Overview

Winning a judgment in New York’s Small Claims Court is an important milestone, but it is not the final step. The court does not automatically collect money on your behalf. Instead, you—the winning party, called the “judgment creditor”—must take specific actions to locate the debtor’s assets, initiate collection, and document payments. The process is designed to be self-directed, affordable, and accessible for non-lawyers, but it requires diligence and understanding of procedures. A judgment is more than just a piece of paper; it is a legally enforceable determination that the other party owes you a specific amount of money, including any awarded costs and interest. The law empowers you to use several tools—transcripts of judgment, wage garnishments, bank executions, and property liens—to transform that judgment into actual recovery.

Small Claims Court judgments in New York are enforceable for up to 20 years and accrue interest at 9% per year from the date of entry. This interest continues to grow until the judgment is satisfied in full. However, enforcement can only begin after a 30-day period following entry of judgment, allowing the losing party (“judgment debtor”) a brief window to pay voluntarily or file a motion to vacate. Once that window passes, you can proceed with enforcement through the local sheriff, city marshal, or by docketing the judgment with the County Clerk’s Office to expand its reach. The system is intentionally streamlined—forms are standardized, and clerks provide procedural guidance—but success still depends on your initiative.

Understanding how to collect a judgment involves mastering three key dimensions: (1) knowing what enforcement tools are available, (2) knowing when and how to use each, and (3) keeping accurate records of every action and payment. This guide walks you through all ten critical steps of the post-judgment process, from confirming that your judgment is officially entered to ensuring proper satisfaction and closure once it’s paid. Each stage demands attention to detail, particularly with timelines, notices, and documentation. The principles of fairness and due process remain constant—each enforcement measure must follow formal notice procedures so that the debtor’s rights are protected while you pursue recovery efficiently.

Collecting a judgment is not always fast. Some defendants pay immediately to avoid enforcement; others delay, move, or ignore the judgment altogether. But persistence pays. Once a judgment is docketed, it can affect the debtor’s credit, restrict real estate sales, and trigger wage or bank levies. Even if you can’t collect immediately, a properly recorded judgment ensures that your claim remains active for years. With patience and organization, nearly every successful Small Claims Court plaintiff in New York can eventually recover what the court awarded.

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

Only the prevailing party in a Small Claims Court case—the “judgment creditor”—has the right to collect on a judgment. If the court awarded you money, you may enforce that judgment once it is officially entered and the 30-day grace period has passed. The party who lost—the “judgment debtor”—has an obligation to pay the judgment voluntarily within that period. If they do not, you may use enforcement remedies provided under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR). No attorney is required, and the system is specifically structured for self-represented individuals. You do not need to refile your claim or return to court unless a specific enforcement motion becomes necessary.

A judgment creditor can be an individual, partnership, business, or corporation that successfully sued in Small Claims Court. The judgment debtor may be an individual, company, or organization that owes the awarded sum. In cases involving multiple defendants, you can collect from any or all who were named jointly. The judgment amount is owed until satisfied in full, including principal, interest, and allowable costs. Only the party named in the judgment as creditor may enforce it; family members, friends, or business partners cannot act unless formally authorized by a court order or assignment.

Importantly, you must verify that your judgment has been “entered.” A judge’s oral ruling at the hearing is not enough; the clerk must officially enter the judgment into the record. You will receive a mailed “Notice of Judgment” stating the date, amount, and court costs. That date starts the 30-day clock for payment or appeal. If you have not received this notice within two weeks after your hearing, contact the clerk’s office to confirm entry. Once confirmed, you can either wait for voluntary payment or begin preparing enforcement paperwork.

If the debtor relocates to another county or state, you still retain the right to enforce the judgment. However, enforcement outside New York requires additional procedural steps—such as filing a “Transcript of Judgment” with the new jurisdiction’s clerk. The power to collect follows the judgment, not geography. For most plaintiffs, the first step is local enforcement through wage or bank executions handled by a sheriff or marshal. If the debtor’s assets are hard to find, you can request an “Information Subpoena” compelling disclosure of their employment, bank accounts, and property. Knowing who can apply—and how far your judgment authority extends—ensures that you approach collection confidently and lawfully.

