A legal procedure where a creditor obtains a court order to collect money directly from a debtor's wages, bank accounts, or other assets held by third parties. It bypasses the debtor and goes straight to the source of their income or assets.
From Old French 'garnir' meaning 'to warn' or 'equip,' later 'to garnish' or 'decorate.' The legal meaning evolved from the concept of 'warning' third parties that they must hold or turn over the debtor's assets to satisfy a judgment.
Garnishment is like legal pickpocketing - creditors can reach right into your paycheck or bank account without your permission! It's one of the most powerful collection tools because it cuts out the middleman (you) and goes directly to whoever has your money.
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