GARNISHMENT

Garnishment is a remedy used to reach tangible or intangible personal property of a debtor while that property is in the hands of a third party.  Garnishment in Florida is governed by Chapter 77, Florida Statutes, and may be pursued before or after entry of a judgment in the creditor’s favor.  Most garnishments occur after entry of a judgment in which the judgment creditor attempts to recover the judgment debtor’s wages or property to satisfy the judgment.  The amount of wages subject to garnishment is limited by federal law.  Some of the judgment debtor’s assets or sources of income may be exempt from garnishment, ie. social security benefits.