Benefits of Understanding the Judgment Collection Process

Judgment collection knowledge transforms a symbolic victory into tangible compensation. The court’s job ends with issuing the judgment; everything that follows depends on you. By understanding each enforcement mechanism, you protect your rights and reduce costly mistakes. Many winners lose months—or even years—because they assume the court will act automatically. Knowing the process allows you to plan strategically: when to file paperwork, how to calculate interest, and which enforcement method fits the debtor’s financial profile.

Another major benefit is cost control. Small Claims procedures in New York are deliberately inexpensive, but even minor missteps can lead to duplicate filings or missed opportunities. Familiarity with timelines (such as the 30-day waiting period, one-year limit to docket, and 20-year enforceability window) helps you act efficiently. You’ll also learn how to combine tools: first an information subpoena to locate assets, then a property or wage execution to seize funds. The more accurately you match the enforcement tool to the debtor’s situation, the faster you’ll see results.

Understanding collection procedures also shields you from legal pitfalls. Improper contact with the debtor—for example, harassment or threats—can undermine your position and violate fair debt collection laws. By following formal channels through clerks, marshals, or sheriffs, you keep enforcement ethical and legally sound. You also avoid common myths: that a judgment automatically affects credit (it only does after docketing with the County Clerk), or that you can seize property yourself (you cannot—only an authorized officer may execute).

Finally, being informed gives you leverage in negotiations. Many debtors, once served with notice of garnishment or lien, prefer to settle voluntarily. If you understand how and when those steps occur, you can negotiate confidently, ensuring payment plans are documented and enforceable. For those who face uncooperative debtors, comprehension of post-judgment rights allows you to persist calmly without fear of procedural error. The collection process rewards discipline, not aggression—knowledge lets you stay strategic while the system compels compliance.

Step 1: Verify That the Judgment Is Officially Entered and Final

The first step in collecting your judgment is confirming that it has been officially “entered” by the court clerk. A judge’s verbal ruling at the hearing does not yet give you enforcement power. Entry occurs when the clerk records the judgment into the court’s docket, assigning it a judgment number and date. Once this administrative act happens, the judgment becomes enforceable under New York law after a brief waiting period. You will receive a document titled “Notice of Judgment,” stating who owes what, when interest begins, and how much was awarded for costs. Review it carefully—clerical errors are rare but possible, and corrections should be made immediately before proceeding.

Verify that the debtor’s name and address are correct, the amount matches what was announced in court, and the date of entry appears clearly. This date triggers the statutory timeline: defendants have thirty days to pay voluntarily or move to vacate the judgment. Do not attempt enforcement before this period expires; premature action can be reversed and may complicate future collection. Use the waiting time wisely—organize your case file, gather documents, and research the debtor’s likely assets.

If you have not received your Notice of Judgment within two weeks of the hearing, call or visit the clerk’s office. Some courts mail automatically; others require in-person pickup. If your judgment arises in New York City Civil Court, you can verify entry online using the Unified Court System’s eCourts portal. Outside the city, clerks can confirm by phone. If the court transmits paper copies only, keep multiple originals; you’ll need them for enforcement, docketing, and proof when dealing with sheriffs or marshals.

Once the judgment is confirmed and final, calculate interest. Under New York law, judgments accrue simple interest at 9% per year from the date of entry. For example, a $3,000 judgment grows by $270 annually. Include this interest when you prepare enforcement paperwork; it continues accumulating until full payment. Step 1 may appear administrative, but it forms the foundation for every subsequent action. Without official entry and verification, no enforcement officer—sheriff, marshal, or clerk—can act on your behalf. Treat this step as your formal transition from “plaintiff” to “judgment creditor.”

