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​HERE THE DEFENDANTS DID NOT PRESENT A REASONABLE EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO APPEAR OR ANSWER AND DID NOT DEMONSTRATE THE EXISTENCE OF A POTENTIALLY MERITORIOUS DEFENSE; THE JUDGE SHOULD NOT HAVE, SUA SPONTE, GRANTED DEFENDANTS AN EXTENSION OF TIME TO ANSWER (SECOND DEPT).

The Second Department, reversing Supreme Court, determined the judge should not have, sua sponte, granted defendants an extension of time to answer the complaint in the face of plaintiff’s cross-motion to enter a default judgment, The defendants did not demonstrate a reasonable excuse for failing to appear or answer or the existence of a potentially meritorious defense:

… [I]n support of that branch of the plaintiff’s cross-motion which was for leave to enter a default judgment on the issue of liability against the defendants, the plaintiff submitted proof of service of the summons and complaint, proof of the facts constituting the claim, and proof of the defendants’ default in answering or appearing … . The defendants’ motion, which was, in effect, pursuant to CPLR 3211(a)(4), was untimely, since it was made after the time to file an answer had lapsed … . By not opposing the facially adequate branch of the plaintiff’s cross-motion which for leave to enter a default judgment, in form or in effect, the defendants did not meet their burden of establishing a reasonable excuse for their default and demonstrating the existence of a potentially meritorious defense to the action. Accordingly, that branch of the plaintiff’s cross-motion which was for leave to enter a default judgment on the issue of liability against the defendants should have been granted … , and the Supreme Court erred by, sua sponte, granting the defendants an extension of time to answer the complaint … . Digital Direct & More, Inc. v Dialectic Distrib., LLC, 2024 NY Slip Op 04196, Second Dept  8-14-24

Practice Point: Here is another example of the appellate courts cracking down on “sua sponte” rulings on motions which have no support in the record.

 

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