Rachel Monroe Winning a small claims case in New York does not get you paid. This guide explains how to collect a New York small claims judgment, from information subpoenas and income executions to bank levies, property seizure, interest, and the marshal or sheriff who enforces it.
A New York small claims judgment can be appealed only on the ground that substantial justice was not done. The notice of appeal is due within 30 days of service, the NYC Civil Court fee is $30, and enforcement is stayed only with an undertaking.
Preparing for a New York small claims hearing: how to organize your evidence and witnesses, what the substantial-justice standard means, and whether a judge or a court-appointed arbitrator will decide your case.
How to file a small claims case anywhere in New York: which of the four courts hears the claim, how to complete the statement of claim, the $15 to $20 filing fee, and what the clerk does once the case is filed.
A default judgment is entered in a New York small claims case when one side misses the hearing. How a claimant wins one at an inquest, and how a defendant moves to vacate it under CPLR 5015.
How New York collects a money judgment from wages: the income execution, how much of a paycheck it reaches, what income is exempt, and how a debtor can challenge it.
How the Small Claims Part of the New York City Civil Court works: who can sue, the $10,000 limit, where to file by borough, the statement of claim and fee, clerk-mailed service, and the 6:30 p.m. hearing before a judge or arbitrator.
How Chapter 93A lets a Massachusetts small claims judge double or treble a consumer’s damages, the 30-day demand letter required first, the willful-or-knowing standard, and how multiple damages and attorney’s fees interact with the $7,000 limit.
How a writ of execution enforces a Pennsylvania small claims judgment, from the 30-day wait and five-year window to property exemptions, wage protections, and moving the judgment to the Court of Common Pleas.
Pennsylvania handles small money disputes before a Magisterial District Judge. Here is how to file the civil complaint, serve the defendant, and appeal.
Illinois wage garnishment after a small claims judgment: how the wage deduction works, the 15% and $675 limits, the forms, and what employers must do.
How a citation to discover assets works in Illinois under 735 ILCS 5/2-1402: who can file, how it is served, the hearing, exemptions, and the citation lien.