Step 2: Wait the Statutory 30 Days and Encourage Voluntary Payment

The law gives judgment debtors a 30-day window after judgment entry to pay voluntarily or request that the court vacate the decision. This grace period ensures fairness and prevents unnecessary enforcement costs. Use this time to open communication channels—firmly but respectfully. Send a short, professional letter reminding the debtor of the judgment and enclosing a copy of the Notice of Judgment. Include payment instructions, such as your mailing address or preferred certified check method. Avoid personal visits or harassment; all communication should be written and factual. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Many debtors pay once they realize that the judgment is final and enforceable. They may fear wage garnishment or credit consequences. Offering a clear and reasonable pathway for payment increases compliance. If you are willing to accept installment payments, specify terms in writing. For example: “$500 due by March 15 and $250 monthly thereafter until paid in full.” Include language that missed payments will result in immediate enforcement. Courts honor such agreements when documented properly. If payment arrives, issue a written receipt and retain proof for your records. Once fully paid, you must later file a “Satisfaction of Judgment.”

During this 30-day waiting period, also plan your enforcement strategy in case payment does not arrive. Identify where the debtor works or banks. Review any information they disclosed during trial—employment details, addresses, or business connections. The more data you gather now, the faster enforcement can start on day 31. If uncertain about their assets, prepare an Information Subpoena request form. This subpoena, once issued by the clerk, compels the debtor (or their employer or bank) to answer written questions about income and property.

Remember that politeness and professionalism often yield faster results than confrontation. Debtors who feel respected are more likely to pay promptly. The purpose of this stage is efficiency, not revenge. If you receive partial payment during the grace period, record it carefully and apply it to the principal first, then interest. Step 2 therefore bridges judgment and enforcement—offering the debtor one last chance to resolve voluntarily while allowing you to prepare tactically for compulsory collection if necessary.

Step 3: Obtain a Transcript of Judgment from the Clerk

After the 30-day waiting period ends without payment, your first formal enforcement tool is the “Transcript of Judgment.” This is an official, certified copy of the judgment that allows you to pursue collection beyond Small Claims Court. You request it from the same clerk who entered your judgment. The fee is typically $5 to $10. Bring identification, your case number, and the Notice of Judgment. The clerk will prepare the transcript on embossed paper, bearing the court’s seal and the judgment details. Keep multiple copies—one for your records, one for the County Clerk (for docketing), and one for law enforcement officers who will handle executions.

Docketing the transcript with the County Clerk transforms your Small Claims judgment into a public record lien. Once docketed, it can attach to any real property the debtor owns in that county. This means the debtor cannot sell or refinance that property without paying you first. The docket also appears in credit checks, pressuring debtors to resolve outstanding obligations to restore financial standing. If the debtor resides in a different county, you can file the transcript there as well. Each docket creates a local lien and extends your reach.

The transcript is also your entry ticket for wage or bank garnishments. Sheriffs and city marshals require it before they can execute. When you present it, they verify that the judgment is authentic and specify how much may be collected, including interest. It remains valid for ten years and can be renewed for another ten before expiration. Keep the original transcript safe—it is your proof of authority to collect across jurisdictions.

Step 3 concludes the foundation phase of collection. With the transcript in hand, your judgment is no longer confined to a single courthouse; it becomes a portable, enforceable instrument recognized statewide. Whether your debtor owns property, holds a job, or maintains bank accounts, this document opens every enforcement door available under New York law.

Step 4: Locate the Debtor’s Assets Using an Information Subpoena

Once you have a transcript of judgment, the next challenge is to identify where the debtor’s money or property is held. Without this knowledge, enforcement tools cannot reach assets. New York law gives you a precise and powerful mechanism: the Information Subpoena. It is a written set of questions sent either to the debtor directly or to third parties such as banks, employers, or business partners who may hold relevant financial information. The subpoena compels recipients to disclose details under oath about wages, accounts, vehicles, or property interests.

