Pursuant to Section 2601 of the New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules, all funds and securities paid into court are delivered to the custody of the Commissioner of Finance of Westchester County. This includes funds and securities paid to the County Court, Surrogate Court and Supreme Court. The Department of Finance holds cash deposits for civil cases, appeals, surplus funds, and municipalities when cases are transferred to the County Court. A court order directs the finance department to hold the funds until another court order is received instructing the department to release the funds - plus interest, less fees.
Required documents for deposit of funds
The above court ordered payments must be accompanied by the following documentation:
- An original certified* order signed by the court directing the Finance Commissioner to deposit the funds until such time as directed by the court to release the funds, plus interest, less fees. If a foreclosure judgment, a copy of an original certified* Referee’s Report of Sale and original certified* Surplus Monies Form are also required.
- An original signed W-9 from one of the parties involved. The most recent W-9 form must be provided. The top left corner of the forms must indicate "Rev. March 2024." There are no exceptions.
- A check made out to the Commissioner of Finance, Westchester County for the amount ordered by the court.
*Order, Referee’s Report of Sale, and Surplus Monies Form must be certified by the Westchester County Clerk
Required documents for return of funds
Prior to release of court held funds, the following documents must be received by the Commissioner of Finance:
- An original certified* order signed by the court ordering the Commissioner of Finance of Westchester County to release the funds, plus interest, less fees.
- An original signed W-9 form from the party who will receive the funds. The most recent W-9 form must be provided. The top left corner of the forms must indicate "Rev. March 2024." There are no exceptions.
- A cover letter stating whether the funds are to be picked up or mailed and all applicable addresses.
*Order must be certified by the Westchester County Clerk
These documents may be mailed or delivered to:
Commissioner of Finance
Westchester County
148 Martine Ave., Room 720
White Plains, NY 10601
Attn: Court & Trust Funds
Faxed or e-mailed documents are not accepted.
Certificate of Money on Deposit
This is a document provided by the Westchester County Finance Department that summarizes an updated total of money currently held for the Court and Trust. The certificate shows the exact sum of money, including interest, currently in the claimant’s account.
As part of a legal action for withdrawal, a claimant or claimant’s attorney may request a Certificate of Money on Deposit with the Commissioner of Finance. The Certificate of Money on Deposit may be presented to the court as part of the withdrawal process.
A written request for the certificate is required, addressed to the Commissioner of Finance of Westchester County stating the title of the case, the Index Number, the name and address of the person requesting the certificate, and a check or money order for $1.00, payable to the "Commissioner of Finance of Westchester County."
Send the request to:
Westchester County Finance Department
148 Martine Ave., Room 720
White Plains, New York 10601
Attn: Court & Trust Funds
Also specify whether the certificate is to be mailed or will be picked up by the claimant or claimant’s attorney. Faxed or e-mails documents are not accepted.