Detailed Answer
When you need to find assets located across multiple counties or states in New York, you must combine public‐record searches, official filings, and legal discovery tools. This process helps you identify real estate, vehicles, business interests, bank accounts, and other valuable property. Always verify results with official sources and, if necessary, seek legal assistance. This is not legal advice.
1. Search Real Property Records
New York maintains land records at each county clerk’s office. In New York City (boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island), use ACRIS (NYC ACRIS). Outside NYC, visit the county clerk’s website or office to search grantor/grantee indexes and land records. You can often view deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats online.
2. Review UCC Filings for Personal Property Liens
If someone used an asset as collateral, lenders file a UCC-1 Financing Statement under N.Y. UCC § 9-501. Search the New York Department of State’s UCC database (DOS UCC Search) to identify personal property liens on equipment, inventory, or accounts receivable.
3. Check Business Entity Records
The New York Department of State hosts a corporation and LLC search (Entity Search). Look up registrations, officers, and service-of-process addresses for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships. Filings may list principal locations and registered agents.
4. Obtain Vehicle and Vessel Records
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles can confirm vehicle and vessel ownership. While most DMV records are private, attorneys can request records through a court order or Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests under N.Y. Public Officers Law § 87. Contact the DMV or file a FOIL request online (DMV FOIL).
5. Use Legal Discovery and Subpoenas
In litigation or formal proceedings, serve subpoenas or document requests under the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CPLR). For example, CPLR § 3101 governs document disclosure. You can compel banks, employers, custodians of records, or third parties to produce evidence of assets.
6. Search Tax and Employment Records
State and federal tax returns often list rental, business, and investment income tied to real property or securities. In divorce or estate matters, subpoenaing tax records reveals undeclared assets. Similarly, wage garnishment orders (CPLR § 5222) can disclose employer information.
7. Leverage Public Databases and Private Investigators
Online databases like LexisNexis, Accurint, or Whitepages can track addresses, phone numbers, and business affiliations. For complex cases involving hidden or offshore assets, consider a qualified forensic accountant or private investigator familiar with multistate asset tracing.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney to discuss your specific situation.
Helpful Hints
- Always confirm online search results with official county or state filings.
- Keep detailed records of search terms, dates, and sources for future reference.
- Consider hiring a local attorney to issue subpoenas or FOIL requests.
- Use combined searches (property, UCC, corporate, DMV) for a complete picture.
- Update your search periodically; asset records can change over time.