“EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2023 CIVIL ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT CASH PAYMENTS”
Civil Enforcement Division
If you wish to make a payment by mail, please mail a certified bank check or money order (payable to "Sheriff of Erie County" and write the Sheriff's Docket Number on it) and send to: ECSO - CIVIL, PO BOX 8000, DEPT 831, BUFFALO, NY 14267.
Erie County Sheriff - Civil Enforcement Division Online Payments and Filing Fees
To electronically file legal process for the Erie County Sheriff's Office to serve, scan and email documents to Daniel.Grasso@erie.gov
If you wish to file papers for service by mail, please send the appropriate number of copies, fees & mileage, along with a cover letter, to: ECSO CIVIL, 134 W. EAGLE ST, BUFFALO, NY 14202.
PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION or call 716-858-7606.
The Erie County Sheriff's Office Civil Enforcement Division is the only office permitted to handle civil matters. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 A.M. to 3:45 P.M., and is closed on weekends and legal holidays.
The primary telephone numbers are:
General Information - 716-858-7606
Filing Legal Papers - 716-858-7606
Income Execution Inquiries - 716-858-7606
Field deputies - 716-858-7606 or individual direct
Bookkeeping - 716-858-7606
The Erie County Sheriff's Civil Division was the first Civil Division certified as "Professionally Accredited" in New York State. The Civil Enforcement Division is a state-mandated service provided by all Sheriff's offices throughout New York State.
Its purpose and function are to serve and execute the various legal processes issued by and for the several non-criminal courts of New York State and for jurisdictions of other states and countries throughout the world.
The Civil Division is the enforcement vehicle for all civil courts, including small claims, city, county, state, and federal jurisdictions.
Legal processes administered by the Civil Enforcement Division for the legal community and the general public include:
- Income and property executions;
- Notices, summonses, subpoenas, and petitions;
- Court orders: contempt of court, civil arrests, orders of seizure, and attachments;
- Orders, Writs, and Warrants related to evictions.
Collections are done by way of income executions (wage garnishments) and property executions, which authorize the Sheriff to seize property and then sell it at a Sheriff's sale.
Click here to view scheduled Sheriff's Sales
The sale proceeds are then applied to satisfy the judgment.
Click Here for Detailed Subjects Handled by the Civil Enforcement Division
Visit the Erie County Sheriff - Civil Enforcement Division Online Payments for payments and filing fees
Electronic legal process for the Erie County Sheriff's Office to serve, email documents to Daniel.Grasso@erie.gov
For additional information please click below.
Detailed Subjects Handled by the Civil Enforcement Division
FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE SERVICE & EXECUTION OF LEGAL PAPERS RELATED TO CIVIL LITIGATION
General References: Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) of New York State, sections 8011, 8012, 8013 & 8014;
County Law, sections 406, 407 & 650; Public Officers Law, sections 67, 70 & 205.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ to ensure prompt, proper filing & service:
All fees & mileage are payable in advance and are per party to be served. Unless otherwise noted, add mileage. You must send the proper type and quantity of process indicated with the correct fees and mileage with a letter of instruction in order for the papers to be processed. Omissions, errors, illegibility, untimeliness, etc., will prevent your papers from being docketed with our office. Full and complete addresses including zip codes are required. Acceptable forms of payment include credit cards, attorney check or money order. The Sheriff's Office does not supply legal forms, nor can we complete them. The Erie County Clerk's Office supplies some forms in certain situations. There are several suppliers or publishers of legal forms and you should consult the various telephone directories.
NOTE: We cannot serve a P.O. Box.
NOTE: All litigants should seek professional competent legal counsel at all times. The Sheriff is not your lawyer. The Sheriff can only advise & inform parties as to those procedures and rules related to the Sheriff's duties.
Brief Explanation & Fees for Common Civil Processes and Instruments
Income execution, CPLR 5231.
This instrument is used to satisfy a money judgment from the debtor's earnings. There are two stages. In the first, the income execution is served by the sheriff on the judgment debtor who must begin making voluntary installment payments to the sheriff. The income execution must be filed with the sheriff where the debtor resides. Therefore, the creditor must have a current correct home address for the judgment debtor. If the debtor fails to make the required voluntary payments, the second stage begins. The income execution will be served by the sheriff on the debtor's employer who will deduct a percentage from the debtor's earnings and remit it to the sheriff. The income execution must be filed with the sheriff in whose county the employer is located. So, for example, if the judgment debtor lived in Erie County and worked in Niagara County, the judgment creditor would first have to file with the Erie County Sheriff and if the debtor defaulted, the Erie County Sheriff will return the papers to the creditor who must now file them with the Niagara County Sheriff. The fees listed here are for the Erie County Sheriff charges; you must call other sheriffs for their rates. All fees are paid at the time the papers are filed. If the debtor lives & works in Erie County, both 1st and 2nd stage fees are paid in advance. The income execution can be issued (or signed), only by a lawyer, court clerk or county clerk. We cannot serve a P.O. Box.
First Stage Only $49.00 includes mileage Original & five copies
Second Stage Only $47.00 includes mileage Original* & five copies
Both Stages $86.00 includes mileage Original & five copies
*Make sure the original is indorsed by the residence County Sheriff and the judgment balance/interest date are properly adjusted.
