Key Takeaway
Attorney Jason Tenenbaum discusses his fifth successful challenge using CPLR 2106, preventing improper affirmations by corporate principals in litigation.
This article is part of our ongoing 2106 and 2309 coverage, with 194 published articles analyzing 2106 and 2309 issues across New York State. Attorney Jason Tenenbaum brings 24+ years of hands-on experience to this analysis, drawing from his work on more than 1,000 appeals, over 100,000 no-fault cases, and recovery of over $100 million for clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. For personalized legal advice about how these principles apply to your specific situation, contact our Long Island office at (516) 750-0595 for a free consultation.
CPLR 2106: A Technical But Powerful Procedural Tool
CPLR 2106 represents one of the more technical aspects of New York procedural law, dealing with who may properly submit affirmations in litigation. While seemingly minor, this rule can have significant impact on cases when attorneys overlook its requirements. The statute prohibits parties to an action from submitting affirmations on their own behalf, requiring instead that such sworn statements come from attorneys or other qualified individuals.
This procedural requirement becomes particularly relevant in no-fault insurance disputes and other commercial litigation where medical practices and professional corporations are frequent litigants. Understanding these technical requirements can be the difference between successful motion practice and having papers rejected by the court.
Jason Tenenbaum’s Analysis:
Crotona Hgts. Med., P.C. v Mercury Ins. Co., 2010 NY Slip Op 52019(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2010)
“In opposition to the motion, plaintiff submitted an affirmation executed by its principal, Dr. Cordaro. Defendant objected to that affirmation in its reply papers, citing CPLR 2106. The submission of Dr. Cordaro’s affirmation was improper because Dr. Cordaro is a principal of plaintiff professional corporation, which is a party to the action.”
This was the fifth case where I prevailed on this discreet and hypertechnical issue. I believe this is the final appellate case I have perfected involving this issue. So, the next time you see this issue arise, rest assured that it will not be my doing.
Key Takeaway
CPLR 2106 prohibits parties from submitting affirmations on their own behalf in litigation. This includes corporate principals and owners of professional corporations. While technical, this rule can be decisive in motion practice, as improper affirmations may be rejected by courts, potentially undermining an otherwise strong legal position.
Related Articles
- The CPLR 2106 Trap: Why Medical Practice Owners Must Avoid This Critical Procedural Error
- CPLR 2309 Compliance: Navigating Notarization Requirements in New York Litigation
- Renewal Under Certain Circumstances May Be Granted to Correct an Improper Affirmation: A Comprehensive Guide to CPLR 2106 Requirements
- The Failure to Place Evidence in Proper Form Cannot Be Cured in a Supplemental Opposition
- New York No-Fault Insurance Law
Legal Update (February 2026): CPLR 2106 requirements regarding affirmations by parties and their principals remain substantively unchanged since 2010, though practitioners should verify current provisions as court interpretations and application of these procedural requirements may have evolved through subsequent appellate decisions and practice updates.
Legal Context
Why This Matters for Your Case
New York law is among the most complex and nuanced in the country, with distinct procedural rules, substantive doctrines, and court systems that differ significantly from other jurisdictions. The Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) governs every stage of civil litigation, from service of process through trial and appeal. The Appellate Division, Appellate Term, and Court of Appeals create a rich and ever-evolving body of case law that practitioners must follow.
Attorney Jason Tenenbaum has practiced across these areas for over 24 years, writing more than 1,000 appellate briefs and publishing over 2,353 legal articles that attorneys and clients rely on for guidance. The analysis in this article reflects real courtroom experience — from motion practice in Civil Court and Supreme Court to oral arguments before the Appellate Division — and a deep understanding of how New York courts actually apply the law in practice.
About This Topic
CPLR 2106 and 2309: Affirmation & Oath Requirements
CPLR 2106 governs who may submit an affirmation in lieu of an affidavit in New York courts, while CPLR 2309 addresses the requirements for oaths, affidavits, and the certification of out-of-state documents. These seemingly technical provisions have significant practical impact — an improperly executed affirmation or affidavit can render an entire summary judgment motion defective. These articles analyze the formal requirements, common defects, and court decisions that practitioners must navigate when preparing sworn statements.
194 published articles in 2106 and 2309
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Jun 9, 2014Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a CPLR 2106 affirmation and a CPLR 2309 affidavit?
A CPLR 2106 affirmation can be signed by an attorney, physician, dentist, or podiatrist without notarization — the affirmant simply affirms under penalty of perjury. A CPLR 2309 affidavit requires a notary public or authorized officer to administer an oath. Using the wrong form can result in a court rejecting the submission.
When must I use a notarized affidavit versus an affirmation in New York?
Licensed attorneys, physicians, dentists, and podiatrists may use unsworn affirmations under CPLR 2106. All other individuals must use notarized affidavits under CPLR 2309. In no-fault litigation, this distinction frequently arises when submitting medical evidence or opposing summary judgment motions.
Can a court reject evidence submitted in the wrong format?
Yes. Courts routinely reject affidavits and affirmations that do not comply with CPLR 2106 or 2309. An improperly sworn document may be treated as a nullity, which can be fatal to a motion for summary judgment or opposition. Proper formatting is a critical procedural requirement in New York practice.
What are common procedural defenses in New York no-fault litigation?
Common procedural defenses include untimely denial of claims (insurers must issue denials within 30 days under 11 NYCRR §65-3.8(c)), failure to properly schedule EUOs or IMEs, defective service of process, and failure to comply with verification request requirements. Procedural compliance is critical because courts strictly enforce these requirements, and a single procedural misstep by the insurer can result in the denial being overturned.
What is the CPLR and how does it affect my case?
The New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) is the primary procedural statute governing civil litigation in New York state courts. It covers everything from service of process (CPLR 308) and motion practice (CPLR 2214) to discovery (CPLR 3101-3140), statute of limitations (CPLR 213-214), and judgments. Understanding and complying with CPLR requirements is essential for successful litigation.
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About the Author
Jason Tenenbaum, Esq.
Jason Tenenbaum is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., headquartered at 326 Walt Whitman Road, Suite C, Huntington Station, New York 11746. With over 24 years of experience since founding the firm in 2002, Jason has written more than 1,000 appeals, handled over 100,000 no-fault insurance cases, and recovered over $100 million for clients across Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. He is one of the few attorneys in the state who both writes his own appellate briefs and tries his own cases.
Jason is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Michigan state courts, as well as multiple federal courts. His 2,353+ published legal articles analyzing New York case law, procedural developments, and litigation strategy make him one of the most prolific legal commentators in the state. He earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
Disclaimer: This article is published by the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. The legal principles discussed may not apply to your specific situation, and the law may have changed since this article was last updated.
New York law varies by jurisdiction — court decisions in one Appellate Division department may not be followed in another, and local court rules in Nassau County Supreme Court differ from those in Suffolk County Supreme Court, Kings County Civil Court, or Queens County Supreme Court. The Appellate Division, Second Department (which covers Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island) and the Appellate Term (which hears appeals from lower courts) each have distinct procedural requirements and precedents that affect litigation strategy.
If you need legal help with a 2106 and 2309 matter, contact our office at (516) 750-0595 for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Long Island (Huntington, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Smithtown, Riverhead, Southampton, East Hampton), Nassau County (Hempstead, Garden City, Mineola, Great Neck, Manhasset, Freeport, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream, Westbury, Hicksville, Massapequa), Suffolk County (Hauppauge, Deer Park, Bay Shore, Central Islip, Patchogue, Brentwood), Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.