After judgment only
A garnishee order is an enforcement step available once you have a judgment.
Enforcement
Garnishee orders explained
After you have a judgment, a garnishee order is one way to enforce it — redirecting money owed to the debtor straight to you. Here's how it fits into recovery.
A garnishee order is a court enforcement tool available after you have obtained a judgment against a debtor. It directs a third party who owes money to the debtor — commonly their bank, or in some cases a customer of theirs — to pay that money to you instead, up to the amount of the judgment. It is one of several post-judgment enforcement options, alongside things like examination summonses and writs.
A garnishee order only comes into play once a debt has been established by judgment, so it sits at the enforcement end of the process. Most commercial accounts are resolved well before that point through professional demand and follow-up. Merion's role is to pursue payment commercially first, and to prepare a matter cleanly for legal escalation where it is warranted. This is general information, not legal advice — enforcement options and procedure vary by court and state, so obtain advice from a qualified solicitor. To attempt commercial recovery first, refer the account.
Where it fits
A post-judgment tool
Redirects money owed
It directs a third party — often a bank — to pay the debtor's money to you.
The last resort
Most accounts resolve through demand and follow-up long before enforcement.
Commercial first
We pursue payment commercially and prepare matters cleanly for escalation.
Don't start at enforcement
Refer the account and we'll pursue payment professionally before any court step.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a garnishee order?
A court enforcement tool, available after judgment, that directs a third party who owes the debtor money — often their bank — to pay it to you instead, up to the judgment amount.
Can I get a garnishee order without going to court?
No. It is a post-judgment enforcement step, so a debt must first be established by judgment. Most accounts resolve well before that stage.
Should I try recovery first?
Usually, yes. Professional demand and follow-up resolve most commercial accounts without court. We work on commission, so there's no upfront cost to try.
Is this legal advice?
No — this is general information only. Enforcement procedure varies by court and state; consult a qualified solicitor.
Get started
Chasing an overdue account?
Refer it for a free appraisal — we'll try commercial recovery first.