Whenever more than one Sheriff (or county) is expected to be involved and the judgment is from a City, Town or Village Court, the creditor must first obtain from the original court a transcript of the judgment. This document must then be filed with the County Clerk's Office (the "home" county clerk). After this is done, the income execution can be issued and it must reference that the transcript was in fact filed with the county clerk.
All executions (income or property) can only be issued (signed) by the clerk of the court where the judgment was entered, the county clerk of the home county, or a lawyer licensed to practice in NY State.
NOTE FOR JUDGMENT CREDITORS: You must indicate on the income execution forms the full name and address, including zip code, of the judgment debtor & employer. If the debtor is no longer employed by the named employer the income execution becomes ineffective & is returned to you. The Sheriff does not perform any searches or follow-ups with respect to the debtor's residence, place of employment and so on.
Property execution, CPLR Art.52
The property execution is an instrument used by the sheriff to seize (or "levy" upon), assets of the judgment debtor other than earnings, salary or wages. The type of property targeted will determine the type of execution to be used. For example, if tangible personal property like a motor vehicle, boat, machinery, and so on is to be levied upon, the "straight" or "demand" execution may be used. The sheriff will seize the property and liquidate it at a public auction, the proceeds paying the expenses associated with the sale (towing, storage, etc,) and the net proceeds applied to the satisfaction of the judgment. A commonly used execution is the "third party" execution or execution "with notice to garnishee." These are used where the asset is not tangible, like a bank account or rent payment. The sheriff will serve a copy of the execution on the bank or other appropriate party as directed and that party, the "garnishee," will send the money to the sheriff for processing. If real estate is the target for enforcement, a real property execution may be used. There are several forms available by several legal forms publishers and some executions can be used for different assets. For example, the personal property demand execution might also be used for real estate. Some "third party" executions are limited for use only with those types of levies. The Erie County Clerk's Office supplies forms if the judgment has been docketed with them. In all cases, the judgment creditor is responsible for ensuring the forms are accurate and complete. Property executions can be issued (signed), only by a lawyer, court clerk or county clerk.
CPLR 5232(a) Third party $40.00
CPLR 5232(b) Straight/demand $100.00
CPLR 5232(g) Bank levy vs. individual person + claim forms $100.00
CPLR 5236 Real Property $70.00
A. Original plus five copies. If multiple debtors, original plus three copies per party. Add mileage. If enforcement is outside the home county is anticipated, and a City, Town or Village Court judgment is involved, make sure you file the judgment transcript with the home county clerk first.
B. When the third party execution is used for a natural person judgment debtor you must advise us in writing whether or not the "notice to judgment debtor" provision of CPLR 5232(c) has been complied with (this concerns certain assets exempt from levy). If this form has not been sent within the previous year, the sheriff must do this. We must serve a copy of the execution and a notice for an additional $62.00 per party. NOTE: New laws took effect on January 1, 2009 regarding exempt monies, mandatory exemption notices to debtors and exemption claim forms (see CPLR 5232 (e), (f) and (g). Consult those sections or legal counsel before filing papers with us.
C. For all tangible property, the judgment creditor must provide documentation establishing the debtor's interest in the targeted property prior to any levy. If liens are involved, the name & address of the lienor should be provided to us as well as the status or outstanding balance due on any lien. For example, if a motor vehicle or boat is targeted, the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles can provide the title & lien information when you fill out and send to the form no. MV-15. Advances for anticipated expenses will be required; for example, an uncomplicated motor vehicle levy with a standard tow might be $800, where a boat with a trailer or a dump truck $1500 or more. Please call for estimates. Advances will also be necessary for processing real property executions, usually $1500 per parcel.
Execution, CPLR 5102
These executions are used in conjunction with a court order or judgment that may involve both money and the possession of and delivery of personal or real property. We will need an original or clerk or attorney certified copy of the order, plus an original and five copies of the execution. Advances may be necessary. Add mileage.
Real property $95.00
Personal property $85.00
Eviction, RPAPL 221, Art.7 and RPL 233
GENERAL INFORMATION ON DOCKETED EVICTIONS
The eviction warrant will be served on the tenant within 48 business hours after being assigned to a deputy. The law requires that all tenants or occupants get a 14-day notice of eviction from the sheriff's office prior to the execution of the warrant.
After 14 days of docketing your eviction warrant, contact the assigned deputy to schedule an eviction date and time. Let the deputy know if the occupants left on his or her own or need to be removed. (see back of this sheet for deputy phone numbers)
The sheriff deputies will not break into doors or windows without exigent circumstances. It is on the owner/management of the dwelling or rental unit to have a key or a locksmith to gain access to the dwelling. You should also have the locks changed or a mechanism to secure the dwelling as soon as possible.
Sheriff Deputies do not give legal advice on personal property. In most cases, the court authorizes the owner or manager of the property to store personal property on-site or offsite. The Sheriff or this office does not authorize throwing any persons personal property curbside or in the trash after the eviction. It is the responsibility of the tenant and the owner of the property to make proper arrangements among yourselves to retrieve such property.
At the time of eviction/lock-out is executed, the owner/management now has all legal possession of the dwelling. This office completed its task. Any attempts or actual breaking in, trespass, destruction of property etc., should be reported to the local police department in the jurisdiction of the dwelling.
