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Garnishment
Garnishment is a legal process where a court orders a third party, like your employer or bank, to take money from your wages or account and give it to someone you owe money to.
What it actually is
Garnishment typically occurs after a creditor has obtained a court judgment against you. The court issues an order to a third party (the garnishee) who holds your money, directing them to withhold a portion and send it to the creditor. It appears in the post-judgment phase of a case, when the creditor is trying to collect what you owe.
Why it matters in your case
If you are facing a lawsuit, garnishment is a primary way the other side can collect any money judgment against you. Understanding this term helps you recognize that a judgment can lead to direct deductions from your paycheck or bank account, not just a bill you have to pay manually.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think garnishment only happens to wages, but it can also apply to bank accounts, tax refunds, and other sources of money. Another common misunderstanding is that garnishment requires your consent—it does not; it is a court-ordered process.
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.