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Glossary Term

Writ of Garnishment

Definition

A court order directing a third party holding the debtor's property — usually a bank — to freeze and turn over funds to satisfy a judgment. It reaches assets the creditor cannot grab directly.

Hypothetical

After winning a judgment, a creditor serves the debtor's bank with a writ of garnishment. The bank freezes the account and, unless the debtor successfully objects, pays the balance toward the judgment.