Scott Michaels v. Mediacom Communications Corporation

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK Scott Michaels, Plaintiff, 1:25-cv-06596 (RA) (SDA) -against- ORDER OF SERVICE Mediacom Communications Corporation, Defendant.

STEWART D. AARON, United States Magistrate Judge: Plaintiff, a British citizen who is appearing pro se, brings this action asserting state law claims against Mediacom Communications Corporation (“MCC” or “Defendant”), a New York company. By order dated August 13, 2025, the Court granted Plaintiff’s request to proceed in forma pauperis (“IFP”), that is, without prepayment of fees.

Because Plaintiff has been granted permission to proceed IFP, he is entitled to rely on the Court and the U.S. Marshals Service to effect service.1 Walker v. Schult, 717 F.3d. 119, 123 0F n.6 (2d Cir. 2013); see also 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d) (“The officers of the court shall issue and serve all process . . . in [IFP] cases.”); Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(c)(3) (the court must order the Marshals Service to serve if the plaintiff is authorized to proceed IFP)).

To allow Plaintiff to effect service on Defendant through the U.S. Marshals Service, the Clerk of Court is instructed to fill out a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form

1Although Rule 4(m) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure generally requires that a summons be served within 90 days of the date the complaint is filed, Plaintiff is proceeding IFP and could not have effected service until the Court reviewed the complaint and ordered that any summonses be issued. The Court therefore extends the time to serve until 90 days after the date any summonses issue. (“USM-285 form”) for Defendant. The Clerk of Court is further instructed to issue a summons and deliver to the Marshals Service all the paperwork necessary for the Marshals Service to effect service upon Defendant.

If the complaint is not served within 90 days after the date the summons is issued, Plaintiff should request an extension of time for service. See Meilleur v. Strong, 682 F.3d 56, 63 (2d Cir. 2012) (holding that it is the plaintiff’s responsibility to request an extension of time for service).

Plaintiff must notify the Court in writing if his address changes, and the Court may dismiss the action if Plaintiff fails to do so.

CONCLUSION The Clerk of Court is instructed to issue a summons for Defendant, complete the USM- form with the address for Defendant, and deliver all documents necessary to effect service to the U.S. Marshals Service.

The Clerk of Court is directed to mail an information package to Plaintiff.

Plaintiff may receive court documents by email by completing the form, Consent_to Electronic Service.”

SO ORDERED.

Dated: New York, New York September 16, 2025 Rick A, Can STEWART D. AARON United States Magistrate Judge * If Plaintiff consents to receive documents by email, Plaintiff will no longer receive court documents by regular mail.

SERVICE ADDRESS FOR EACH DEFENDANT Mediacom Communications Corporation Mediacom Way, Mediacom Park Chester, NY 10918