What are the reasons someone can garnish a bank account?

Answer by  LegalGuy (71)

Theft, the IRS bringing down the hammer on indictment, or possibly you may have embellished money from an employer, in addition a government mistake granting you undeserved tax breaks can cause garnishment.

Answer by  Cecilia (2828)

There are dozens of reasons for garnishments. Basically someone owes money and the employer is legally required to deduct and forward it. Typical reasons include child support, taxes and debts.

Answer by  patti (29325)

A judgment is required to attach a bank account.A judgement can be granted for delinquent debt, a defaulted student loan, back taxes, child support arrears.

Answer by  Mary (2095)

All this requires is a judgment from a court, the most common being child support, alimony or taxes that are overdue.

Answer by  debbie80 (161)

A bank account can be garnished when a creditor sues you in court and wins. The court will award the credit the right in the form of a judgment the ability to attach any personal property you may own, including your bank accounts.

Answer by  krpmuffitt (223)

Someone can garnish your bank account to collect a judgment. Once they have judgment they complete papers and serve them on you and the bank. In most cases they are allowed to garnish any amount in the bank account above $1000.

Answer by  Platypus (180)

If they own an outstanding debt they can garnish a bank account without any procedural requirements as long as they post a bond and allow a hearing within a reasonable amount of time. They can garnish and then you can take them to court to prove they should not have done it, but you can't stop them.

Answer by  Touchdown (317)

A bank account can typically be garnished legally if there has been a judgment or settlement that has been entered against a person or business legally in a public court of law.

Answer by  OedipusLex (13)

Anyone to whom you owe something of value may file suit and, if they're awarded a settlement, they may legally file for collection in the defendant's jurisdiction. Tax reparations are the only garnishments that may be initiated without recourse to the courts.