Staten Island runs on small businesses, tradespeople, and landlords — the kind of creditors who can least afford to write off a debt. Whether the money is owed in St. George, New Dorp, or Tottenville, New York's enforcement tools give you a real path to collect, used in the right sequence.
Smaller money claims are handled by the Civil Court of the City of New York, Richmond County (including its Small Claims Part for claims up to $10,000). The court's longtime home is 927 Castleton Avenue; as of 2026 its Civil and Small Claims operations have been temporarily relocated to 18 Richmond Terrace during building renovations, so confirm the current location before you go. Larger matters go to the Supreme Court, Richmond County. Once you have a judgment, you can docket a transcript of judgment with the Richmond County Clerk to lien real property the debtor owns on Staten Island.
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. 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 Richmond County, you target those assets and can docket the judgment with the Richmond County Clerk to reach Staten Island 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.