Legal Question in Business Law in New York

Is it public or not?

If you have been served papers in a lawsuit. Are these papers ''public'' and can

be read by anyone. Or are they private until judgement has been reached?


Asked on 3/10/05, 1:31 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Louis Venezia Law Offices of Louis Venezia at Union Square, P.C.

Re: Is it public or not?

In New York, documents filed in court are public unless they pertain to mental health issues or family matters such as divorce, child support, child custody, etc. In those cases, one of the parties to the lawsuit must provide written authorization for someone to look at those documents. In all other kinds of cases, the documents can be viewed and photocopied unless the file was sealed by the court.

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Answered on 3/11/05, 11:23 am

Re: Is it public or not?

Once a complaint has been filed in court, it is a public record. Unless the court orders the record or records sealed, they are available to any member of the public. Depending on the type of case, some matters may not be disclosed.

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Answered on 3/10/05, 3:02 pm


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