From Hempstead to the North Shore, Nassau County is full of small businesses, landlords, and contractors who are owed money and tired of waiting. New York's enforcement toolkit gives Long Island creditors a real path to collect — with one key local twist: outside the city, it's the County Sheriff who does the collecting.
Smaller money claims are handled by the District Court of Nassau County, which hears small claims up to $5,000 and general civil claims up to $15,000. Larger matters go to the Supreme Court, Nassau County. Once you have a judgment, you can docket a transcript of judgment with the Nassau County Clerk in Mineola to create a lien on 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 Nassau 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.
The District Court of Nassau County hears small claims up to $5,000 and civil claims up to $15,000; larger matters go to the Supreme Court, Nassau County.
The Nassau 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.