Writ of Attachment

/ˈrɪt əv əˈtætʃmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A court order directing the seizure or detention of property to secure a judgment or satisfy a debt.
    The plaintiff obtained a writ of attachment to secure the defendant's assets before trial.
  2. (n.) A provisional remedy allowing the court to hold a defendant's property to prevent its disposal prior to final judgment.
    The writ of attachment was granted to prevent the defendant from selling the disputed goods.

Forms

  • writs of attachment

Commentary

Use precisely to distinguish this court-ordered seizure from other types of writs or liens; varies in procedure by jurisdiction.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Writ of Attachment Definition