# Writ of Attachment: What They Are, How They Work

![Judge sitting in the office while reading a writ of attachment before sending it out.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/hp9csZ6BBJRy_r8CO1FFw7MG-DE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WritofAttachmentWhatTheyAreHowTheyWork-76e91ba39d174b149c58154d04c5d46c.jpg)

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## What Is a Writ of Attachment?

A writ of attachment is a form of prejudgment process in which a court orders the attachment or seizure of property described in the writ. The property is seized and held in the custody of an appointed official, such as a U.S. Marshal or law enforcement officer, under court supervision.

A writ of attachment demands the creditor's property prior to the outcome of a trial or [judgment](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/j/judgement.asp), whereas a [writ of execution](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/writ-of-execution.asp) directs law enforcement to begin the transfer of property as the result of the conclusion of a legal judgment.

### Key Takeaways

*   A writ of attachment is a court order demanding a debtor's property be seized prior to a judgment in the creditor's favor.
*   A writ of attachment may be used in bankruptcy cases and in eviction cases (when a tenant will not leave on their own and will not pay rent).
*   In the event that the judge rules in favor of the debtor, the property will be returned unto them.
*   If the creditor instead prevails, the seized property may be sold at auction to satisfy the unpaid debts.

## How a Writ of Attachment Works

A [writ](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/writ.asp) of attachment is generally used to freeze a defendant's assets pending the outcome of legal action. That is, the plaintiff—who is the party bringing the legal action against the defendant—obtains a contingent [lien](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lien.asp) on the defendant's assets. The lien is a legal charge to take ownership of the defendant's property to satisfy a debt. The writ of attachment allows the lien to be exercised should the plaintiff successfully obtain a judgment against the defendant.

There are several different types of attachment.

*   A [garnishment](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/garnishment.asp) is a court order directing a third party to seize assets, such as wages or money, from a person's paycheck or bank account to settle an unpaid debt.
*   A writ of replevin is usually put in place to take property held by a person wrongfully, while [sequestration](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sequestration.asp) preserves the property pending litigation.

In debt collection outside of [bankruptcy](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bankruptcy.asp) action, a writ of attachment from the civil court system is one tool available to creditors. It allows plaintiffs to place a legal claim on a defendant's assets early on in the judicial process before a judgment is even entered.

This form of judicial lien provides a two-fold benefit as it protects the plaintiff's right and ability to collect on any future judgment. It also provides leverage to negotiate a settlement with the defendant earlier in the process.

## Requirements for a Writ of Attachment

Most jurisdictions at the state and federal level allow plaintiffs to obtain writs of attachment, although the agencies and procedures involved may differ. Typical courts require a claim be:

*   One for money, based on a contract
*   Of a fixed amount or a readily ascertainable amount
*   Unsecured or not fully secured
*   Of a commercial nature

To obtain a writ of attachment—as with any form of judicial relief—you must first file a civil lawsuit before a court has any authority to take action on your behalf. This requires filing and serving a complaint for recovery of the debts owed to you or your business. After that, or simultaneous with these actions, you can initiate a proceeding to obtain a writ of attachment, usually requiring a hearing before the court.