FAQs - Judgment Collections

Frequently Asked Questions about Judgment Collections

Our attorneys understand that judgment recovery cases can be complex. We offer the following answers to frequently asked questions. You can also email us or call us at 1-866-647-4248 or 1-917-934-3173 for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.

What types of judgments do you collect?

We can help you with the collection of any type of large judgment, typically of $50,000 or more. These judgments can be the result of any type of civil litigation, from business disputes to unpaid loans to breaches of contract.

How do you bill your clients?

We typically handle all judgment claims on a contingency basis, with no attorney’s fee paid unless monies are recovered.

Do you guarantee results?

No. Attorneys guaranteeing successful results should be avoided. At Himmel & Bernstein, LLP, what we can guarantee is an aggressive pursuit of judgment collection matters. We look for creative resolutions to recover your losses. We persist until we feel we have exhausted all options. With that said, sometimes we find that a judgment debtor truly has no assets that we can recover. If that is the case, no attorney’s fees are owed under a contingency arrangement.

What if my judgment was entered in a state other than New York or Florida?

The constitution provides that a valid judgment in one state must be recognized in all others. Therefore, if you obtained a judgment against a defendant in California, and the defendant has assets in New York, the California judgment can be entered and enforced in New York.

Do you handle judgment collection in other states?

We can directly handle cases in the states where we are licensed, New York and Florida. We are available to offer our extensive knowledge in these matters to people in other states by partnering with qualified attorneys who are licensed in those states.

Am I entitled to collect interest on judgments that are owed to me?

Yes. The interest rate in New York is 9%, which you are entitled to collect in addition to the base amount. Other states provide for recovery of interest, although the legal rates vary.

Are you the same as a collection agency?

We are very different. We are experienced judgment collections attorneys who offer individualized attention and aggressive pursuit in every case we handle. Learn more about the difference between us and collection agencies.

Can I still collect if the judgment debtor has filed bankruptcy?

You may still have options. Learn more about judgment enforcement and bankruptcy.

Contact us at 1-866-647-4248 or 1-917-934-3173 to find out more about what we can do for you. We are available to help people in Manhattan, Manhattan, the New York City metropolitan area, Westchester, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, Rochester, Syracuse, and Onondaga.