Subpoenas during the case
To obtain records from a non-party — a bank, an employer, a contractor — serve a subpoena duces tecum with the notice the rules require, and serve copies on all parties. State the circumstances or reasons the disclosure is sought where required. Witness fees must be tendered. Some records, particularly medical and certain financial materials, require an authorization or a court order.
Getting testimony
A subpoena can compel a non-party to appear for a deposition or to testify at trial. Coordinate the date rather than ambushing the witness; a cooperative non-party produces better testimony than a hostile one dragged in under threat. If the witness is outside New York, additional interstate procedures apply.
Quashing and objecting
A recipient can move to quash or for a protective order on grounds of overbreadth, burden, privilege or irrelevance. Courts will narrow a fishing expedition rather than enforce it. Draft narrowly — a targeted request for the specific account statements over a defined period is enforced far more readily than a demand for all records ever generated.
Information subpoenas after judgment
Once you hold a judgment, information subpoenas with restraining notices let you ask the debtor and third parties, including banks, about assets. This is the practical engine of collection in New York, and it can be served by mail in the manner the statute permits. Non-compliance is enforceable by motion.