New York Summons in a Civil Case is a court document that is issued by a court, instructing a defendant to appear in court to respond to a complaint filed against them. It is a legal tool used to compel a defendant's appearance in court when they are being sued for a civil matter. There are two types of New York Summons in a Civil Case: a Summons with Notice and a Summons and Complaint. A Summons with Notice contains a brief statement of the claim made against the defendant. It also includes a notice of the defendant's right to appear in court and defend themselves from the complaint. On the other hand, a Summons and Complaint contains the full statement of the complaint, as well as a summons to appear in court. The New York Summons in a Civil Case must be served on the defendant, either by personal service or by mail, in order to be legally effective. Once served, the defendant will have to appear in court at the designated time to answer the complaint. If the defendant fails to appear in court, they may be subject to a default judgment.