How Long Do Judgments Last in New York? A Practical Guide for Creditors and Business Owners

When a creditor wins a lawsuit in New York, the resulting judgment becomes a powerful legal tool. One that can remain enforceable for decades. Yet many creditors and business owners misunderstand how long a judgment lasts, when it needs to be renewed, and what happens if it becomes dormant.

Understanding these timelines is essential for funders, lenders, merchants, and anyone involved in post-judgment enforcement. New York law provides some of the longest enforcement periods in the country, but those rights only matter if they’re actively maintained.

This guide breaks down how long a judgment lasts in New York, the difference between a judgment and a lien, judgment renewal rules, dormancy issues, and practical enforcement strategies every creditor should know.

Key Takeaways 

1. New York judgments remain enforceable for 20 years, giving creditors a long window to collect.
2. Judgment liens last only 10 years and must be renewed to continue encumbering real estate.
3. Dormant judgments can be revived, but doing so requires proper legal procedure.
4. Strategic, ongoing enforcement helps maximize recovery throughout the entire judgment lifespan.

Judgment Duration vs. Lien Duration in New York

Many creditors assume a judgment and a lien last for the same amount of time, but in New York, they are very different.

Judgment Duration – 20 Years

A money judgment in New York is enforceable for 20 years after the date it is entered. During this period, a creditor has the legal right to use the full range of enforcement tools, including

• Wage garnishment
• Bank levies
• Property executions
• Turnover motions
• Restraining notices
  

These rights remain intact for two decades, making New York one of the most creditor-friendly states in terms of judgment lifespan.

Property Lien Duration – 10 Years

Recording a judgment with a county clerk places a lien on real property owned by the debtor in that county. However:

• A judgment lien lasts only 10 years, not 20.
• If the creditor wants the lien to continue beyond 10 years, the creditor must renew it before the 10-year period expires.

Creditors often lose out on potential real estate recovery simply because they assume the lien automatically lasts as long as the judgment itself.

When and How to Renew or Revive a Judgment

While New York judgments last 20 years, they cannot be renewed as easily as in some other states. Instead, creditors preserve their rights through strategic steps involving liens, docketing, and enforcement activity.

Renewing a Judgment Lien

A creditor may extend a lien on real property for an additional 10 years by:

1. Filing a motion to extend the lien before the original 10-year period expires, and
2. Demonstrating that the judgment remains valid and unpaid.
   

Once extended, the lien continues to encumber the debtor’s real estate. Meaning the debtor cannot refinance, sell, or transfer the property without satisfying the judgment.

Reviving a Dormant Judgment

Even though a judgment technically lasts 20 years, it can become dormant if a creditor:

• Fails to enforce it,
• Fails to renew property liens, or
• Allows significant time to pass without collection activity.

To revive enforcement, a creditor may need to:

• File a motion requesting the court to restore enforcement rights,
• Re-docket the judgment in a specific county, or
• Reinstate or re-issue execution documents.

The exact process depends on the type of enforcement that lapsed, making legal guidance essential to avoid losing collection rights.

For related insight into enforcement procedures, readers can review the firm’s previous discussions on judgment enforcement strategies.

What Happens When a Judgment Becomes Dormant

Dormancy does not mean the judgment disappears. Instead, it means that the creditor loses the ability to take certain enforcement actions until the judgment is revived or re-docketed.

Dormancy may occur when:

• The creditor stops collection efforts for many years
• A lien was filed but never renewed
• A judgment was never docketed in the correct county
• Time has passed and administrative steps must be repeated

A dormant judgment may require a court order to re-activate enforcement tools. If too much time has passed, the creditor may lose access to certain remedies like property executions or lien placements.

In certain circumstances, however, funds can still be collected if the debtor voluntarily pays or settles, even if formal enforcement tools are temporarily unavailable.

Rights of the Debtor During Long-Term Enforcement

While creditors in New York benefit from long enforcement windows, debtors retain important protections throughout the process.

Exemptions and Income Protections

Debtors may claim exemptions related to:

• Certain wages
• Social Security income
• Retirement benefits
• Public assistance
• Homestead exemptions for primary residences

These protections limit what a creditor can legally seize.

Challenging Improper Enforcement

Debtors may also contest:

• Improper service of the original lawsuit
• Enforcement on exempt assets
• Collection attempts made after the 20-year judgment period
• Unlawfully renewed liens

If a creditor makes procedural mistakes, enforcement efforts can be delayed or dismissed entirely.

Negotiation and Settlement

Because judgments accrue statutory interest, often at 9% annually, long-term enforcement can significantly increase the balance.

This often motivates debtors to negotiate settlement agreements, payment plans, or lump-sum resolutions even many years after the judgment was entered.

Practical Enforcement Strategies for Creditors

Effective judgment enforcement requires more than simply waiting for payment. New York provides powerful tools—but timing and legal precision matter.

1. Docket the Judgment Immediately

A judgment entered in civil court must be docketed with the county clerk before the creditor can reach real property. Without docketing, no lien attaches.

2. Renew Property Liens Before They Expire

Because liens last only 10 years, creditors should start the renewal process well before the deadline. Missing the deadline means losing priority against other creditors or buyers.

3. Monitor the Debtor’s Assets Over Time

Assets and income may change over the 20-year enforcement period. A debtor who appears judgment-proof today may own property or hold employment later.

4. Use Multiple Enforcement Channels

Effective strategies combine:

• Restraining notices
• Wage garnishment
• Bank levies
• Asset discovery
• Turnover motions
• Liens on real and personal property

The strongest recoveries often come from combining legal and investigative tools.

5. Take Prompt Legal Action If Dormancy Occurs

If enforcement slows or procedural deadlines are missed, a creditor should immediately explore motions to revive or extend enforcement rights.

Conclusion

Understanding how long a judgment lasts in New York is only the first step. With a 20-year enforcement window, strict renewal rules, complex lien timelines, and the risk of judgments becoming dormant, both creditors and business owners must take a proactive and strategic approach. 

The longer a judgment remains unpaid, the more important it becomes to use the right legal tools. From levies and liens to turnover motions and post-judgment discovery, to protect your rights and maximize recovery.

If you are navigating an old judgment, preparing to renew one, or seeking to enforce a newly issued judgment, the process can quickly become overwhelming without skilled legal guidance. As a debt collection judgment attorney, we can help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and develop the most effective enforcement plan based on your specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a judgment in New York be renewed after 20 years?

A creditor cannot extend a judgment beyond 20 years, but they may extend property liens and revive dormant enforcement rights within that time. After 20 years, enforcement rights expire.

2. Does a judgment automatically create a lien on the debtor’s property?

No. The creditor must docket the judgment with the county clerk before a lien attaches. Without docketing, real property enforcement is not available.

3. What happens if a creditor forgets to renew a 10-year property lien?

The lien expires, and the creditor loses its claim against the property. However, the judgment itself remains enforceable for up to 20 years.

4. Can interest continue to accrue while the judgment is dormant?

Yes. Dormancy affects enforcement tools, not the accrual of statutory interest. Once revived, the creditor can recover the full balance, including accumulated interest.

5. What if the debtor had no assets when the judgment was entered?

Creditors may still collect later. A debtor who appeared judgment-proof may gain employment, inherit property, or acquire assets within the 20-year enforcement period.

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