bankkontoudlæg

Bankkontoudlæg, often translated as bank account attachment or garnishment, is a legal procedure in which a creditor seizes funds held in a debtor's bank account to satisfy an outstanding debt. This process typically begins when a creditor obtains a court order or a similar legal authorization that permits them to levy the debtor's bank accounts. The order is then served to the financial institution where the debtor holds their funds.

Upon receiving the order, the bank is legally obligated to freeze or block the specified amount of money in the debtor's account. This means the debtor can no longer access or withdraw these funds. The bank then transfers the frozen amount to the creditor or the court, depending on the specific legal framework of the jurisdiction. There are often legal protections in place to ensure that a certain minimum amount, considered essential for living expenses, remains accessible to the debtor. These exemptions vary by country and the nature of the debt.

Bankkontoudlæg can be initiated for various types of debts, including unpaid taxes, child support obligations, court judgments, and other financial liabilities. The process aims to provide a mechanism for creditors to recover money owed to them when other attempts at collection have failed. Debtors who face a bankkontoudlæg typically have legal avenues to challenge the seizure, such as demonstrating that the funds are exempt or that the debt has already been settled.