# N.Y. DOM Law § 232: Notice of nature of matrimonial action; proof of service

> New York · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S232

## Section

- **Citation:** N.Y. DOM Law § 232
- **Heading:** Notice of nature of matrimonial action; proof of service
- **Jurisdiction:** New York
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** New York Code / Act DOM / Article 13 / Section 232

## Text

§ 232. Notice of nature of matrimonial action; proof of service. a. In\nan action to annul a marriage or for divorce or for separation, if the\ncomplaint is not personally served with the summons, the summons shall\nhave legibly written or printed upon the face thereof: "Action to annul\na marriage", "Action to declare the nullity of a void marriage", "Action\nfor a divorce", or "Action for a separation", as the case may be, and\nshall specify the nature of any ancillary relief demanded. A judgment\nshall not be rendered in favor of the plaintiff upon the defendant's\ndefault in appearing or pleading, unless either (1) the summons and a\ncopy of the complaint were personally delivered to the defendant; or (2)\nthe copy of the summons (a) personally delivered to the defendant, or\n(b) served on the defendant pursuant to an order directing the method of\nservice of the summons in accordance with the provisions of section\nthree hundred eight or three hundred fifteen of the civil practice law\nand rules, shall contain such notice.\n b. An affidavit or certificate proving service shall state\naffirmatively in the body thereof that the required notice was written\nor printed on the face of the copy of the summons delivered to the\ndefendant and what knowledge the affiant or officer who executed the\ncertificate had that he was the defendant named and how he acquired such\nknowledge. The court may require the affiant or officer who executed the\naffidavit or certificate to appear in court and be examined in respect\nthereto.\n

## Nearby sections

- [N.Y. DOM Law § 230 Required residence of parties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S230.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 231 Residence of married persons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S231.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 232 Notice of nature of matrimonial action; proof of service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S232.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 233 Sequestration of defendant's property in action for divorce, separation or annulment where defendant cannot be personally served](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S233.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 234 Title to or occupancy and possession of property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S234.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 235 Information as to details of matrimonial actions or proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S235.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 236 Special controlling provisions; prior actions or proceedings; new actions or proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S236.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 237 Counsel fees and expenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S237.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 238 Expenses in enforcement and modification proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S238.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 239 Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S239.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 240 Custody and child support; orders of protection](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S240.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 240-A Judgment or decree; additional provision](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S240-A.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 240-B Order of support by parent](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S240-B.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 240-C Review and cost of living adjustment of child support orders](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S240-C.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S232. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.