Winning a court judgment is a major victory, but it’s often just the beginning of the process of actually getting paid. Many people quickly realize that collecting the money owed is not automatic—it takes time, effort, and the right legal tools. Two of the most powerful tools available in New York are bank levies and property liens. These methods can help turn a paper judgment into real money in your hands.
At Warner & Scheuerman, we help individuals and businesses throughout New York enforce their judgments effectively. Whether through levies, liens, or wage garnishments, we guide clients through the process to make sure their rights are protected and their judgments are collected.
Understanding Judgment Enforcement
When a New York court awards you a judgment, it means the court has officially recognized that someone (the debtor) owes you money. But the court doesn’t automatically collect that debt for you. You must take additional steps to enforce the judgment.
That’s where bank levies and property liens come in. These tools allow you to reach the debtor’s assets—money in the bank, or property they own—to satisfy what you’re owed.
What Is a Bank Levy?
A bank levy is one of the most direct ways to collect a judgment in New York. It allows a creditor to freeze and seize money held in the debtor’s bank account. Once a levy is placed, the bank must hold the funds and eventually turn them over to you, up to the amount of your judgment.
Here’s how it works:
- You locate the debtor’s bank account. This might require some investigation or legal discovery tools, such as an information subpoena.
- You deliver an execution to the bank through a New York City Marshal or a County Sheriff, depending on the county.
- The bank freezes the funds. Once the levy is in place, the bank must restrict the debtor’s access to the seized amount.
- Funds are transferred to the creditor. After the required waiting period, the Marshal or Sheriff releases the money to you, minus any statutory fees.
A levy can only reach money that’s currently in the account at the time the levy hits. If the debtor withdraws or transfers the money before that point, those funds might be harder to recover.
That’s why timing and precision matter—and why working with an experienced firm like Warner & Scheuerman can make all the difference.
What Is a Property Lien?
A property lien is another powerful way to secure payment on a judgment. It doesn’t give you ownership of the property, but it creates a legal claim against it. This means that if the debtor tries to sell or refinance the property, your lien must be satisfied first—usually by paying you the money you’re owed.
In New York, property liens are filed with the County Clerk in the county where the debtor owns real estate. Once filed, the lien stays in effect for 10 years and can be renewed for another 10 years before it expires.
Property liens are especially useful for long-term collection. Even if the debtor isn’t paying now, your lien can secure your claim until they eventually sell or refinance their property.
Using Bank Levies and Property Liens Together
In many cases, creditors use both levies and liens to increase their chances of getting paid. For example, a bank levy might recover some immediate funds, while a lien ensures you have a legal claim on any real estate the debtor owns.
This combined strategy is often the most effective way to collect larger debts or when dealing with debtors who try to hide assets.
Legal Requirements and Debtor Protections
New York law provides strong tools for creditors, but it also protects debtors from overly aggressive or unlawful collection practices. Certain types of funds—like Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support—are exempt from bank levies.
That’s why it’s important to follow all legal procedures carefully. Failing to do so can cause delays or even result in penalties. At Warner & Scheuerman, we ensure every enforcement action follows New York law to the letter, keeping the process fair, efficient, and legally sound.
How to Get Started with Judgment Enforcement
If you have a New York judgment that hasn’t been paid, here’s what you can do:
- Confirm the judgment is still valid. In New York, judgments are enforceable for 20 years, though liens expire after 10 years unless renewed.
- Gather information on the debtor. Identify where they bank and what property they own.
- Work with a professional. An attorney can issue subpoenas, file liens, and coordinate with Marshals or Sheriffs to execute levies.
- Act quickly. The longer you wait, the more likely assets can be hidden, transferred, or spent.
Why Work with Warner & Scheuerman
At Warner & Scheuerman, we have decades of experience helping clients turn court victories into real financial recoveries. We handle every step of the judgment collection process—from locating assets to filing property liens and executing bank levies. Our team understands the complex rules governing enforcement in New York and ensures that every action is both strategic and lawful.
Whether you’re an individual creditor, a business owner, or an attorney seeking assistance with post-judgment recovery, we can help you navigate the process and maximize your results.
Final Thoughts
Winning a judgment in New York is an important milestone, but it’s just the first step toward being made whole. With tools like bank levies and property liens, creditors can finally collect what they’re owed—but only if they act strategically and follow the right legal procedures.
If you have an unpaid judgment and need help enforcing it, Warner & Scheuerman can guide you every step of the way. With experience, precision, and persistence, we help clients turn judgments into actual recoveries—because winning in court should mean getting paid.