To begin, visit the clerk’s office and request the official Information Subpoena forms. You’ll receive two documents—the subpoena itself and the written questions. Each form must include the case caption, judgment date, amount owed (including interest), and your contact information. Fill these out carefully; errors or missing case numbers can invalidate service. Once completed, you must have the subpoena “issued” by the clerk or an attorney. Self-represented creditors may obtain the clerk’s signature and court seal without charge. Make at least two copies—one for service, one for your records.

Service rules matter. You can mail the subpoena by certified mail, return receipt requested, or have it served personally by someone over 18 who is not a party. If sending to a bank or employer, address it to the legal department or payroll division. Always include an envelope for the recipient’s reply and a copy of the written questions. The recipient has seven days to respond. Failure to answer is contempt of court—a serious sanction. If no reply arrives, you can file a motion asking the judge to compel compliance or impose penalties.

When responses arrive, study them carefully. Look for employer names, branch locations, account numbers (partial), or property holdings. Use this intelligence to decide which enforcement tool fits best. A wage garnishment follows employment data; a bank execution targets financial institutions; a property lien applies if the debtor owns real estate. Maintain confidentiality—use the information only for legal enforcement. Sharing or publishing financial details may violate privacy laws.

If responses reveal no assets, persistence pays. Re-serve updated subpoenas every few months, especially if you learn of new employment or business ventures. You can also subpoena credit unions, landlords, or even utility providers if relevant. Each new source increases your odds of locating attachable assets. Step 4 marks the turning point from paperwork to strategy: gathering actionable data transforms a dormant judgment into a plan for collection. Organized records—spreadsheets of responses, copies of envelopes, and postal receipts—become invaluable when coordinating later executions with sheriffs or marshals.

Step 5: Choose Between Wage, Bank, or Property Executions

Armed with information about the debtor’s assets, you must decide which enforcement path will be most effective. New York law offers three primary executions: wage garnishment (income execution), bank levy (property execution), and real property lien (docketed judgment). Each has unique benefits and procedural nuances. Selecting the right one saves months of effort.

A wage execution works best when the debtor has stable employment. You submit the transcript of judgment to the sheriff or city marshal along with a completed income-execution form listing the employer’s name and address. The enforcement officer first sends a notice to the debtor allowing voluntary payments—typically 10% of gross wages or 25% of disposable income, whichever is less, to protect basic living expenses. If the debtor ignores that notice, the officer serves the employer directly. The employer then deducts the authorized amount from each paycheck until the debt is satisfied. Employers who ignore valid executions risk contempt penalties, so compliance rates are high. It’s slow but steady income for creditors.

A bank execution (property execution) is faster but depends on accurate banking information. Using the subpoena results, identify the institution and branch holding the debtor’s account. You complete a property-execution form, submit it with the transcript of judgment and fee, and the sheriff or marshal serves the bank. Funds up to the owed amount (plus costs and interest) are frozen immediately. The debtor receives notice afterward, and the funds are turned over to the court or directly to you after statutory waiting periods. Certain accounts—like Social Security deposits or unemployment benefits—are exempt, so the officer filters accordingly. Quick but precise paperwork is crucial here; a wrong branch address wastes time.

Finally, a property lien affects real estate ownership. When you docket your judgment with the County Clerk, it automatically becomes a lien against any property the debtor owns in that county. You don’t seize the property immediately; instead, the lien ensures that when the debtor sells or refinances, the title company must satisfy your judgment before recording the new deed. This method works silently in the background, ideal for long-term debts or high-value defendants. Many creditors combine approaches: immediate bank executions followed by docketed liens to secure future recovery.

Before choosing, consider the debtor’s profile. Salaried worker? Go for wage execution. Self-employed or irregular income? Bank execution. Property owner? Docket and wait. You can use more than one, but sequence them carefully to avoid administrative overlap. Discuss logistics with the clerk or marshal; they’ll confirm forms, fees, and service methods. Step 5 is about tactical precision—matching the enforcement tool to the debtor’s financial ecosystem while staying within legal limits. Proper choice transforms a paper judgment into tangible money.