Sgt T. Lincoln (Supervisor)
716-858-7624
South Towns - Angola, Blasdell, Boston, Brant, Collins, Eden, Evans, Gowanda, Hamburg, North Collins
Deputy T. Jones
716-858-7627
South Towns - Aurora, Colden, Concord, East Aurora, Holland, Lackawanna, Orchard Park, Sardinia, Springville, Wales
Deputy R. Retzlaff
716-858-2180
North Towns - Akron, Amherst, Clarence, Grand Island, Kenmore, Newstead, Tonawanda, Williamsville
Deputy D. Zlotek
716-858-6493 daniel.zlotek@erie.gov (preferred)
North Towns - Alden, Cheektowaga, Depew, Elma, Lancaster, Marilla, West Seneca
A. Article 7 of the RPAPL addresses the common landlord-tenant summary proceeding. This proceeding is usually commenced with a notice of petition and petition. These papers must be served on the respondent at least ten but no more than seventeen days before the court hearing. Accordingly, please deliver such process to the sheriff at least fourteen days before the hearing date. Three copies per party to be served. Add mileage; multiple parties at same address, one mileage.
RPAPL 735 notice of petition & petition $62.00
B. Other documents to be served in connection with this type of proceeding such as "3 day" or "30 day" notices and the like, if not issued by a court or its clerk, the fees are $17.00 per document, per party plus mileage. If issued by a court and thus considered a mandate, the fees are $47.00 per document, per party plus mileage. Send three copies per party to be served. If there are any time limitations, you must make us aware of them.
C. Eviction/removal
Please advise us if there are any concerns for officer safety such as violence, dogs, criminal activity, hazardous materials, etc., or if elderly, very young or infirm persons are involved.
1. RPAPL 749 warrant of eviction. The sheriff is required to give a written 14-day notice to the respondent/tenant prior to any physical removal. The sheriff will serve a copy of the warrant along with the notice. The 14-day period, once commenced, includes weekends and holidays. Eviction must occur between sunrise & sunset and cannot be executed on a Saturday, Sunday or other Sabbath. The landlord or his representative should communicate with assigned deputy for scheduling of removal.
2. Mobile/manufactured homes. If not in a mobile home park, the 14-day rule applies. If in a mobile home park, the sheriff must give the tenant a written 90-day notice. The 90 days can be reduced to 30 days if ordered by the court; such is not automatic. It is the landlord/petitioner's responsibility to ensure that the warrant specifically directs any reduced time, otherwise, the 90 day rule applies.
3. Unless directed otherwise by the court, tenant(s) and their personal property must be physically removed from the premises described in the warrant. Unless the warrant states otherwise, the landlord must provide proper moving & storage, off-site, by insured, competent professionals. Removed goods are not placed curbside. This helps protect all parties from loss, theft or damage and reduces the exposure to such claims.
4. In all cases, the warrant or order must be specifically directed to the Sheriff of Erie County. We will need one original, and then four copies for each party to be evicted (as listed in the warrant or order). The fees are $107.00 per party, plus mileage to the tenant's zip code. If more than one party is at the same address, only one mileage is necessary.
Order of Seizure, CPLR Art.71
Execute against one party $137.00
Each additional $57.00
If summons to be served $17.00
Attachment, CPLR Art.62
Execute and levy $72.00
Additional levy, each $57.00
Serve defendant, each $17.00
If summons to be served $17.00 per party
Civil Arrest, Judiciary Law Art.19
The primary basis for bringing a contempt of court proceeding is when a party has disobeyed a court order or direction, usually in connection with an enforcement device. Perhaps the most common example is a refusal to comply with a subpoena. For reference, please see CPLR 2308, 5104, 5210, 5250 & 5151.
The proper instrument employed in these matters is a warrant of commitment. This is issued by a court and must be directed to the sheriff and must explicitly direct the sheriff to arrest the identified person and bring him before the court. The court index number must appear on the warrant and we require the original warrant plus two copies.
Arrest one person $57.00 If committed (with subsequent discharge) $20.00 additional
Orders & Mandates
There are a wide variety of legal processes that are issued by a court or its clerk, other than those listed previously, which are granted or issued in a wide variety of circumstances. As a general rule, the fees for the service of such orders or mandates are $47.00 per party, plus mileage. Three copies per party should be delivered to the sheriff along with a letter of instruction which shall include specific and helpful instructions needed to effect valid & timely service. Frequently the court directs a specific manner of service and there may be specific time limitations within which service must be made. The filing party is responsible for making sure the correct number of copies are delivered to the sheriff and in a timely fashion. Usually, a three week lead time will be sufficient. Examples of this type of process include the "order to show cause" or a "judgment." Once the papers are served, an affidavit of service will be provided to the filing party. The service of multiple processes usually means that multiple service fees will be charged: SEE ITEM#12, MISCELLANEOUS.
Civil Process
Legal process not issued by a court or court clerk but which serves a legitimate and required function in the prosecution or defense in an action or proceeding can be delivered to the sheriff for service on a party. Generally, the cost is $17.00 per party, plus mileage and four copies per party should be delivered to the sheriff. The filing party is responsible for making sure the documents are correct & proper and providing the sheriff with a letter of instruction which shall include information sufficient to effect valid and timely service. Once served, an affidavit of service will be provided to the filing party. Some examples include a summons (with or without a complaint), and the subpoena. The service of multiple processes usually means that multiple service fees will be charged: SEE ITEM #12, MISCELLANEOUS.
