follow the service requirements can lead to your petition being dismissed.
  • Don't submit incomplete forms. Ensure that all sections of the form are filled out accurately to avoid delays or complications.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that your submission is processed smoothly and effectively. Taking the time to follow these steps can save you from potential pitfalls in the legal process.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Judgment New York Supreme Court form can be challenging, and several misconceptions often arise. Here are eight common misunderstandings along with clarifications:

  • Misconception 1: The form can be filled out in any manner.
  • In reality, the form must be completed according to specific legal guidelines. Any deviation may render it ineffective.

  • Misconception 2: Filing the form guarantees a favorable outcome.
  • Simply submitting the form does not ensure a win in court. The outcome depends on the merits of the case and adherence to legal procedures.

  • Misconception 3: Service of the form can be done by any method.
  • Service must follow strict rules, such as using certified mail or personal delivery. Using ordinary mail can invalidate the process.

  • Misconception 4: Only attorneys can file the form.
  • While it is advisable to have legal representation, individuals can file the form themselves. However, they must fully understand the implications.

  • Misconception 5: The return date on the form is flexible.
  • The return date is critical and must be accurate. An incorrect date can lead to the dismissal of the petition.

  • Misconception 6: The court will assist in filling out the form.
  • Court staff cannot provide legal advice or help with the completion of the form. It is the responsibility of the filer to ensure accuracy.

  • Misconception 7: Once filed, the form does not require follow-up.
  • After filing, it is essential to monitor the case and respond to any court notices or requirements promptly.

  • Misconception 8: All petitions are treated equally by the court.
  • Each petition is evaluated on its own merits. The specific circumstances of each case can lead to different outcomes.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Judgment New York Supreme Court form, it is important to understand several key aspects to ensure the process goes smoothly. Below are essential takeaways that can guide you through this legal procedure:

  • Understand the Purpose: The form is primarily used to seek a permanent stay of arbitration related to uninsured motorist insurance benefits.
  • Identify the Parties: Clearly identify the petitioner and respondents in the case. This includes names and their respective roles.
  • Check Filing Requirements: Ensure that you file the notice of petition and petition with the clerk of the court in the appropriate county.
  • Pay Attention to Dates: The return date on the notice of petition must be correct. Incorrect dates can lead to jurisdictional issues.
  • Service Method Matters: Service of the notice must comply with specific rules. Use certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to avoid jurisdictional defects.
  • Provide Proof of Service: Always include an affidavit of service that proves the notice was sent correctly. Lack of proof can undermine your case.
  • Respond to Opposition: Be prepared to address any objections raised by the respondents, such as claims of improper service.
  • Know the Legal Standards: Familiarize yourself with the relevant sections of the CPLR (Civil Practice Law and Rules) that govern arbitration stays.
  • Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all documents filed and served, including dates and methods of service.
  • Seek Legal Advice if Needed: If you are unsure about any part of the process, consider consulting with a legal professional for guidance.

By following these takeaways, you can better navigate the complexities of the Judgment New York Supreme Court form and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.