Washington Bank Garnishment After a Judgment: How to Freeze a Debtor's Account

Bank garnishment is the fastest enforcement tool after a Washington judgment — it reaches nonexempt funds in the debtor's account when the writ is served. Unlike wage garnishment, which trickles in over 60 days, a bank garnishment can reach the available nonexempt balance in one shot.

But the rules are precise. The bank writ is invalid unless it is served with the required answer form and $20 answer fee. A court also cannot enter an order to pay until you provide proof that you gave the debtor the required notice.

Before You Start

Upon entry, your small claims judgment is certified as a District Court civil judgment under RCW 12.40.105. A garnishment writ may issue if it remains unpaid 30 days after entry. You also need to know which bank the debtor uses — supplemental proceedings under RCW Chapter 6.32 can compel the debtor to disclose this under oath.

Step 1: File the Application and Get the Writ

Submit WPF GARN 01.0100 (Application for Writ of Garnishment) to the District Court Civil Clerk. The writ-issuance fee is $12 under RCW 3.62.060(1)(b). Request the non-earnings writ — bank garnishments use WPF GARN 01.0200 (Writ of Garnishment (Debts Other Than Earnings - After Judgment)), not the continuing lien form used for wages.

Step 2: Serve the Bank with the $20 Answer Fee

Have a process server or sheriff serve the writ on the bank with the prescribed answer form and a $20 check or money order payable to the bank. Service is invalid without these items (RCW 6.27.110(1)).

The writ reaches nonexempt funds in the account at the time of service. A bank garnishment does not create a continuing lien on future deposits — it's a one-time snapshot.

Step 3: Notify the Debtor

On or before the date you serve the bank, mail the debtor by certified mail the writ, your application affidavit, WPF GARN 01.0450 (Notice of Garnishment and of Your Rights), and WPF GARN 01.0500 (Exemption Claim (Writ to garnish funds or property held by a financial institution)). Alternatively, you may personally serve the packet by that date or within two days after (RCW 6.27.130).

Step 4: Federal Benefit Protection

Banks are required by federal regulation (31 C.F.R. Part 212) to review the account for qualifying benefit payments directly deposited during the two-month lookback period. The bank must automatically protect the lesser of those deposits or the account balance at review; funds above that protected amount may still be frozen.

This happens before you or the debtor do anything. The bank's answer will show which funds, if any, were shielded.

Step 5: The Bank's Answer

The bank has 20 calendar days from service to file WPF GARN 01.0700 (Answer to Writ of Garnishment (Debts Other than Earnings)). The answer states the amount held under the writ, any federal benefit protections applied, and any prior liens or holds on the account.

Step 6: Get the Order to Pay

If the debtor doesn't file an exemption claim within 28 days after the date on the writ, file WPF GARN 01.0800 (Application for Judgment on Answer and Order to Pay). If service on the bank was delayed more than seven days after the date on the writ, the claim period extends to 21 days after service. Once signed by the judge, serve WPF GARN 01.0850 on the bank, which releases the nonexempt funds to you (or the court clerk, depending on the order).

If the Debtor Claims an Exemption

The debtor can claim certain funds are exempt — for example, disability payments, child support, or amounts covered by the $3,000 wildcard exemption. The bank-account portion is up to $500 for other debts, $2,000 for consumer debt, or $2,500 for private student-loan debt; the automatically protected amount is $500, $2,000, or $1,000, respectively (RCW 6.15.010). If you object, send the debtor your objection and hearing notice within seven days after receiving the claim, with the hearing set within 14 days. If you do not object, obtain and deliver an order releasing the claimed exempt portion within 10 days (RCW 6.27.160).

Practical Tips

Target the right account. Joint accounts with a non-debtor spouse complicate things — community property rules in Washington mean both spouses' funds may be reachable for community debts, but separate property of the non-debtor spouse is protected.

Time your filing. Since bank garnishment captures a single moment's balance, serving the writ shortly after typical payroll deposit dates increases your chances of reaching meaningful funds.

Consider wage garnishment instead if the debtor's bank balance is unpredictable. A continuing lien on wages provides steady recovery over 60 days without the timing gamble.

For the complete bank garnishment workflow — every WPF GARN form in sequence, exemption response deadlines, and a cost tracker — see the Washington judgment collection guide.

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