We’ve Got Answers: Your Questions About Judgment Enforcement Part Four

Q: What if the judgment was entered in another state but the judgment debtor has assets in New York? Alternatively, what if I have a New York judgment and the judgment debtor’s assets are located outside New York?

A: If you obtain a judgment in New York but discover that the debtor’s assets are located elsewhere, it is often possible to domesticate or register the judgment in the state where those assets are located and pursue collection remedies there.

The reverse is also true. If you hold an out-of-state judgment and the debtor has assets in New York, New York law provides procedures for recognizing and enforcing foreign judgments. Once recognized, a judgment creditor may generally utilize the same enforcement tools available to holders of New York judgments, including post-judgment discovery, restraining notices, turnover proceedings, executions, and levies.

If you have questions about collecting or enforcing a judgment, Becker’s Business Litigation team has substantial experience helping clients locate assets, enforce judgments, and maximize recoveries.

Jennifer Karnes is a Shareholder in Becker’s New York office, a member of the firm’s Litigation practice groups, and a former Brooklyn felony prosecutor. She can be reached for scheduling at jkarnes@beckerlawyers.com or by phone at (212) 599-3322, and you can read more about her background here.