Understanding garnishment after an Ontario judgment

Garnishment can be used to reach certain money owed to a judgment debtor by another person, such as a bank or employer. It requires the correct court process and does not make every account or income source available for collection.

Confirm the judgment debtor's precise name and the identity of the proposed garnishee. Check the outstanding balance and the legal protections that may apply to wages, benefits, or other funds. Incorrect information can produce an ineffective garnishment and unnecessary fees. If you receive a garnishment notice, review the amount, underlying judgment, and available objection or hearing procedures promptly. Both creditors and debtors benefit from understanding the process before money is paid out or further steps are taken.

For a creditor, the key questions include whether the proposed garnishee actually owes money to the debtor and whether that money can legally be reached. An employer's name on an old social media profile may no longer be accurate. A bank location or account assumption may also be wrong. Review the required documents and service sequence before paying additional fees. If another creditor or a protected source of funds is involved, the expected recovery may differ from the amount written in the notice.

For a debtor, gather the notice, judgment, payment history, and records identifying the source of the affected funds. An objection should explain the actual issue, such as an incorrect balance or a protection that may apply, using available supporting records. Do not ignore the process because you are negotiating directly with the creditor. Confirm in writing how any settlement affects the garnishment and what further documents are needed. Both sides should reconcile payments carefully to prevent duplicate collection or a continuing demand after the obligation has been satisfied.

Sources

• Ontario guide to steps after judgment
• Rules of the Small Claims Court O Reg 258 98

Read next: What happens at a judgment debtor examination

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

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This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.