A confession of judgment is one of the most aggressive collection tools in New York. When you sign a confession of judgment, it is a legal admission of debt. Once a creditor files the confessed affidavit with the county clerk, they can skip the lawsuit and proceed directly to obtaining a judgment. That means fast bank freezes, account restraints, and immediate collection.

Welcome to Aronow Law, P.C.

At Aronow Law, we help individuals and business owners challenge COJs, stop account freezes, and fight back against merchant cash advance lenders and commercial creditors. If you believe a creditor is about to enforce a COJ—or already has—contact Darren Aronow for a free evaluation. Acting early can make all the difference.

What Is a Confession of Judgment in NY?

A confession of judgment is a pre-signed affidavit where the borrower admits they owe money. It allows the creditor to confess judgment and get a judgment without suing you. Creditors use COJs in:

  • merchant cash advances
  • high-cost business loans
  • commercial financing
  • business hardship workouts
  • commercial transactions

Because signing a confession of judgment is a legal admission, lenders can enforce instantly with no warning.

Can You Vacate a Confession of Judgment in New York?

Yes. You may be able to vacate the confession of judgment if:

  • it was filed after the 3-year NY deadline
  • confessions of judgment entered contain errors
  • the amount was overstated
  • it was filed in the wrong county
  • you never defaulted
  • the lender violated CPLR 3218
  • the affidavit was defective
  • the COJ was obtained through pressure, mistake, or misleading terms

Even if you signed it, you may still have grounds to vacate confessions or stop enforcement.

How Creditors Enforce COJs Fast

Once the creditor files the confessed affidavit:

  • bank accounts get frozen
  • merchant deposits are seized
  • income is restrained
  • liens get placed on assets
  • business operations get interrupted

Because the creditor already has a judgment, they can move without warning.

Why Small Businesses Are Common Targets

Many small business owners unknowingly sign COJs buried in:

  • MCA contracts
  • factoring agreements
  • high-risk financing
  • short-term business loans

A COJ allows lenders to seize funds immediately and disrupt everyday commercial transactions, creating payroll problems and cash-flow emergencies.

Can You Challenge a COJ Even If You Signed It?

Yes. A signed COJ can still be challenged. Your attorney will look at:

  • whether a default happened
  • whether the lender filed in the proper county
  • whether the amount is correct
  • whether the required CPLR 3218 terms are missing
  • whether the COJ affidavit is invalid

A defective COJ may be thrown out—or used to negotiate.

What If the COJ Is Already Filed?

Once confessions of judgment are entered, time is critical. Delays allow creditors to drain bank accounts and lock down funds. Acting quickly gives your attorney the best chance to stop enforcement.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer? Immediately.

If your accounts are frozen, you received notice from the county clerk, or you suspect a COJ will be filed, speak with an attorney right away. Darren Aronow can determine if the COJ can be vacated, reduced, or blocked through emergency action.

Schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation with attorney Darren Aronow today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a confession of judgment in NY?

A COJ is a document allowing a creditor to get a judgment without suing you.

Can I vacate a confession of judgment in NY?

Yes, if the COJ is defective, late, inaccurate, or improperly filed.

How do creditors enforce COJs?

By freezing bank accounts, seizing funds, and restraining income.

Is signing a COJ a legal admission?

Yes. Signing a confession of judgment is a legal admission, but it can still be challenged.

What is the time limit to file the confessed affidavit?

Creditors have three years to file the confessed COJ.

Can COJs be used in business loans?

Yes, especially in merchant cash advances and high-risk commercial lending.

What if my bank account is already frozen?

You must act immediately to prevent further enforcement.

Can COJs be vacated for fraud or pressure?

Yes. Fraud, coercion, or misleading terms may allow full vacatur.