Paying a deposit and getting nothing back is one of the most common — and most frustrating — money disputes there is. When a contractor takes your money and walks, you generally have a straightforward claim to get it back, and a clear path to actually collect.
1. Demand. A firm written demand that lays out what you paid, what you were promised, and a deadline often shakes the money loose. Banksy drafts it free; an attorney can send it for $99.
2. Sue. If they ignore it, you can sue to get the deposit back — for failing to deliver what they agreed to and keeping money they didn't earn. Small, clean claims fit small claims court; bigger ones go to a higher court.
3. Enforce the judgment. Winning is only half the job. New York's CPLR Article 52 tools — information subpoenas, restraining notices, bank levies, and income executions through a marshal or sheriff — turn the judgment into money.
We check whether an owner can be reached personally, whether the business is still operating, and where it banks — so a judgment doesn't just sit against an empty LLC. Tracing assets is exactly what this firm does.
Often yes — you may be able to recover the gap between what you paid and the value of any work actually done, plus the cost to fix or finish, depending on the facts.
NYC small claims up to $10,000; other City/District Courts up to $5,000; Justice Courts up to $3,000. Larger claims can go to a higher court.
Free demand letter; $99 attorney review & send; full collection on contingency — no attorney fee unless we collect. Court and enforcement costs may still apply.