Winning a lawsuit in New York is a big relief. After all the time and effort you’ve put into your case, hearing that the court decided in your favor feels like a victory. But then reality sets in: winning doesn’t always mean you’ll see money in your pocket right away. Collecting on a judgment can sometimes feel like a whole new battle.
The truth is, many people run into delays because they don’t know the right steps to take—or they try to handle the process on their own. The good news? With the right help, you can avoid the most common mistakes and move forward with confidence. Let’s talk about what can slow things down, and how a judgment collection attorney can help you get the results you deserve.
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Take Action
In New York, judgments are valid for 20 years. That might sound like forever, but the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect. Debtors can move, change jobs, or shift their assets around, making it more challenging to track them down.
Starting early not only shows the debtor you’re serious, it also increases the chances you’ll be able to collect while they still have steady income or accessible assets.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Docketing Step
After you win your case, the judgment has to be properly docketed with the County Clerk. This important step creates a public record and allows you to put liens on a debtor’s property.
It’s easy to miss this detail if you’re not familiar with the process. But skipping it can cost you valuable opportunities to recover your money. An experienced attorney makes sure this step is never overlooked.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Wage Garnishment
If the debtor is working, wage garnishment is one of the most reliable ways to collect. A court order allows part of their paycheck to go directly to you until the debt is paid.
But in New York, there are very specific rules about how much can be garnished. The paperwork has to be done exactly right, or the process gets delayed. Having a lawyer handle this step takes the stress off your shoulders and keeps things moving smoothly.
Mistake #4: Missing Out on Bank Levies
Another powerful tool is the bank levy, which allows funds to be frozen and withdrawn directly from a debtor’s account. Many creditors don’t pursue this option because they aren’t sure how to find out where the debtor banks.
Attorneys have the resources to track down this information and use it legally, so you don’t miss out on an effective way to collect.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Property Liens
If your debtor owns real estate, placing a lien on their property can give you long-term protection. They won’t be able to sell or refinance until your judgment is satisfied. Even if you don’t collect right away, it ensures your rights are preserved.
Mistake #6: Trying to Handle It All Alone
The biggest mistake we see? People trying to navigate judgment collection without professional help. New York laws are complex, and debtors often do everything they can to avoid paying. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by paperwork, deadlines, and legal procedures.
A judgment collection attorney can guide you through the process, use every legal tool available, and take the burden off your plate. With the right help, you have a much better chance of actually collecting what’s yours.
How Warner & Scheuerman Can Support You
At Warner & Scheuerman, we know how frustrating it can be to win your case but still feel empty-handed. Our team has spent years helping clients across New York turn their hard-earned court victories into real results.
Whether it’s wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens, we know how to put the right strategies in motion. We also understand that every case is unique, so we take the time to listen and guide you through the process step by step.
If you’ve won a judgment but haven’t been paid, you don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to Warner & Scheuerman today and let us help you finally collect what’s rightfully yours.
Final Thoughts
Winning a lawsuit in New York is a huge accomplishment, but collecting your judgment is where the real closure comes. By avoiding common mistakes—like waiting too long, missing paperwork, or trying to do it all yourself—you’ll be in the best position to succeed.
Don’t let avoidable delays stand in your way. With the support of an experienced judgment collection attorney like Warner & Scheuerman, you can turn your legal win into the outcome you’ve been waiting for.