Garnishment: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ผ
Add to dictionary

garnishment

 

[หˆษกษ‘rnษชสƒmษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal process

Garnishment is a legal procedure by which a creditor can seek to collect a debt by seizing money directly from a debtor's wages or bank account. This process typically occurs after a court has issued a judgment against the debtor, allowing the creditor to take specific amounts until the debt is satisfied. Garnishment is commonly used for recovering unpaid taxes, child support, or other financial obligations. It can have significant effects on the debtor's financial situation, often causing distress and difficulties in meeting regular expenses.

Synonyms

attachment, levy, seizure.

Examples of usage

  • The court approved the garnishment of his wages.
  • She received a notice of garnishment from her credit card company.
  • The garnishment process can be initiated after legal judgment.
  • They struggled for months due to the wage garnishment.
  • His bank account was subject to garnishment due to unpaid loans.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Old French term 'garnir', meaning to prepare or equip.
  • The concept evolved in legal terms by the late Middle Ages, where it described preparing funds for a legal claim.

Legal Framework

  • In the United States, garnishment laws vary by state, allowing debtors a portion of their earnings to remain untouched.
  • Wages can typically be garnished for child support, taxes, or unpaid debts, affecting a significant number of households.

Economic Impact

  • Garnishments can lead to significant financial strain on individuals, affecting their ability to pay for essentials.
  • For creditors, garnishment is a tool for recouping losses, often seen as a last resort after other collection methods failed.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Cultural attitudes toward garnishment may vary; in some societies, it is viewed negatively, while in others, itโ€™s seen as a necessary means of enforcing financial responsibility.
  • Literature often explores themes of debt and garnishment, highlighting personal struggles arising from financial obligations.

Historical Context

  • The practice of garnishment dates back to medieval Europe, reflecting the evolution of financial laws over centuries.
  • In ancient Rome, creditors could take a debtorโ€™s property to settle debts, which eventually influenced modern garnishment laws.

Translations

Translations of the word "garnishment" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น penhora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคฟเคฐเคตเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Pfรคndung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penyitaan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐั€ะตัˆั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zajฤ™cie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅทฎใ—ๆŠผใˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท saisie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ embargo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท haciz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์••๋ฅ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุญุฌุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ exekuce

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ exekรบcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰ฃๆŠผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zaseg

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ friรฐun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะผั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ™แƒแƒ•แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ girov

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ embargo