§ 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, the complaint
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. Unless
the rules of the court provide otherwise, the clerk shall make such
indorsement for a plaintiff appearing without attorney.

2. Where the plaintiff's cause of action is for money only and the
defendant appears without attorney, he may, unless the rules provide
otherwise, describe his answer to the clerk, who shall indorse the
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.