How to File a Writ of Garnishment

Bank accounts can be garnished to collect a debt.

A garnishment is a legal way for a creditor to collect money owed to by a debtor. A garnishment can be placed on a paycheck, bank account or personal property. In order to get a garnishment to collect money owed to you, first you must file a writ of garnishment.

Things You'll Need

• Name of debtor
• Name and address of employer of debtor
• Name of bank or financial institution of debtor

Instructions

1. 

   File the writ of garnishment in the county that the debtor lives in.

   Fill out an application with the clerk of courts to file a writ of garnishment.

2. Include the name and address of the debtor's employer and financial or banking institution.

3. 

   Garnishments can take up to 25 percent of a debtor's disposable earnings.

   Serve the debtor with the application for the writ of garnishment and the actual writ of garnishment.

4. Wait for the debtor to file her answer with the court concerning the writ of garnishment; the debtor has 20 days to do so.

References

• DocStoc: Writ of Garnishment