Realty Deeds pursuant to court order, CPLR 5107
Pursuant to a court order, usually in a matrimonial action, the Sheriff will be required to transfer one party's interest in real estate to another. The Sheriff requires an original or certified copy of such an order. The order must contain specific & particular directions to the Sheriff: what is he to do & with respect to what parcel(s) and what type of deed is to be utilized.
A proper deed, completed except for the execution date, Sheriff's signature and acknowledgment must be delivered to us, for each parcel, along with any other properly completed forms (e.g., NY State TP-584 Combined Transfer Gains Tax Affidavit, NY State RP-5217 Transfer Report), for each parcel. The cost is $67.00, plus $22.00 for each additional deed if pursuant to the same order. No mileage. Such are usually processed in ten to twenty days of receipt.
Please make sure each document indicates that the Sheriff is effecting such transfer "As Sheriff of Erie County on behalf of (original grantor) pursuant to the order of the Hon. (name & court) entered (date) , Index no. ."
NOTE: Please review RPL 309-a(1). The Erie County Clerk requires Sheriff's Deed acknowledgments to be worded and formatted as follows:
State of New York )
County of Erie: : SS.:
City of Buffalo: )
On the_________day of____________________________, before me the undersigned, personally appeared______________________, Sheriff of Erie County, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be____________________, Sheriff of Erie County, whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and he acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his capacity as Sheriff of Erie County.
Miscellaneous
Please be aware that multiple documents or process to be served usually means that multiple service fees will be required. Some examples: If a party is to be served a summons & complaint along with a lis pendens (assume both are New York State Court processes), the fee would be $32.00, plus mileage ($15 for the summons and $15 for the lis pendens plus a $2 notary fee). If two parties are to be served both papers, the fee would be $64.00 plus mileage. In a Surrogate Court Action, if a party is to be served a citation along with a copy of a will, then the fee would be $62.00 plus mileage [$45.00 for the citation (which is essentially an order to show cause), & $15.00 for the will (which is not issued by the court) plus a $2 notary fee.] A good benchmark to rely on when determining various combinations might be to consider which documents are to be included in any proof of service. If a party must establish that a certain document was served, and thus noted on the proof of service, then a service fee will be charged. If ten different papers are to be served there will be ten service charges.
SECTION TWO
MILEAGE SCHEDULE
The Sheriff is entitled to be paid mileage, in advance, for actual and anticipated round trip travel associated with the service or execution of civil process. With the exception of CPLR 5231 income executions where the postage is already included in the service fee, the mileage must be added to the service fee as noted in the previous section.
A general rule to follow states that if multiple processes are to be served at the same address, only one mileage is charged per attempt or round-trip travel. For example, if an order to show cause and a summons are to be served on one party at one address, there will be two service charges (one for the order and another for the summons), but only one mileage. This also applies where one or more processes are to be served on two or more parties at the same address.
When determining the correct mileage, defer to the zip code. For example, the zip code for the Town of West Seneca is 14224 with mileage of $15.00. It would not be accurate to refer to this location as "Buffalo 14224." Also note that there are several municipalities that encompass two or more zip codes. You must research the precise street location to determine the correct zip code and then determine the proper mileage. For example, the Town of Amherst encompasses seven different zip codes and if one were to simply address the process to "Amherst 14221" and the location is actually in "East Amherst 14051," your papers will be returned for additional mileage. This causes delays. Please check with the U.S. Postal Service for accurate zip codes & street locations and you may call us at (716)858-6253 or (716)858-7606 for assistance. We cannot serve a P.O. Box.