Step 6: File the Execution with the Sheriff or City Marshal

Once you select your enforcement type, the next stage is execution filing. In New York City, city marshals handle most wage and bank executions; in other counties, the sheriff’s civil division performs the same function. Bring the original transcript of judgment, completed execution forms, and applicable fee (usually $35–$50). The officer reviews documents for completeness and confirms statutory compliance. Fees are recoverable from the debtor as part of your costs, so don’t hesitate to proceed.

For wage executions, the officer first mails a notice to the debtor offering a chance to pay voluntarily within 20 days. This courtesy period reflects fairness principles in CPLR 5231. If no payment is received, the officer serves the employer. The employer must begin deductions from the next paycheck and remit funds regularly. The officer accounts for all amounts received, subtracts statutory fees, and forwards the balance to you. Maintain close contact; ask for periodic accounting statements.

For bank executions, officers act swiftly. Once the execution is issued, the officer serves the bank branch identified in your paperwork. If funds are found, the bank freezes them immediately. The debtor is notified and has a brief period (usually seven days) to claim exemptions. Absent valid objections, the bank releases funds to the officer, who delivers them to you by check. Because timing is critical, double-check that account information and branch addresses are current. If uncertain, serve multiple branches or headquarters to improve odds.

Each enforcement officer operates under strict audit rules. Provide them with every detail—debtor’s full legal name, address, employer, Social Security (last four digits if known), and any aliases used in court. Clear identification prevents wrongful seizures and speeds processing. Keep copies of all receipts and correspondence; these serve as evidence of diligent enforcement if disputes arise. You may reuse the same transcript for additional executions until the debt is fully collected.

Step 6 transforms strategy into action. You move from paperwork to actual money flow through official channels. While sheriffs and marshals charge fees, they bring authority and compliance power that private individuals lack. Once an execution succeeds, you’ll receive notice of payment; if it fails due to lack of assets, you regroup and try again elsewhere. Persistence, accurate forms, and communication with enforcement officers are the hallmarks of successful judgment collection.

Step 7: Track Payments, Interest, and Partial Satisfaction

After enforcement begins, you must maintain meticulous financial records. Every dollar recovered must be applied accurately to principal, interest, and costs. This not only satisfies legal transparency but also protects you if disputes arise. Create a ledger—digital or handwritten—listing dates, amounts received, deductions for marshal or sheriff fees, and the remaining balance. Judgments accrue interest at 9% annually until paid in full, calculated from the entry date, not the enforcement date. Understanding this ensures your records match official accounting.

Each time you receive a payment from an officer or directly from the debtor, update your ledger. Apply funds first to costs, then accrued interest, then principal. This order mirrors court accounting practice. If the debtor makes partial payments, issue receipts acknowledging each installment and state the remaining balance. Transparency helps prevent later arguments about over- or under-payment. You can also request an updated interest calculation from the clerk if you are uncertain.

If payments come through wage deductions, expect regular remittances—often bi-weekly or monthly. Verify that deductions match statutory limits and that the employer is forwarding funds promptly. Should remittances stop unexpectedly, contact the enforcement officer to investigate. Common causes include job changes or garnishment from another creditor with priority. In those cases, file a new execution once the first finishes or after confirming job relocation.

For bank executions, payments usually arrive in lump sums. Confirm that the check matches the amount frozen minus statutory fees. Keep copies of bank statements or officer letters showing how much was seized. If you later pursue additional executions, your detailed ledger prevents duplication and confusion. Once the judgment balance—including interest—is zero, you must file a Satisfaction of Judgment within 20 days to close the record. Failure to do so can lead to fines.

Step 7 emphasizes accountability and accuracy. Courts assume judgment creditors will handle funds responsibly. Good record-keeping enhances credibility and simplifies tax reporting, as recovered judgments may affect income statements for businesses. In sum, this stage consolidates your progress—ensuring that every recovered dollar counts and every obligation is properly documented on the road to complete satisfaction.

