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Writ Of Garnishment
A writ of garnishment is a court order that allows a creditor to collect money you owe by taking it directly from a third party, such as your employer or bank, before it reaches you.
What it actually is
This writ is issued after a court has already entered a judgment against you. It directs someone who holds your money or property (like your employer or bank) to withhold a portion and send it to the creditor, rather than paying it to you.
Why it matters in your case
If a writ of garnishment is issued against you, your wages or bank account may be frozen or reduced without you having to take any action—but you can still respond to challenge the garnishment under the court’s rules. It matters because it can quickly affect your income or savings, and you must receive proper notice so you can assert any exemptions or defenses you have.
The common misunderstanding
Many people mistakenly think garnishment only applies to wages, but it can also apply to bank accounts, tax refunds, or other debts owed to you. Another common error is believing that a garnishment order means you automatically lose all your money—most states protect a portion of your income or assets from garnishment, but the specific rules vary.
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.