Terms and Definitions

What is a garnishee?

Updated: May 21, 2024

Garnishee definition and meaning

A garnishee is a third party that holds money or property that belongs to a debtor subject to an attachment proceeding by a creditor. Money or assets are typically in the form of earned wages. Garnishees tend to be employers required pay a portion of this money to a creditor, as determined by a court order.

 

More about garnishees

A garnishee is a third party that holds money or property that belongs to a debtor subject to an attachment proceeding by a creditor. Money or assets are typically in the form of earned wages. Garnishees tend to be employers required pay a portion of this money to a creditor, as determined by a court order. When the terms of a court ruling requires that money be taken directly from an employee’s wages and paid to another party, this is performed by the garnishee, and paid to a party determined by the court. It is commonly used to force the repayment of debt to a bank or a creditor, as well as in child support or divorce settlements.

 

Some examples of when a garnishee holds back funds for repayment of debt to a bank or creditor, can include child support, divorce settlements or back rent.

Using garnishee in a sentence

“Even though the IRS is garnishing my employee’s wages, because I’m the garnishee, I’m responsible for collecting and paying the garnishment.”

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