To file a motion for contempt in New York, certain criteria must be met. There must be an existing order of the court that is clear and unambiguous, and the accused must be proven to have known about this order and willfully disobeyed it.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
On Long Island, there are also dozens of town and village courts that handle small claims; use the New York court's website to locate a specific town or village court. Remember, the small claims limits in town and village courts is $3,000. While in district and city courts the small claims limit is $5,000.
Most creditors will file the release of judgment within 30-60 after you finish paying them. What if I need the judgment released immediately (“I'm supposed to close next week!”)? You can ask them to give you the release sooner. They might do it; they might not.
In a debt collection lawsuit, a judgment is a court order that allows the debt collector to use stronger tools, like garnishment, to collect the debt. A judgment is an official result of a lawsuit in court.
Some possible options to enforce an out-of-state judgment in California include the following: Levying the debtor's assets and personal belongings. Placing a lien on the debtor's property. Levying the debtor's bank account. Levying the debtor's vehicle. Garnishing the debtor's wages.
For that purpose the judgment debtor should approach the plaintiff/judgment creditor or his/her/its attorney to obtain the written consent to rescission of judgment. There is however no requirement in law that obliges a plaintiff/judgment creditor to give a consent to rescission of judgment.
Summary: If you are unemployed, have no assets or savings, and are being hounded by debt collectors, it may make sense to send a judgment proof letter to your creditors informing them of your situation.