Can You Sell a Judgment in New York?
New York is one of the most active civil litigation jurisdictions in the country—and one of the most challenging when it comes to collecting on an unsatisfied judgment. If you’ve won a case but haven’t been paid, selling your judgment may be a viable option.
This article explains whether judgments can be sold in New York, how the process works, and what determines value.
Is It Legal to Sell a Judgment in New York?
Yes. Under New York law, money judgments are considered assignable choses in action, meaning they can be legally sold or transferred to another party.
Once assigned, the buyer has the same enforcement rights as the original creditor.
Why New York Judgments Often Remain Unsatisfied
Despite favorable laws for creditors, many New York judgments go unpaid due to:
- Debtors relocating or using multiple addresses
- Complex business structures and shell entities
- High exemption thresholds
- Lack of creditor follow-through post-judgment
As a result, unsatisfied judgments are extremely common across NYC and surrounding counties.
How Long Does a Judgment Last in New York?
A New York judgment is enforceable for 20 years and accrues statutory interest (9% annually)—one of the highest rates in the country.
This interest accrual significantly increases long-term judgment value and makes New York judgments especially attractive to buyers.
What Buyers Look for in New York Judgments
Key valuation factors include:
- Judgment balance and accrued interest
- Debtor employment or business activity
- Real estate ownership (NYC property is a major plus)
- Proper service and docketing
- Whether the judgment is domestic or domesticated
Even older unsatisfied judgments can sell if debtor indicators are strong.
What Is a Judgment Worth in New York?
Offers vary widely but often range between 7% and 45% of face value depending on risk.
High-value judgments against:
- Business owners
- Landlords
- Professionals
tend to command stronger pricing.
Selling vs. Enforcing in New York
New York enforcement tools are powerful—but time-consuming. Many creditors sell when:
- The debtor has resisted payment for years
- Enforcement costs exceed expected recovery
- Immediate liquidity is preferred
Selling transfers all enforcement responsibility to the buyer.
How the Sale Process Works in NY
- Due diligence review
- Written purchase offer
- Assignment agreement
- Court filing of assignment
- Payment to seller
Most sellers complete the process without additional court appearances.
Final Thoughts: Selling a Judgment in New York
If you’re stuck with an unsatisfied judgment in New York, selling it may be a smart exit strategy. With long enforceability and high interest, New York judgments often retain value even years later.
The key is knowing when to convert paper rights into real money.
