Garnishment

What garnishment means

Put simply, garnishment is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.

Where garnishment comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Writ of Execution (Enforcing a Money Judgment) (Fed. R. Civ. P. 69(a)): the court process used to enforce a money judgment.

How to research the term

To research garnishment, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Writ of execution: a court order directing an officer to enforce a money judgment, for example by levying on property.
• Judgment creditor: a party who is owed money under a judgment.
• Judgment debtor: a party who owes money under a judgment.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.