Speak With Our Team Today
212-460-0047
Can I Recover Attorneys’ Fees in a New York Debt Collection Case?
Recovering a debt is hard enough, but when attorneys’ fees add to the cost, many creditors wonder whether those expenses can also be recovered.
Under New York law, attorneys’ fees are generally awarded only when authorized by a contract or statute.
Even so, there are certain situations where fees may still be available. Understanding when and how they apply can help you protect your rights and maximize your financial recovery.
Why Choose Katz Melinger PLLC
At Katz Melinger, we help clients throughout New York and New Jersey enforce judgments and recover the money they’re owed. We understand that winning in court is just the beginning and that getting paid can be a harder fight.
- Our team brings practical, focused experience to every case, offering:
- Proven experience in judgment enforcement and debt recovery
- Personalized support and clear communication every step of the way
- Free, confidential consultations with our team
When Attorneys’ Fees May Be Recoverable
In New York, attorneys’ fees usually must be specifically provided for in a contract or allowed by statute.
However, there are limited exceptions. If the debtor acted fraudulently or in bad faith, you may have a basis to pursue attorneys’ fees under certain equitable doctrines or consumer protection laws.
In addition, courts may award attorneys’ fees in cases involving statutory claims, even if the underlying contract doesn’t mention them.
Negotiating Attorneys’ Fees Before Litigation
It’s often possible — and smart — to address attorneys’ fees before a case even reaches court. Many debtors prefer to settle rather than go through litigation, which gives creditors leverage to include attorneys’ fees in the settlement agreement.
When negotiating a settlement, you can:
- Include a percentage of legal costs in the agreement
- Offer a discount on the principal balance in exchange for covering legal expenses
- Ensure that all terms are clearly documented and agreed upon in writing
Case Example: Successful Judgment Enforcement
Our results show how persistence and strategy can turn even the toughest situations into full recoveries.
One Katz Melinger client won a judgment but faced a debtor who tried to hide assets through fraudulent transfers. Through careful investigation and targeted enforcement, we recovered 100% of the judgment plus $134,000 in interest, delivering a substantial victory for our client. Learn how our team successfully helped our client recover more than $700,000 through an effective judgment enforcement strategy.
How Katz Melinger Can Help You
A New York judgment collection attorney understands the complex laws that govern asset transfers and post-judgment recovery. At Katz Melinger, we have the experience and resources to conduct detailed asset investigations—uncovering hidden or transferred property that may be used to satisfy a judgment.
We develop tailored enforcement strategies for each case, whether that means pursuing the debtor through wage garnishment, property liens, bank levies, or other legal actions.
In some situations, strategic negotiation may offer a faster or more cost-effective path to recovery. When that happens, our attorneys represent your interests in settlement discussions and are fully prepared to pursue court intervention if the debtor refuses to comply.
Consult Our New York Judgment Collection Lawyers
If you’re enforcing a judgment, negotiating a settlement, or facing obstacles to collection, working with an experienced judgment collection attorney can make all the difference.
At Katz Melinger, we provide clear, strategic legal guidance to help clients maximize recovery.
Contact Us for Help
To discuss your options for recovering attorneys’ fees in a debt collection matter, contact us at 212-460-0047 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.
Additional Resources
For more on judgment enforcement, you may also find these helpful:
- What Is Judgment Enforcement?
- Think It’s Too Difficult to Collect on Your Judgment? Not Always.
- New York Judgment Enforcement — $714,000 Recovered
- Judgment Collection and Enforcement
The information provided should not be taken as legal advice. For the most current and thorough details, it is advisable to seek assistance from a legal professional by contacting a qualified attorney.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
To schedule a free consultation with an attorney please fill out the form below or call our legal team today!
Fields marked with an * are required
"*" indicates required fields
