Two meanings of foreign
In American practice, a foreign judgment often means one from a different state rather than a different country. Judgments from other states and from federal courts are generally entitled to full faith and credit, so the debtor usually cannot relitigate the merits, although challenges to the original court's jurisdiction or to notice can still come up. New York has a filing procedure for many sister-state judgments, but it does not fit every one, and some, including certain default judgments, may need a new proceeding based on the judgment. A judgment from another country goes through a separate recognition process, where the court examines more closely how the original case was handled. Choosing the wrong route usually costs time rather than the claim, but time matters when assets can move.
Papers that travel with the judgment
Start with an authenticated or certified copy of the judgment from the issuing court, and confirm whether it is final or still subject to appeal. Proof of how the defendant was served in the original case, and whether the defendant appeared, can determine which New York route is available. Note any amounts already paid, interest awarded, and costs, so the balance is accurate from the start. A judgment written in another language will need a certified translation. Gather what you know about the debtor's assets in New York, because those assets are the reason for bringing the judgment here.
Coming at it from either side
If you hold the judgment, we look for the most direct available route to an enforceable New York judgment and consider whether assets need protection while it proceeds. If you are the debtor, the first question is whether there is a genuine objection, such as a lack of jurisdiction or a failure of notice in the original case, and whether that issue was already decided there. Deadlines apply on both sides, including limits on how long older judgments can be enforced and short windows to respond once a New York proceeding begins. Taking a New York judgment to another state or country raises the same questions in reverse, and we coordinate with local counsel there when needed.
