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Collect · Out-of-state judgments

You have a judgment from another state — and the debtor is in New York

The win is in one state; the money is in New York. Here's how to bring the judgment here and collect it. (General information, not legal advice.)

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A judgment is only worth what you can collect — and you collect where the debtor's money and property are. If you won in another state but your debtor lives, banks, or owns property in New York, you bring the judgment here first. That's called domestication.

How domestication works in New York

New York's CPLR Article 54 gives a streamlined path for a sister-state judgment that's entitled to full faith and credit. In short: we file an authenticated copy of the judgment with a New York county clerk within 90 days of authentication, along with a required affidavit (confirming it wasn't taken by default or confession, is unsatisfied, and isn't stayed), and give notice to the debtor. Once filed, the clerk treats it like a New York Supreme Court judgment — and it becomes fully enforceable here.

One important exception. The fast Article 54 filing is not available for a judgment obtained by default or by confession. Those generally require a separate New York action — which we can handle, often by a motion for summary judgment in lieu of a complaint.

Then we enforce it

Once your judgment is a New York judgment, the full CPLR Article 52 toolkit opens up — information subpoenas to find assets, restraining notices and bank levies, income executions, and property liens — carried out by a marshal or sheriff.

FAQ

How do I enforce another state's judgment in New York?

Domesticate it under CPLR Article 54 — file an authenticated copy with a New York county clerk within 90 days of authentication, with an affidavit, and give notice to the debtor. It's then treated like a New York judgment.

What if my judgment was entered by default?

The streamlined filing isn't available for a default or confession judgment — those generally require a separate New York action, which we can handle.

What does it cost me?

We can quote a flat fee for domestication, and New York enforcement work can proceed on contingency — no attorney fee unless we collect. Court costs may still apply.

Ready to collect your judgment in New York? Start with Banksy → or request a free case review. A New York attorney can domesticate the judgment and pursue enforcement on contingency.