§ 902. Pleadings; form.

(a) All pleadings shall be formal pleadings, as in supreme court
practice, except that:

(1) If the plaintiff's cause of action is for money only and the
summons is served within the county, the cause of action may be set
forth by indorsement upon the summons. The indorsement shall consist of
a statement of the nature and substance of the cause of action, and the
summons in such instance shall set forth the amount in which the
plaintiff will take judgment in the event of default. If the plaintiff
shall appear without attorney, such indorsement shall be made by the
clerk.

(2) Where the plaintiff's cause of action is for money only and the
defendant appears without attorney, he may describe his answer to the
clerk, who shall indorse the nature and substance of the answer on, or
annex it to, the summons.

(b) If a formal complaint must be or is used, it shall be served with
the summons, except that if service is made by publication the CPLR
shall govern.

(c) The address of the defendant, and that of his attorney if he shall
appear by attorney, shall be stated with or in the answer.

(d) The rules may provide, in actions for money only in designated
categories in which the plaintiff might otherwise proceed by indorsement
as above provided, that a formal complaint, or a formal answer, or both,
shall be required.

(e) The court in any case may, at any time before judgment, on its own
motion or on the motion on notice of a party, direct the service and
filing of a formal pleading.