Appealing for an “Appealable Paper” is Crucial to Preserve Your Appellate Rights

📖 Case Summary: Prevost v Associated Materials LLC

A short decision from the Appellate Division, Fourth Department provides an important lesson in New York appellate practice. In Prevost v Associated Materials, LLC, the plaintiff appealed from a so-ordered “letter decision and order.”

📝 Court’s Ruling:

• The Fourth Department stated that the document was missing the essential elements of an order or judgment under the requirements of CPLR 2219 (a). In particular, the document did not recite the papers used on the motion. The Court warned that a document does not become an order even when it is denominated as such. The Court dismissed the appeal from the so-ordered letter decision and order.

✅ Key Legal Takeaways:

🔹 Confirm the paper you are appealing is an appealable paper. Keep CPLR 2219 close at hand and review its requirements before writing a notice of appeal;

🔹 Check the paper to ensure there is a clear ruling or directive; and

🔹 Do not rely on a so-ordered transcript of the judge’s ruling from the bench. Reduce the ruling to an order or judgment.

👉 For more legal insights tailored to insurers and risk managers, and to stay updated on New York appeals and important decisions follow New York Civil Law — Case Summaries & Legal Updates. Clearly Explained