Edwards v. Social Security
Filing
8
Order Vacating 6 Order to Show Cause, filed by DAVON REYNOLDS EDWARDS., AND GRANTING re 7 MOTION TO EXTEND Summons/Ret of Service filing deadline, or to issue Second Summons filed by DAVON REYNOLDS EDWARDS--Signed by Magistrate Judge Anthony P. Patti. (MWil)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
SOUTHERN DIVISION
DAVON REYNOLDS
EDWARDS,
Plaintiff,
Case No. 4:18-cv-10536
District Judge Matthew F. Leitman
Magistrate Judge Anthony P. Patti
v.
COMMISSIONER OF
SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant.
___________________________________/
ORDER VACATING SHOW CAUSE (DE 6) AND GRANTING
PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO EXTEND TIME FOR SERVICE OF
DEFENDANT (DE 7)
On February 14, 2018, Plaintiff, Davon Reynolds Edwards, (who is
represented by counsel), filed this action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) for a review of
a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security denying his application for
social security disability benefits. (DE 1.) He named as Defendant the
Commissioner of Social Security. On February 16, 2018, the Court entered an
Order granting Plaintiff’s application to proceed without prepaying fees or costs,
and summons were issued for the Commissioner of Social Security on February
22, 2018 (DEs 4, 5), but proof of service was never entered onto the docket.
Accordingly, on May 18, 2018, the Court issued an order requiring Plaintiff
to show cause as to why the case should not be dismissed for failure to timely
serve Defendant pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m). (DE 6.) On
May 29, 2018, Plaintiff filed a motion to extend time for filing a summons or for
the court to issue a second summons. (DE 7.) Plaintiff’s counsel explained that
her office has been short-handed and has undergone two changes to the assistants
employed in the office since the filing of this Complaint, and that during this
transition, the returned receipt from the certified mailing of the summons and
complaint has been misplaced or lost. (DE 7 at 2.) Plaintiff asks the Court to
extend the time for filing a summons to allow for proper service on Defendant.
Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 6(b), the Court may extend the
deadline when good cause is shown. A party shows good cause by demonstrating
a ‘“reasonable justification’ for its failure to complete the requested task within the
time prescribed.” Rainey v. U.S. Bank Nat. Ass’n, No. 11-12520, 2011 WL
4954154, at *1 (E.D. Mich. Oct. 18, 2011) (quoting Foster v. Halter, 279 F.3d 348,
357 (6th Cir. 2001)). Generally, the “normal press of business does not rise to [the
good cause] standard.” Id. at *2.
For good cause shown, the show cause order is hereby VACATED.
Further, Plaintiff’s request for an extension of time to serve Defendant is
GRANTED. Plaintiff shall have THIRTY DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS
ORDER in which to effect service over Defendant.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
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Dated: June 4, 2018
s/Anthony P. Patti
Anthony P. Patti
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Certificate of Service
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing document was sent to parties of record
on June 4, 2018, electronically and/or by U.S. Mail.
s/Michael Williams
Case Manager for the
Honorable Anthony P. Patti
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