Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York
Collecting on a judgement
We live in Staten Island, NY.
We have a tenant who is an RN.
When she rented the apt. we did not do a credit/background check.
After about 2 months, she stopped paying rent.
We hired an atty and received a judgement in L&T court
for back rent. (Over $5k) and the judge ordered her (and her husband and 2 children) to move by 31 May.
I do not have her SS# or date of birth or place of employment. I do know the address of a bank she used (and the acct # although there is no $ in the acct. She wrote me bounced checks on it of which I have copies.)
My question: How can I locate her assets or her current employment to collect the judgement.
I do have her husband's SS# but he is unemployed (on public assistance) w/a criminal record.
He is also named on the judgement.
I would like to attach her salary and even if it takes a long time, I would like to recoup the $$$.
These people are 'professional tenants' and planned this
perfectly.
I read all this stuff about people finding 'anything and everything' about people on the internet.
Is there any way I can search these peoples backgrounds or legally impact their credit?
How do I hire a marshall (or anyone) to attempt to collect the judgement. Or could I sell it to a collector?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Collecting on a judgement
You could hire a "collection" attorney who will take the case on a contingency basis. (He gets a cut of what he collects). They have the resources to research the people and find their assets/jobs, etc.
If you go this route, hire a firm that only does collections.
The judgment that you received will go on their credit report (public record).
Re: Collecting on a judgement
An asset search would need to be done and restraining notices sent to any bank where they might have an account and to her place of employment. This area of law is our specialty, however, we would need some more information before making a complete and proper determination. You are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.
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Re: Collecting on a judgement
You can hire a private investigator, who could probably help you fill in the blanks on her identity.
Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can e-mail me for more information about low cost face-to-face, on-line, or a telephone consultation with a lawyer in our office.
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