Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Garnishee Order
I need a garnishee order to enforce a court judgment for debt recovery, specifying the debtor's bank account details and the amount to be garnished, ensuring compliance with Singapore's legal procedures and limits on garnishment amounts.
What is a Garnishee Order?
A Garnishee Order is a legal tool that helps creditors collect money they're owed by directing a third party to pay them directly from the debtor's funds. In Singapore, courts commonly issue these orders to instruct banks or employers to channel money straight from a debtor's account or salary to the creditor.
Under Singapore's Rules of Court, this powerful debt recovery method works in two stages: first, a temporary order freezes the relevant funds, then a final order compels the garnishee (like a bank) to pay the creditor. It's particularly useful when debtors won't pay voluntarily, as it bypasses their direct involvement in the payment process.
When should you use a Garnishee Order?
Consider pursuing a Garnishee Order when you've already won a court judgment but the debtor still refuses to pay. This legal tool becomes especially valuable when you know the debtor has money in their bank account or receives regular income from employment in Singapore, but they're avoiding their obligations.
The timing is crucial - apply for the order soon after obtaining your judgment, while you have current information about the debtor's bank accounts or employer. It's particularly effective when dealing with debtors who have stable jobs or substantial bank balances, as these provide clear sources for debt recovery through garnishment.
What are the different types of Garnishee Order?
- Garnishee Order to Show Cause: The initial court order requiring the garnishee (like a bank) to explain why they shouldn't pay the judgment debt
- Interim Garnishee Order: Temporarily freezes the debtor's funds while the garnishment process is pending
- Final Garnishee Order: Directs the garnishee to pay the creditor directly from the debtor's funds
- Garnishee Order for Salary: Specifically targets regular employment income, requiring employers to deduct payments from wages
- Multiple Garnishee Order: Allows simultaneous garnishment from different sources when a single source is insufficient
Who should typically use a Garnishee Order?
- Judgment Creditors: Businesses or individuals who have won a court judgment and seek to collect their debt through garnishment
- Garnishees: Banks, employers, or other third parties who hold the debtor's funds and must comply with the court's payment directions
- Judgment Debtors: Parties who owe money under a court judgment and whose funds or income will be garnished
- Legal Representatives: Lawyers who prepare and file the garnishee applications, attend court hearings, and manage the process
- Court Officers: Registry staff and judges who review applications, issue orders, and ensure compliance with Singapore's Rules of Court
How do you write a Garnishee Order?
- Court Judgment Details: Gather the original judgment order, case number, and exact amount owed
- Debtor Information: Collect full legal name, address, employer details, or known bank account numbers
- Garnishee Details: Confirm the correct legal name and address of the bank or employer who holds the debtor's funds
- Supporting Documents: Prepare evidence of the debt amount and any previous payment demands
- Filing Requirements: Check Singapore court fees, required forms, and submission deadlines
- Service Details: Plan how you'll properly serve the order on both the garnishee and debtor
What should be included in a Garnishee Order?
- Case Information: Court reference number, judgment date, and parties' full legal names
- Debt Details: Precise amount owed, including any interest and costs awarded
- Garnishee Identity: Complete legal name and address of the third party holding the funds
- Payment Instructions: Clear directions for how and when the garnishee must transfer funds
- Legal Authority: Reference to relevant sections of Singapore's Rules of Court
- Court Validation: Official court seal, registrar's signature, and filing date
- Service Requirements: Specified timeframes and methods for serving all parties
What's the difference between a Garnishee Order and a Restraining Order?
A Garnishee Order differs significantly from a Restraining Order in both purpose and application within Singapore's legal framework. While both are court orders, they serve distinct functions in protecting different rights.
- Purpose: Garnishee Orders specifically target debt collection by directing third parties to pay a creditor, while Restraining Orders protect individuals from harassment or violence
- Target Party: Garnishee Orders bind banks or employers holding debtor funds, whereas Restraining Orders restrict the actions of specific individuals
- Duration: Garnishee Orders typically conclude once the debt is paid, but Restraining Orders often remain active for extended periods
- Application Process: Garnishee Orders require proof of an existing judgment debt, while Restraining Orders need evidence of threat or harassment
- Enforcement Mechanism: Garnishee Orders work through financial institutions, whereas Restraining Orders are enforced by law enforcement agencies
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.