A judgment is just paper until you enforce it, and many never get collected because people don't know the tools. The good news: a New York money judgment is enforceable for 20 years.
Once you have a judgment, you can serve an information subpoena (CPLR 5224): written questions a bank, employer, or the debtor must answer under oath about where the money is.
An income execution (CPLR 5231) can capture up to 10% of the debtor's gross wages, within statutory limits. It's served first on the debtor, then on the employer.
A restraining notice (CPLR 5222) freezes the debtor's accounts, and a levy through a New York City marshal or county sheriff (CPLR 5232) collects the funds, subject to exemptions that protect things like Social Security.
Docketing the judgment can create a lien on the debtor's real property in that county.
Enforcement is procedural and easy to get wrong. For New York matters, the Law Office of Derek J. Soltis can run the asset search and enforcement, typically on contingency.
A New York money judgment is enforceable for 20 years, and the lien on real property lasts 10 years (renewable).
Yes. An income execution can take up to 10% of gross wages, subject to statutory limits and exemptions.
Use an information subpoena. It legally compels banks, employers, and the debtor to disclose asset information after you have a judgment.