| LOCALITY | COUNTY ZIP CODE | MILEAGE 1-2-2020 |
| Akron, Village | 14001 | $33.00 |
| Alden, Town/Village | 14004 | $32.00 |
| Amherst, Town | ||
| East | 14051 | $28.00 |
| Eggertsville | 14226 | $17.00 |
| Getzville | 14068 | $24.00 |
| Snyder | 14226 | $13.00 |
| West | 14228 | $28.00 |
| Williamsville | 14221 | $15.00 |
| Angola, Village | 14006 | $28.00 |
| Aurora, Town/E. Aurora, Village | 14052 | $33.00 |
| Blasdell, Village | 14219 | $12.00 |
| Boston , Town | 14025 | $32.00 |
| North | 14110 | $24.00 |
| Bowmansville | 14026 | $15.00 |
| Brant, Town | 14027 | $35.00 |
| Buffalo, City | 14201-02- 03- 04 | $7.00 |
| Buffalo, City | All Other Zip Codes | $10.00 |
| Chaffee | 14030 | $45.00 |
| Cheektowaga, Town | 14225 / 14227 | $15.00 |
| Clarence, Town | 14031 | $26.00 |
| Clarence Center | 14032 | $39.00 |
| Colden, Town | 14033 | $35.00 |
| Collins, Town | 14034 | $51.00 |
| Concord, Town | 14141 | $44.00 |
| East | 14055 | $43.00 |
| Depew, Village | 14043 | $15.00 |
| Derby | 14047 | $21.00 |
| Eden, Town | 14057 | $22.00 |
| Elma, Town | 14059 | $22.00 |
| Evans, Town | 14006 | $34.00 |
| Farnham, Village | 14061 | $46.00 |
| Gardenville | 14227 | $12.00 |
| Glenwood | 14069 | $37.00 |
| Gowanda, Village | 14070 | $51.00 |
| Grand Island, Town | 14072 | $17.00 |
| Hamburg, Town/Village | 14075 | $24.00 |
| Helmuth | 14079 | $48.00 |
| Holland, Town | 14080 | $41.00 |
| Irving | 14081 | $45.00 |
| Kenmore, Village | 14217 | $10.00 |
| Lackawanna, City | 14218 | $12.00 |
| Lakeview | 14085 | $17.00 |
| Lancaster, Town/Village | 14086 | $24.00 |
| Lawtons | 14091 | $33.00 |
| Marilla, Town | 14102 | $28.00 |
| Newstead, Town | 14001 | $36.00 |
| North Collins, Town/Village | 14111 | $29.00 |
| Orchard Park, Town/Village | 14127 | $24.00 |
| Sardinia, Town | 14134 | $51.00 |
| Sloan | 14212 | $10.00 |
| Springville, Village | 14141 | $41.00 |
| Tonawanda, City | 14150 | $15.00 |
| Tonawanda, Town | 14223 | $13.00 |
| Wales, Town | 14169 | $29.00 |
| West Falls | 14052 | $31.00 |
| West Seneca, Town | 14224 | $19.00 |
SECTION THREE
RULES & PROCEDURES FOR PAYING ON AN INCOME EXECUTION
AND INFORMATION PERTINENT TO FILE MANAGEMENT
1. Do payments have to be made to the sheriff pursuant to an income execution?
Yes. An income execution is a legal & valid money judgment enforcement instrument. Disobedience or interference may result in subjection to contempt of court proceedings as well as liability for other damages. Some examples of non-compliance include not paying the proper amount, not paying in a timely fashion and not remitting to the proper officer (that is, the sheriff).
2. What if the judgment debtor is already paying on a previous income execution?
Generally, one may have multiple income executions issued against him, but only one is active at a time. When the first is fully paid, then he would begin on number two, and so on. Income execution number two, three, etc. are still valid but would be considered inactive. There are exceptions to this rule, so if there are any doubts or questions, please consult with your legal counsel.
3. What if the judgment debtor is paying on a support or maintenance order?
A support or maintenance order has priority over all other processes. However, there are circumstances when a support order and income execution can be active at the same time. Some of the rules are explained below, but you should always consult with your legal counsel if you have any questions or doubts. Generally, the income execution will still be valid but considered inactive. This is true even if a support order is issued after an income execution has been issued. If you are paying on a support or maintenance order and you receive an income execution, you have the responsibility of notifying our office and providing copies of the order. The opposite is also true: if you are paying on an income execution and thereafter are required to make payments pursuant to a support or maintenance order, you must advise us & provide documentation. If you don't do this, the income execution may be served on your employer.
4. Are there maximum or minimum amounts to be paid?
There are three equations used to determine how much is to be paid.
No.1. 10% of the disposable earnings.
No.2. 25% of the disposable earnings.
No.3. The difference between 25% of the disposable and 30 times the current federal minimum hourly wage.
Whichever is least is the statutory maximum to be paid. You may pay more voluntarily, but you do not have to.
You must have weekly disposable earnings that equal or exceed thirty times the current federal minimum hourly wage. If you do not, no payment is required pursuant to the income execution. It is possible, based on earnings, to be required to pay one week but perhaps not for another. If you feel you may be exempt from making a payment because you do not meet this minimum threshold, provide us with documentation and consult your legal counsel.
If you have a support or maintenance order and the amount required to be paid under that order equals or exceeds 25% of your disposable income, no payment is required to be made on the income execution. But, if the support amount is less than 25%, then the income execution is to be paid on, but the combined payments cannot exceed 25% of the disposable. For example, say the disposable is $200 per week. 25% is $50. If support of $55 is due, the income execution does not receive a payment. If the support is $40, the income execution payment is $10. Again, you should consult with your legal counsel to resolve any questions or doubts.
5. What does "disposable" earnings mean?
Disposable is what remains from gross earnings when those deductions required by law are subtracted. Examples include federal & state taxes, FICA, Medicare, etc. It normally does not include deductions that are voluntary such as union dues, charity, any direct deposits, sunshine clubs, Christmas or other savings plans or clubs, investment plan deductions and so on. Disposable can be distinguished from "net" or "take home" pay in that net or take home is what one actually puts in his pocket & would not, obviously, include earnings that were deducted for a charity or savings club.
NOTE: Gross earnings includes salary, wages, tips, commissions, bonus, overtime, holiday pay, back pay, premiums, etc.
6. When are payments to be made?
When you first receive the income execution you have twenty calendar days to send the first payment. Failure to do so results in default and the income execution can then be served on your employer.
Subsequent payments must be paid every time you get paid: every week, every other week, etc. Failure to do so results in default and the income execution can then be served on your employer. If your pay schedule is for a period more than twenty days apart, please provide documentation to our office.
NOTE: You cannot "bank" or "prepay" installments. For example, if you get paid every other week and you would remit $50, you cannot send $100 to cover two pay periods.
7. Employers:
Once you receive an income execution you must implement deductions from the affected employee at once. But, you are not obligated to alter your payroll schedules. Also, employers may remit monthly to the sheriff even if the employee is paid weekly or biweekly. If there is more than one employee subject to an income execution served by the Erie County Sheriff, you may combine installments on one payment; it is not necessary to send separate checks for each employee. Please ensure that the employee (judgment debtor) name and Sheriff's docket (account) number appear on the check or remittance advice or stub sent with the payment.
