Pursuant to CPLR 306-b, the court may extend the time for service "upon good cause shown or in the interest of justice." "'Good cause" and "interest of justice" are separate and independent statutory standards. In this action, the plaintiffs seek the extension in the interest of justice.
In deciding whether to grant a motion to extend the time for service in the interest of justice, the court must analyze the factual setting of the case and balance the competing interests presented by the parties. Unlike an extension request premised on good cause, a plaintiff need not establish reasonably diligent efforts at service as a threshold matter. However, the court may consider diligence, or the lack thereof, along with any other relevant factor in making its determination, including expiration of the Statute of Limitations, the meritorious nature of the cause of action, the length of delay in service, the promptness of the plaintiff's motion, and prejudice to the defendant
Here, the plaintiffs demonstrated that the action was timely commenced; that service was timely attempted and was believed by the plaintiffs to have been made within 120 days after the commencement of the action but was subsequently found to be defective; that the plaintiffs have a potentially meritorious cause of action; that the statute of limitations has expired; and that the extension of time does not prejudice the defendant.
The motion is granted.
Edwards v. Brooklyn Hosp. Ctr., NY Slip Op 05022 (2d Dep't August 24, 2022)
