Bank Account Levies
A Writ of Execution served on a bank freezes the debtor's funds up to the judgment amount.
Notice: Judgment collection procedures can be complex and vary by court and county. This information is provided for educational purposes. For guidance specific to your judgment, consult with a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
Bank Levy Process
Obtain a Writ of Execution from the Prothonotary
Serve the Writ on the bank as a "garnishee"
The bank freezes the debtor's account(s) up to the judgment amount
The debtor has 30 days to file exemption claims or objections
If no valid exemption is claimed, the bank turns over the funds to the sheriff
Exemption Claims
The debtor may claim the $300 personal property exemption (42 Pa.C.S. § 8123) against bank funds.
The debtor has 30 days after the freeze to file exemption claims or objections. If Social Security, VA, or other exempt funds are commingled in the account, the debtor must identify and trace those funds.
Practical Tips
You need to know (or discover) which bank holds the debtor's accounts
Use Discovery in Aid of Execution (Pa.R.C.P. 3117) to identify bank accounts
Joint accounts may be subject to claims by co-owners that their share is exempt
Serve the Writ on all known banks simultaneously for best results