The Sheriff is required to serve the employer in Erie County, New York. If an employer's payroll, human resources or other office is located somewhere else, it is the employer's responsibility to forward the income execution & associated paperwork to that bureau office or department for processing. If this is the case or, if an employer contracts with a payroll management firm, please make sure that the appropriate persons or managers receive the correct payment processing information (docket number, our address, etc.).
The amounts to be deducted and remitted to the Sheriff follow the same rules as in section 4 above.
Orders & income executions (CPLR 5241), for support or maintenance have priority over all other levies or processes regardless of when they were received by you.
If there are two or more income executions delivered to you, whether from our office or other enforcement officers such as a marshal or constable, the general priority rules state that you look to the date and time the instrument was filed with the enforcement officer (not the judgment date): whichever is older has priority. There can be exceptions to this rule so if you have any questions or doubts you should consult with your legal counsel. As stated previously, if there are two or more income executions served on you against the same employee, you would process the oldest one first and the others would simply wait in line until the first is fully satisfied.
For active accounts, we will send you a status request letter automatically if no payment is recorded in any forty-day period. If for any reason you anticipate or experience circumstances that would prevent payment to us within a forty-day period you should advise us.
Once the balance on an account falls below $100, including interest, fees, etc., we will automatically send you a final balance due letter. You may call or write us at any time to obtain an updated balance due amount. Once an income execution is fully satisfied, we will send you a written release. If another income execution is in line, you will begin deducting on it.
If the judgment debtor's employment is terminated by resignation or dismissal you should hold the income execution for an additional 90 days. If the employee returns, the income execution will be effective. If he does not return within 90 days then you should return the income execution to the Sheriff with a letter of explanation.
8. What forms of payment are acceptable & where should they be sent?
Credit Card payments is the preferred method of payment from either employers or debtors. Please see the Civil Enforcement Division main page and follow the instructions link at the top of the page. The Credit Card payments link is directly below the instructions link.
Employers may also remit their firm checks to Civil Enforcement at the address indicated below and as noted on the paperwork sent to them by the Sheriff. Checks must be made payable to "Erie County Sheriff's Office".
Individual judgment debtors may pay by Credit Card in person or online or pay by money order or certified funds. Please make sure you indicate your name and the Sheriff's six-digit docket number on each & every payment. Money orders or certified funds must be made payable to: "Erie County Sheriff's Office".
Payments made by mail must be sent to our P.O. Box address listed below and as noted on the paperwork sent to you.
You may pay with cash or credit card in person at our offices in downtown Buffalo at 134 West Eagle Street on the 4th floor. We are unable to make change from fifty- or hundred-dollar bills, although such denominations may be used to make payments.
Individuals & employers must send payments to:
Erie County Sheriff's Office
Civil Enforcement Division
Dept. 831
P.O. Box 8000
Buffalo, N.Y. 14267
9. Changes or questions relative to an account?
If you change your address you must inform Civil Enforcement in writing by sending a letter with your name, new address and docket number to either our West Eagle Street address or the P.O. Box address. You can bring this letter to 134 West Eagle Street if you wish.
If there is any legal action taken relative to an account such as the judgment being vacated, appealed, modified or a bankruptcy is filed, you must advise Civil Enforcement in writing at our West Eagle Street address, and provide a copy of the pertinent document.
If you wish to satisfy or fully pay off an account, please call Civil Enforcement at 858-7807 or 858-7606 for a close-out figure. You may also send a request letter to Civil Enforcement at the West Eagle Street address. You must provide your name and docket number. You must also provide a date certain so that a proper calculation of the amount due. If for any reason you are unable to pay on that date, call or write with a new date for a new figure.
If for any reason an overpayment occurs, Civil Enforcement will remit any overage to the judgment debtor at the residence address supplied to us.
10. Remittance schedule.
NOTE: Pertains to all types of processes & instruments, not just income executions.
By law, Civil Enforcement is required to remit monies collected on an income execution at least once every ninety days. As a convenience to both creditors and debtors (who may be due a refund), disbursements are made approximately every thirty days, on or about the 1st of the month.
11. What fees or charges are added to a money judgment?
NOTE: Pertains to all types of executions, not just income executions.
The court will enter a judgment which will include the base sum awarded plus, if approved by the court, any court charges or interest. This figure is the principal judgment amount. Added to this is post-judgment interest, which is generally at a 2%APR effective April 30 2022 on CONSUMER DEBTS (there are exceptions to this rule). Interest continues to accrue until the judgment is fully satisfied. If it becomes necessary for the judgment creditor to employ enforcement actions, because the judgment debtor did not pay the creditor fully & promptly, expenses or costs the creditor pays to the Sheriff for filing fees for the processing of an execution become the liability of the judgment debtor. In other words, the judgment creditor is required to prepay the Sheriff certain fees to execute. Those fees are added on to the judgment sum. For example, if a judgment creditor files an income execution with the Sheriff, the Sheriff will charge him $86. That $86 will be added onto the income execution amount and charged to the judgment debtor.