Step 8: Renew Enforcement if the First Attempt Fails

Not every enforcement attempt leads to immediate payment. Many debtors lack liquid funds, change jobs, or maintain accounts exempt from seizure. The good news is that New York judgments remain enforceable for 20 years and can be renewed or reapplied across counties as needed. Step 8 is about persistence—learning to re-engage enforcement tools strategically after initial failure. The law grants you repeated chances as long as the judgment remains unsatisfied. Think of each cycle as gathering new intelligence, refining targets, and maintaining steady pressure within lawful limits.

Begin by analyzing why the first execution failed. If a bank levy returned “no funds,” it may mean the debtor switched accounts or the balance was below exemption thresholds. If a wage execution stalled, verify employment status; perhaps the debtor quit or moved. Use updated Information Subpoenas to refresh your data. These can be re-issued at any time, and you may direct them to new entities such as credit unions, gig-work platforms, or landlords. Keep your correspondence professional—each subpoena response provides breadcrumbs leading to eventual recovery.

Once you identify new financial leads, repeat the enforcement process: request new executions from the sheriff or marshal, re-serve at updated addresses, and docket transcripts in any new counties where the debtor relocated. Each action builds cumulative pressure. A debtor who ignored one garnishment may face another from a new employer. Because interest continues to accrue at 9% per year, waiting passively only benefits you financially—though most creditors prefer resolution over compounding balances. Renewed enforcement shows seriousness and increases the likelihood of voluntary contact.

You can also expand collection creatively. For example, if the debtor operates a small business, serve an execution on their business bank accounts or major clients holding payable invoices. If they own vehicles, inquire about judgment liens through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Collaboration with the county clerk or marshal’s office helps you interpret responses correctly and avoid wasted service fees. Most enforcement officers appreciate well-prepared creditors—precise addresses and complete paperwork save time for everyone.

Remember that enforcement cycles can extend for years, and documentation is your ally. Track each attempt, date, officer, and outcome. Should the debtor later contest collection or file bankruptcy, your record proves diligent compliance with legal procedure. Step 8 teaches that tenacity, not luck, defines success in judgment collection. A judgment is an enduring right—use the system’s long timeline to your advantage by reapplying pressure whenever new opportunities emerge.

Step 9: Negotiate Settlement or Installment Agreements

Even after enforcement begins, settlement discussions can provide faster and friendlier outcomes. Step 9 encourages you to use negotiation as a parallel strategy to formal collection. Many debtors, faced with wage or bank executions, prefer to settle voluntarily to avoid fees and credit damage. As a judgment creditor, you have leverage—yet professionalism is essential. Always memorialize agreements in writing and include clear terms about amounts, timelines, and consequences for missed payments. Courts respect voluntary settlements and will enforce them if documented properly.

Start by calculating the full balance owed: principal, accrued interest, and recoverable costs. This transparency helps both parties understand the figure realistically. When the debtor contacts you, express openness but remain firm. You might say, “The current balance is $2,840 including interest. If you can pay $2,500 within 30 days, I’ll file a Satisfaction of Judgment.” Such compromise trades small reductions for speed and certainty. Avoid oral deals; written agreements signed by both parties are legally sound and prevent misunderstanding.

Installment plans are common in Small Claims contexts. You can draft a simple agreement specifying payment amounts and due dates, with a clause allowing immediate enforcement if the debtor defaults. File a copy with the clerk if you want it on record. As payments arrive, issue receipts and update your ledger. Keep communications cordial—cooperation reduces litigation costs for everyone. Once full payment is received, file a Satisfaction of Judgment within 20 days to clear the debtor’s record. Courts appreciate creditors who handle closure responsibly.

