From downtown Buffalo to the suburbs and the Southtowns, Erie County's businesses, landlords, and contractors hit the same wall everyone does: a debtor who won't pay. New York's enforcement toolkit is how you get past it — and across Western New York, the collecting is done by the County Sheriff.
Smaller money claims are heard by the county's City Courts — in Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Tonawanda — 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, Erie County in Buffalo. Once you have a judgment, you can docket a transcript of judgment with the Erie 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 Erie 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 (Buffalo, Lackawanna, Tonawanda) 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, Erie County.
The Erie 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.