State law requires the Sheriff to charge a fee known as "poundage." This is a percentage fee calculated on the sum collected by the Sheriff and is added onto the execution amount and charged to the judgment debtor. The percentage rate is 5% of the first $250,000 and 3% on amounts above that, up to $1 million.
12. Satisfactions & settlements.
Once the judgment & associated interest, fees and poundage are fully paid, the Sheriff will close the account. Civil Enforcement will send a copy of the execution endorsed as "satisfied" to the clerk of the court. Civil Enforcement will also send a copy of the endorsed execution along with an explanatory letter to the judgment creditor who filed the papers. The judgment creditor, in all cases, is responsible for filing a separate legal document with the clerk of the court and County Clerk if appropriate, the "satisfaction- piece." This is the "official" notification & document establishing the satisfaction, not to be confused with the Sheriff's execution return. The Sheriff does not prepare or file the satisfaction-piece.
A judgment debtor may obtain from the Sheriff a certified copy of the Sheriff's return, upon written request, for a fee of $10.00.
The parties may settle at any time upon such conditions or circumstances they agree to. However, if the Sheriff has levied, the Sheriff is due poundage of 5% of the settlement amount or the judgment amount, whichever is less. The parties must take this amount into consideration when they discuss any settlement.
SECTION FOUR
RULES & PROCEDURES PERTINENT TO PROPERTY EXECUTIONS
NOTE: All litigants are strongly urged to seek competent professional legal counsel at all times. The Sheriff is not a lawyer or your lawyer and can only advise & inform parties as to what the Sheriff's rules & procedures, fees, etc. may be.
1. Bank account & similar levies pursuant to CPLR 5232(a)
The judgment creditor must indicate on the execution forms the full names and addresses, including zip codes, for the judgment debtor and the garnishee (bank, credit union, corporation, etc.). The Sheriff does not perform asset searches. The judgment creditor must identify the garnishee.
The Sheriff does not physically seize cash: the garnishee has ninety days to transfer the debtor's interest in property or assets in the custody of the garnishee or in debts owed by the garnishee to the debtor. If for any reason the garnishee cannot or will not affect a transfer, the judgment creditor is responsible for bringing the appropriate court action in the proper time and court. The Sheriff does not have any authority to compel a garnishee to do anything.
If the garnishee advises the Sheriff that it has no such property, assets or debts of the debtor, the Sheriff will close and return the execution with explanation.
2. Levies for rent, mortgage payments & similar assets.
The judgment creditor must provide full names and addresses, including zip codes, of any garnishee to be served with the execution. Where installment, regular or irregular payments are targeted or expected by the judgment creditor, be advised that the Sheriff does not physically travel to the garnishee and make such collections. It is the garnishee's responsibility to transfer any such asset or debt to the Sheriff as they become due. Also, the ninety-day time limitation referenced above is effective, so if the judgment is not expected to be fully satisfied, including interest, fees and poundage, within that time period, the judgment creditor must take the appropriate action in a timely manner to protect his interests & have that period extended.
Any disputes as to ownership interests, including joint interests, cannot be resolved by the Sheriff & usually requires the creditor to seek judicial determination.
NOTE: If you do not hear from a deputy within 30 days of your filing the papers, you should call us at 858-7606 to speak with the deputy assigned to your case.
3. Levies on "property capable of delivery" or tangible personal property.
Any personal property not exempt from application to the satisfaction of a money judgment can be levied upon by the Sheriff. The judgment creditor must provide documentation establishing the debtor's interest in the targeted property and must provide information sufficient for the Sheriff to properly identify it. Again, any disputes as to ownership interests will have to be resolved by judicial determination, before the Sheriff acts.
The Sheriff must actually physically seize the property. Accordingly, advances from the judgment creditor (in addition to any filing fees), will be necessary to cover anticipated expenses. For example, if a standard motor vehicle is to be levied upon, the Sheriff will need an advance for towing, storage and fees associated with a Sheriff's sale (usually $800). The type and quantity of property to be seized determine any advances needed.
The Sheriff intends to perform any such levies in a professional, timely & safe manner, so only those service providers or vendors who are competent, reliable & insured should be used. The Sheriff, as the court's neutral enforcement officer, requires all service providers to be neutral; that is, not associated, affiliated or related (either personally or by virtue of a business or other relationship), to any of the parties. The Sheriff is not obligated to use any particular service provider or vendor.
4. Real property.
The subject realty, or a portion of it, must be within Erie County. The judgment must be a lien on such property. Ten years must not have elapsed since the entry of the judgment.
If the judgment was recovered for all or a portion of mortgage debt, for the targeted realty, no execution sale can occur. If the judgment debtor is an individual (natural person), and the targeted realty is owned & occupied by him as a principal residence, court permission & direction is required before any execution sale can occur.
There are exceptions and variations to most of the foregoing and professional review & management by a lawyer is strongly advised. There will be costs associated with the processing of a real property execution sale in addition to the filing fees. Generally, the advance required is $1500.00 per parcel, but such is dependent on publishing costs.
SECTION FIVE
SHERIFF'S SALES
1. What is a Sheriff's Sale?
The Sheriff seizes or levies upon property for the purpose of satisfying a money judgment. This is done by liquidating the asset (that is, converting the asset into cash). This is accomplished by a "Sheriff's Sale" which is a public auction. The highest bidder pays his bid price to the Sheriff and takes custody & ownership* of the auctioned property. The Sheriff pays any service providers or vendors who assisted in the seizure (like towing & storage), from the sale proceeds, deducts the various fees & expenses associated with the levy & sale from the proceeds and applies the balance to the judgment.
