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What Is an Information Subpoena? (New York)

The legal way to make banks tell you where the money is. (General information, not legal advice.)

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The information subpoena is a judgment creditor's best friend: written questions that banks, employers, or the debtor must answer under oath about assets.

How it works

Once you have a judgment, you serve the subpoena (with the required certification) by certified or registered mail with a prepaid return envelope. Recipients must answer in writing under oath within the statutory window.

Who you can serve

The debtor and any third party likely to know about their assets, most often the debtor's bank (paired with a restraining notice) or employer. Ignoring it can lead to contempt.

FAQ

Do I need a judgment first?

The power to compel banks and employers comes with a judgment. Before that, you rely on public records.

What if they ignore it?

Non-compliance can be enforced by the court, including contempt.

What do I ask?

Account existence and balances (banks), employment and pay (employers), and a broad asset list (the debtor).

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