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A Garnishee Order is a legal command that lets creditors collect money owed to them by taking it directly from a debtor's wages or bank account. When a court issues this order, it requires employers or banks to redirect a portion of someone's funds to pay off the debt.

The order creates a three-way legal relationship between the creditor, debtor, and garnishee (usually an employer or bank). Common in consumer debt cases, these orders must follow federal wage protection laws that limit how much can be garnished - typically no more than 25% of disposable earnings for most debts, with special rules for child support and tax obligations.

Use a Garnishee Order when you've won a court judgment but the debtor isn't paying voluntarily. This legal tool helps creditors collect what they're owed by going directly to the debtor's employer or bank. It's particularly effective when you know where the debtor works or banks, but they've ignored payment demands or broken payment agreements.

The timing matters - file for garnishment soon after winning your judgment, while you still have current information about the debtor's employment or accounts. This approach works well for collecting unpaid business debts, personal loans, or court-awarded damages, though different rules apply for child support and tax debts.

• Wage Garnishment Orders: Target an employee's paycheck, requiring employers to withhold a portion for debt repayment
• Bank Account Garnishments: Freeze and seize funds from checking, savings, or investment accounts
• Continuing Garnishment: Ongoing deductions that remain active until the debt is paid off
• One-Time Garnishment: Single seizure of funds, often used for bank accounts
• Priority Garnishments: Special orders for tax debts or child support that take precedence over other garnishments and can claim a higher percentage

• Creditors: Business owners, lenders, or individuals who have won court judgments and seek to collect debts through legal means
• Courts: Issue and enforce the garnishment orders after reviewing creditor applications and evidence
• Garnishees: Employers or financial institutions required to withhold and forward funds from the debtor's wages or accounts
• Debtors: Individuals or businesses whose wages or accounts are garnished to pay court-ordered debts
• Legal Representatives: Attorneys who help creditors file garnishment requests or assist debtors in contesting improper garnishments

• Court Judgment Details: Gather the case number, judgment amount, and date from your court victory
• Debtor Information: Compile full legal name, Social Security number, and current address
• Employment Details: Document the debtor's employer name, address, and payroll department contact
• Bank Information: List known financial institutions where debtor holds accounts
• Calculation Review: Verify garnishment amounts comply with federal limits (25% of disposable earnings)
• Court Forms: Complete required local court garnishment forms with precise payment instructions
• Service Requirements: Prepare for proper legal service to all parties

• Case Information: Court name, case number, and judgment details establishing legal authority
• Party Details: Full legal names and addresses of creditor, debtor, and garnishee
• Debt Specifics: Original judgment amount, current balance, interest rates, and payment terms
• Garnishment Instructions: Precise directions for withholding funds, including calculation methods and timing
• Legal Citations: References to relevant state and federal garnishment laws
• Notice Requirements: Debtor's rights and exemption claim procedures
• Compliance Statement: Garnishee's obligations and response deadlines

A Garnishee Order differs significantly from a Restraining Order in both purpose and effect, though both are court-issued commands. While a Garnishee Order specifically targets financial assets to collect debts, a Restraining Order protects individuals from harm or harassment by restricting another person's actions.

• Legal Purpose: Garnishee Orders collect money owed through court judgments; Restraining Orders prevent harmful contact or behavior
• Enforcement Method: Garnishee Orders work through employers or banks; Restraining Orders are enforced by law enforcement
• Duration: Garnishee Orders typically continue until a debt is paid; Restraining Orders have specific time limits with options for renewal
• Required Proof: Garnishee Orders need proof of judgment debt; Restraining Orders require evidence of threats or harassment