New York Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

New York Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

20 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

6 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

Post-Judgment Interest

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COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

New York provides a 20-year judgment lien with 9% post-judgment interest — a powerful combination for creditors. Income executions (wage garnishments) are available, and the relatively low homestead exemption in downstate counties means real property liens can be highly effective. New York also has strong information subpoena tools.

New York Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	6 years	`CPLR §213`
Open Account / Credit Card	6 years	`CPLR §213`
Oral Contract	6 years	`CPLR §213`
Promissory Note	6 years	`CPLR §213`
Judgment Lien	20 years (10+10)	`CPLR §5014`

New York’s 6-year SOL for written contracts runs from the date of breach. The state has adopted the Discovery Rule for certain contract claims. Judgments may be renewed before expiration.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

New York post-judgment interest accrues at 9% per annum under CPLR §5004. Interest is simple and begins accruing on the date of judgment.

Judgment Recovery Methods in New York

Wage Garnishment yes

New York allows income executions (wage garnishments) of up to 10% of gross wages or 25% of disposable earnings, whichever is less (CPLR §5231). A 20-day notice to the debtor is required before service on the employer.

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank restraining notices and levies are available under CPLR §5222 and §5232. Creditor serves a restraining notice on the bank, which must freeze non-exempt funds.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Filing a certified judgment in the county clerk’s office creates a lien on all real property in New York State where the judgment is docketed (CPLR §5203). Lien lasts 10 years, renewable for another 10.

Turnover Order yes

New York courts issue information subpoenas (CPLR §5224) and restraining notices requiring debtors and third parties to disclose and transfer non-exempt assets.

Writ of Execution yes

Executions on personal property allow the marshal or sheriff to levy on non-exempt assets (CPLR §5230). Proceeds applied to the judgment balance.

Vehicle Levy yes

New York exempts one motor vehicle up to $4,825 in equity under CPLR §5205(a)(8). Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	$89,975–$179,950 (varies by county)	`CPLR §5206`
Motor Vehicle	$4,825 equity	`CPLR §5205(a)(8)`
Wages	Per CPLR §5231 formula	`CPLR §5231`
Personal Property	$1,150	`CPLR §5205`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`CPLR §5205(c)`

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official New York Resources

New York Courts – eCourts SearchCivil case records statewide New York SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookup New York County Clerk – Judgment RecordsJudgment docketing & lien records New York Consolidated Laws – LegislatureOfficial state code

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed New York attorney before taking collection action.