Sometimes negotiation emerges after years of inactivity—perhaps when a debtor tries to secure a mortgage or refinance property and discovers your lien. In these moments, readiness matters. Have payoff calculations updated, including all interest through the expected payment date. Title companies often contact creditors for payoff statements; responding quickly ensures you receive funds at closing. Step 9 reflects a mature understanding of debt enforcement: firmness balanced with flexibility. Settlements save time, build goodwill, and demonstrate ethical stewardship of judicial authority.

Step 10: File a Satisfaction of Judgment and Preserve Records

When the debt is paid in full—whether through enforcement, settlement, or voluntary payment—you must close the case formally. The proper way is by filing a Satisfaction of Judgment. This document notifies the court, county clerk, and public record that the obligation no longer exists. It protects the debtor’s credit and demonstrates your compliance with state law. Under New York CPLR §5020, you must file within 20 days of receiving final payment. Failure to do so can expose you to fines or even civil liability for harming the debtor’s credit reputation.

Obtain the Satisfaction form from the clerk’s office or the Unified Court System website. Complete it with the same case caption and docket details as the original judgment. Indicate “fully satisfied” or “partially satisfied,” depending on whether payments were complete. Attach your signature and, if applicable, notarization. File it with the same clerk who entered or docketed the judgment. Request a stamped copy for your records. If the judgment was docketed in multiple counties, file a copy in each to ensure statewide closure.

In addition, notify the debtor directly by mailing them a copy of the filed Satisfaction. This simple courtesy confirms closure and prevents unnecessary credit disputes. If the debtor paid through a title company, the company may file it for you, but verify completion. Keep copies of receipts, correspondence, and the final ledger indefinitely—judgment records can reappear years later in credit verifications or background checks.

Step 10 closes the circle: from claim to judgment to full resolution. It also reinforces civic responsibility. The purpose of Small Claims Court is not punishment but fairness. Properly satisfying judgments shows respect for the system and future debtors who seek clean records after making amends. Moreover, your organized file—containing all subpoenas, executions, receipts, and satisfactions—becomes a model of procedural compliance, invaluable if you pursue or defend future cases. The final act of filing Satisfaction transforms your enforcement success into lawful finality.

Associated Costs

Collecting a judgment in New York is affordable compared to traditional civil litigation. Typical costs include $5–$10 for obtaining a Transcript of Judgment, $35–$50 fees for each sheriff or marshal execution, and $5–$15 for Information Subpoenas or certified mail. Wage or property executions add statutory officer commissions (usually 5% of recovered amounts) paid by the debtor, not you. Renewed docketing in another county costs around $10. Filing a Satisfaction of Judgment is free in most counties. Overall, most creditors spend under $100 in upfront costs to begin enforcement, which are later reimbursed once funds are collected.

Time Required

Enforcement timelines vary widely based on debtor cooperation and asset accessibility. After judgment entry, allow 30 days for voluntary payment. If enforcement begins, bank levies may yield funds within 4–6 weeks. Wage garnishments typically deliver results within 2–3 months once employers start deductions. Renewed subpoenas or secondary executions extend timelines to several months or even years, depending on debtor mobility. Because judgments last 20 years, long-term persistence remains viable. Filing and satisfaction steps each take only a few days once payment arrives. On average, efficient creditors recover funds within 3–6 months of initiating enforcement.

Limitations

• Jurisdictional Scope: Enforcement applies only within New York State unless domesticated elsewhere.
• Exempt Assets: Certain funds—Social Security, unemployment, and public assistance—cannot be seized.
• Interest Ceiling: Judgments accrue simple interest at 9% per annum; compound interest is prohibited.
• Officer Reliance: Only sheriffs or city marshals may execute seizures; self-help is illegal.
• Privacy Rules: Information Subpoena data must be used solely for lawful collection, not disclosure.
• Vacate Motions: Debtors may reopen default judgments within one year upon showing of excusable neglect.

Authoritative Links

• New York Courts – Small Claims Overview
• After the Hearing – Collecting Your Judgment
• Official Small Claims Handbook (PDF)
• Small Claims Filing and Execution Fee Schedule
• DIY Form – Collect a Small Claims Judgment