Judgment Enforcement in New York

A judgment is only as good as your ability to collect it. Many creditors win in court and never see a dollar because they do not know how to enforce what they won. This is the heart of our practice. We take judgments — ours and those won by other attorneys — and turn them into money. Call 212-233-1233 to discuss enforcing your judgment.

The Enforcement Toolbox

New York gives judgment creditors a powerful set of tools under Article 52 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. The right combination depends on the debtor's assets and circumstances.

Information Subpoenas

Before we can seize anything, we have to find it. An information subpoena compels the debtor, and third parties such as banks and employers, to disclose where the debtor's money and property are located.

Restraining Notices and Bank Levies

A restraining notice freezes the debtor's bank account so the funds cannot be moved. We then direct a city marshal or county sheriff to levy on the account and turn the money over to you.

Income Executions

For an individual debtor, an income execution garnishes up to ten percent of wages, with the marshal collecting directly from the employer until the judgment is paid.

Property Executions and Seizure

A judgment can also be enforced against a debtor's tangible property and against debts that others owe to the debtor. We can have a marshal or sheriff seize and sell non-exempt property, and we can intercept money owed to the debtor by its own customers.

Judgment Liens on Real Estate

Docketing a money judgment with the county clerk creates a lien on any real property the debtor owns in that county. The lien can block a sale or refinance and often forces payment, and in appropriate cases the property can be sold to satisfy the judgment.

We Collect on Other Attorneys' Judgments

If you obtained a judgment with another lawyer, or on your own in small claims, and have been unable to collect it, we can take over the enforcement. Bring us the judgment and we will pursue the debtor's assets. A New York money judgment is enforceable for twenty years, so even an old judgment may still be worth pursuing.

Interest Keeps Running

A New York money judgment accrues interest at nine percent per year until it is paid. That means a judgment left uncollected continues to grow, and prompt enforcement captures that interest along with the principal.

To collect on a judgment, call 212-233-1233 or email [email protected].