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Attachment
Attachment is a legal process where a court orders that some of your property be taken and held as security to ensure you pay a judgment if you lose the case.
What it actually is
In a lawsuit, attachment often occurs before a final judgment, typically as a provisional remedy to prevent a defendant from hiding or selling assets. It appears early in the case, after the plaintiff files a motion showing a likelihood of winning and a risk that you might evade payment.
Why it matters in your case
Attachment matters because it can freeze your bank accounts, wages, or property while the case is ongoing, restricting your use of those assets. Losing an attachment fight can force you to post a bond or settle even if you believe you are right, because the practical burden of frozen assets is severe.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think attachment is the same as a final judgment, but it is only a temporary hold. It does not mean you have already lost the case, but it does shift the practical pressure on you to respond quickly.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.