Michaels v. Mediacom Communications Corporation

Background

Scott Michaels, who the opinion identifies as a British citizen, sued Mediacom Communications Corporation, which the opinion identifies as a New York company. He asserts state-law claims and is appearing without a lawyer. In an earlier order dated August 13, 2025, the court allowed Michaels to proceed without prepaying court fees.

Service of Process

Because Michaels was allowed to proceed without prepaying fees, the court explained that he could rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve Mediacom. Service of process is the formal delivery of the summons and complaint to a defendant. The court also explained that Michaels could not have served Mediacom before the court reviewed the complaint and ordered that summonses be issued.

The Clerk of Court was instructed to issue a summons for Mediacom, complete a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form with Mediacom’s service address, and deliver the necessary papers to the Marshals Service. The service address listed in the order is 1 Mediacom Way, Mediacom Park, Chester, New York 10918.

Deadlines and Other Directions

The order states that service must occur within 90 days after the summons is issued. If service is not completed by then, Michaels should request an extension of time. Michaels must also notify the court in writing if his address changes; the court stated that the action may be dismissed if he fails to do so. The Clerk was directed to mail Michaels an information package, and Michaels may consent to receive court documents by email instead of regular mail.

Disposition

Stewart D. Aaron entered an order directing the Clerk and the Marshals Service to carry out service. The order did not rule on the merits of Michaels’s state-law claims or otherwise decide whether those claims succeed.