Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

New Court Rule to Protect Personal Information in Court Filings

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: December 17, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

Given the growing risk of identity theft, the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) is taking additional steps to protect personal information included in court filings.

The OCA recently announced changes to the Uniform Civil Rules of the New York Supreme and County Court, which will take effect next year. The new rules will place the onus on attorneys to omit or protect personal information from documents filed with the courts, including:

  • Social security numbers (except last four digits);
  • Employer identification numbers (except last four digits);
  • Date of birth (except the year);
  • The full name of a minor (except initials); and
  • Financial account numbers, including those identifying credit/debit cards, bank accounts, investment accounts, and insurance accounts (except last four digits).

“After looking at this for years, and looking at the federal model, we feel this is an appropriate balance in a world where identity theft is so prevalent,” said David Bookstaver, a spokesman for the Unified Court System. “We really felt we had a responsibility to protect litigants’ personal information from getting into the hands of identity thieves.”

New York’s new data protection rule largely tracks Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2(a), which restricts the inclusion of personal identifiers, such as social security numbers and financial account information, in court filings. However, the New York rule does provide exceptions for certain actions, including matrimonial and surrogate court actions as well as guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the state’s Mental Hygiene Law.

In addition, the requirements do not apply to the last four digits of relevant account numbers in actions arising out of a consumer credit transaction if the defendant appears and denies responsibility for the account. In such cases, the plaintiff may amend the filing to include the complete account number for in camera review by the court.

The new rule is effective January 1, 2015. However, compliance will be voluntary from January 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015, and mandatory thereafter.

Do you want to know more about how you can protect personal information? Feel free to post any questions or concerns in the comment section below.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Why Secured Transactions Are Important post image

Why Secured Transactions Are Important

Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Why Secured Transactions Are Important"
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications post image

Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications

Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications"
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors post image

Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors"
Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers post image

Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers

Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers"
What is Business Law and Why Is it Important? post image

What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?

Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?"
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals post image

Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals

Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!