From White Plains and Yonkers to the river towns, Westchester runs on small businesses, professionals, and landlords — creditors who need to collect, not chase. New York's enforcement toolkit gives you the leverage, and just north of the city it's the County Sheriff who carries it out.
Smaller money claims are heard by the county's City Courts — in places like White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernon — which take civil claims up to $15,000 and small claims up to $5,000. Town and Village Justice Courts handle smaller local claims. Larger matters go to the Supreme Court, Westchester County in White Plains. Once you have a judgment, you can docket a transcript of judgment with the Westchester 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 Westchester 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 (White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, and others) hear civil claims up to $15,000 and small claims up to $5,000; Justice Courts handle smaller local claims; larger matters go to the Supreme Court, Westchester County.
The Westchester 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.