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Defendant Company’s Failure to Keep Current Address On File With Secretary of State Was Not an Adequate Excuse for Default

The Second Department determined that the failure of defendant limited liability company to maintain its current address with the Secretary of State precluded defendant from successfully opposing the motion to enter a default judgment (based upon defendant’s failure to answer:)

To successfully oppose a motion for leave to enter a default judgment based on the failure to appear or timely serve an answer, a defendant must demonstrate a reasonable excuse for its default and the existence of a potentially meritorious defense (see CPLR 5015[a][1]…). The defendant contended that it maintained an old address on file with the Secretary of State, and denied receipt of copies of the summons and complaint. However, the defendant’s unexplained failure to keep the Secretary of State apprised of its current address over a significant period of time did not constitute a reasonable excuse … .

Furthermore, the defendant was not entitled to vacatur of its default pursuant to CPLR 317. The defendant failed to rebut the plaintiff’s evidence that, for a period of more than five years, the defendant failed to file, with the Secretary of State, the required biennial form that would have apprised the Secretary of State of its current address (see Limited Liability Company Law § 301[e]). Under these circumstances, the defendants’ failure to personally receive copies of the summons and complaint was a result of a deliberate attempt to avoid notice of actions commenced against it… . Cruz v Keter Residence LLC, 2014 NY Slip Op 01575, 2nd Dept 3-12-14

 

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