What is the purpose of garnishment in legal terms?

The purpose of garnishment in legal terms is to enable a creditor to obtain a portion of a debtor's money or property to satisfy an outstanding debt. When a court issues a garnishment order, it directs a third party—often an employer or a bank—to withhold a specific amount of money from the debtor's wages or bank account and send it directly to the creditor. This legal mechanism ensures that creditors can recover debts owed to them without having to engage in extensive legal battles.

Garnishment serves as a powerful tool for creditors to collect debts, especially when debtors may be unwilling or unable to pay voluntarily. It underscores the legal obligation of individuals to settle their debts while providing a structured means to do so through the judicial system. This process highlights the balance between the rights of creditors to be compensated and the legal protections afforded to debtors.