Define: Garnishing

Garnishing, in a legal context, refers to a process by which a creditor obtains a court order to collect a debt owed by a debtor by diverting a portion of the debtor’s wages, bank accounts, or other financial assets to satisfy the debt. Garnishment typically occurs after a creditor has obtained a judgment against the debtor in a court of law. The court order authorising garnishment allows the creditor to collect a specified amount of money directly from the debtor’s income or assets, often through wage garnishment or bank account garnishment. Garnishment laws vary by jurisdiction and may impose limits on the amount that can be garnished, exemptions for certain types of income or assets, and procedural requirements for obtaining a garnishment order. Garnishment is a legal remedy available to creditors to enforce their rights and collect unpaid debts, but it is subject to legal safeguards to protect debtors’ rights and ensure fairness in the debt collection process.

Situation in which an employer is instructed by a court to withhold some or all of an employee’s wages to pay off the settlement of a lawsuit which that employee lost.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.