Enforcing a Judgment in New York: What You Need to Know

Winning a lawsuit in New York feels like a victory—and it is. But what happens when the other side doesn’t pay up? If you’re holding a court judgment in Manhattan or anywhere in NYC, collecting what you’re owed can be a battle of its own. As a judgment enforcement attorney based in Manhattan, I helped clients turn paper wins into real results. Here’s what you need to know about enforcing a judgment in New York—and how a skilled lawyer can make the difference.

Step 1: Understanding Your Judgment
A judgment is a court order declaring that someone owes you money, whether from a business dispute, contract breach, or another legal claim. In New York, once the court issues this order, it’s up to you (the creditor) to enforce it. The debtor isn’t required to pay voluntarily, and many don’t. That’s where enforcement comes in.

Step 2: Locating Assets
To collect, you need to know what the debtor owns—bank accounts, wages, real estate, or other property. New York law allows tools like subpoenas and information requests to uncover these assets, but debtors often hide them. An experienced NYC judgment enforcement attorney can use investigative techniques and legal leverage to track down what’s yours to claim.

Step 3: Choosing Enforcement Methods
New York offers several ways to enforce a judgment:

• Wage Garnishment: Take a portion of the debtor’s paycheck directly.
• Bank Levy: Freeze and seize funds from their accounts.
• Property Liens: Attach a claim to their real estate, collectible when sold.
  Each method has rules. For instance, garnishments are capped at a percentage of income under NY law, and liens require proper filing with the county clerk. Mistakes here can delay recovery—or worse, let the debtor off the hook.

Step 4: Overcoming Debtor Tactics
Debtors in Manhattan and beyond often dodge payment by transferring assets, claiming bankruptcy, or simply ignoring court orders. A seasoned judgment enforcement lawyer knows how to counter these moves—whether through contempt motions or piercing fraudulent transfers. Time matters too; New York judgments are valid for 20 years, but acting fast prevents assets from disappearing.

Why You Need a Lawyer for This
Enforcing a judgment isn’t a DIY project. The process involves navigating New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR), filing precise paperwork, and sometimes returning to court. At David I. Mizrahi Law P.C., I handle the heavy lifting—locating assets, executing levies, and fighting resistance—so you don’t have to. Based in Manhattan, I’m uniquely positioned to tackle NYC-specific challenges, from high-net-worth debtors to complex corporate structures.

Ready to Collect?
If you’ve won a judgment in New York but haven’t been paid, don’t let it gather dust. Contact me at 225 Broadway, 39th Floor, New York, NY 10007, for a free consultation. As a dedicated judgment enforcement attorney in Manhattan, I’ll help you turn that court win into the recovery you deserve. Call or email today—let’s get started.