Brooklyn is New York City's most populous borough, and debts here run the gamut — unpaid invoices, security deposits, personal loans, contractor disputes. Whether you're chasing a debtor before suit or already hold a judgment, the collection tools are the same, and they're powerful when used in the right order.
Smaller money claims are handled by the Civil Court of the City of New York, Kings County, at 141 Livingston Street (including its Small Claims Part for claims up to $10,000). Larger matters go to the Supreme Court, Kings County. Once you have a judgment, you can docket a transcript of judgment with the Kings County Clerk to create a lien on real property the debtor owns in Brooklyn.
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 Brooklyn bank account or other property so it can't be moved while you collect.
3. Take it. A NYC Marshal or the City Sheriff can levy a bank account (CPLR 5232) or serve an income execution (CPLR 5231) that captures up to 10% of gross wages. Liens reach real estate.
No. A New York judgment is enforceable statewide. If the debtor lives, banks, or works in Kings County, you target those assets and can docket the judgment with the Kings County Clerk to reach Brooklyn real property.
Up to 10% of gross wages via an income execution (CPLR 5231), within statutory limits.
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.