How many days does a defendant have to respond to a complaint in New York if served personally?

In New York, a defendant who has been served personally with a summons and complaint typically has twenty days to respond. This timeline is outlined in the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR). The purpose of this specified time frame is to ensure that the defendant has adequate time to prepare a response after being formally notified of the legal action against them.

In situations where service is made by method other than personal delivery, such as by mail or through publication, the time to respond could be longer. However, in the case of personal service, the standard is firmly set at twenty days. Understanding this critical timeline is essential for both plaintiffs and defendants as it influences case management and procedural compliance in civil litigation.