As the state capital, Albany County is dense with businesses, contractors, professionals, and landlords — and plenty of unpaid invoices and judgments to go with them. New York's enforcement toolkit is how Capital Region creditors collect, and outside the city it runs through the County Sheriff.
Smaller money claims are heard by the county's City Courts — in Albany, Cohoes, and Watervliet — which take civil claims up to $15,000 and small claims up to $5,000. Town and Village Justice Courts handle smaller local claims (up to $3,000). Larger matters go to the Supreme Court, Albany County. Once you have a judgment, you can docket a transcript of judgment with the Albany County Clerk to lien real property the debtor owns in the county.
1. Find the money. An information subpoena (CPLR 5224) forces the debtor, their bank, or their employer to reveal accounts, wages, and assets under oath.
2. Freeze it. A restraining notice (CPLR 5222) locks down a bank account or other property so it can't be moved while you collect.
3. Take it. The Albany County Sheriff levies a bank account (CPLR 5232) or serves an income execution (CPLR 5231) capturing up to 10% of gross wages. Liens reach real estate.
City Courts (Albany, Cohoes, Watervliet) hear civil claims up to $15,000 and small claims up to $5,000; Justice Courts handle smaller local claims up to $3,000; larger matters go to the Supreme Court, Albany County.
The Albany County Sheriff — outside NYC, the County Sheriff levies accounts and serves income executions.
Not required, but enforcement is procedural and easy to botch. New York collection matters can go on contingency here — you don't pay unless you collect.