* See #7 below.
2. When are Sheriff's Sales Conducted?
When the Sheriff conducts a sale depending upon when the property was seized; it is not the case where the Sheriff would seize property in connection with several or many cases and hold the property for one big sale. Sales are held "as needed".
3. Where are Sheriff's Sales Conducted?
All real estate execution sales are conducted at the Civil Enforcement office located on the 4th floor at 134 West Eagle Street in downtown Buffalo.
Personal property sales (cars, equipment, machinery, etc.), are conducted at the site where the property is actually located. If a vehicle is levied and it is towed & stored at a garage in Amherst, the sale will be held at that garage. If farming implements are levied and they are stored in Collins, that is where the sale will be held.
4. Who can bid at a Sheriff's Sale?
Sheriff's sales are public auctions, so anyone can bid. A person acting as an agent for a company or corporation may bid on behalf of the company or corporation. A party may bid on behalf of/as agent for, a party not present as long as the agent is present at the sale and the bidder has provided authority to the Sheriff for such arrangement, in writing, prior to the sale.
5. What is the sale format?
A standard auction format is used and there is usually no reserve, opening bid, minimum bid, or buyer’s premium. Bidding must be in dollar increments. A judgment creditor or execution creditor cannot use his judgment as credit for bidding unless a court order granted & entered prior to the sale is delivered to the Sheriff prior to the sale.
6. What are the Terms of Sale?
All property is sold "as is, where is." No guarantees or warrantees are made, expressed, or implied for anything sold at any sale, with respect to condition, value, use, operation, safety, marketability, re-sale, sufficiency or accuracy of description, authenticity, or any other matter not consistent with the obligations or duties of the Sheriff.
All sales are for cash only, U.S. currency. A minimum of 10% is due and payable at the conclusion of bidding. Cash is always required for a down payment. If the bid is unusually high, the balance might be paid with a bank cashier's check, certified funds, or money order.
If the full bid price is paid at the time of sale, the bidder should discuss with the deputy the release procedure to be able to take immediate possession of the property.
If a down payment is made, the remaining balance is due by 4:00 P.M. of that same day. Alternate arrangements must be pre-approved. The bidder cannot take possession of the property until a written release is obtained from the deputy and the release will not be issued until the bid price is fully paid.
Nothing is added to the bid price except for sales tax when applicable at the prevailing rate. The expenses of the levy & sale will be deducted from the sale proceeds if any. Where storage has accrued, it will be paid up to and including the day of sale. Thereafter, the purchaser is responsible for any charges. The purchaser is also responsible for making arrangements for the removal, transportation, security, safety, etc. of the purchased property.
When real property is sold, the purchaser must pay to the Sheriff a $22.00 deed fee at the time the deed & associated documents are delivered. The Sheriff does not charge or collect any taxes, fees or charges that may be due or assessed with respect to the sale, transfer or recordation.
Any other terms or requirements as may be expressed or implied by any rule or law are operational as long as such is not inconsistent with the Sheriff's duties and responsibilities as stated here or by law, at the time of sale, or other time. The preceding policies and procedures are subject to modification based upon innumerable variations and factors related to the property, court directions, etc.
7. What exactly is the high bidder purchasing?
The purchaser at a Sheriff's sale is acquiring the interest of the judgment debtor in the property levied upon. If, for example, the interest of the judgment debtor in a motor vehicle is subject to a lien, then that is what the bidder is buying. For real property, if the debtor's interest is governed by a joint tenancy, for example, or other deed restriction, or is subject to a superior lien or encumbrance, then that is what the bidder is purchasing. The purchaser is acquiring the judgment debtor's "right, title & interest" in or to the property, whatever that may be.
8. What Documents will the purchaser receive from the Sheriff?
When personal property is sold, the successful bidder will receive a receipt for the payment of his bid; a release which will be directed to the agency, person or party having possession of the property, which authorizes the release of the property to the purchaser; and a certificate of sale, which transfers the judgment debtor's interest in and to the property, to the purchaser. Accompanying the certificate of sale will be a copy of the execution which is the legal instrument authorizing & directing the levy and sale.
When real property is sold, the purchaser will receive a receipt for the payment of the bid price, a Sheriff's Deed and the several documents attesting to procedure.
9. How does one find out if & when a sale is scheduled?
A printed notice of sale is usually posted in three public places in the City of Buffalo, typically at our office at 134 West Eagle Street, at the foreclosure alcove at the County Clerk's Office at 25 Delaware Ave., and in the Buffalo City Court Building. A link to the schedule of sales is maintained on this website on the Civil Enforcement Division’s home page.
For personal property sales, the law requires a notice of sale to be posted at three public places in the town or city where the actual auction takes place, at least six days before the sale. Such postings typically are done at the local town hall and other government buildings.
For real property sales, the law requires a notice of sale to be posted at three public places in the town or city where the parcel is situated, at least 56 days before the sale. Again, such postings are typically done at the local town hall and other government buildings. Additionally, the real property notice of sale will be published in a local newspaper on four different occasions. A link to the schedule of sales is maintained on this website on the Civil Enforcement Division’s home page.
The Sheriff does not maintain a mailing list. We will however post notices on this website.