Form 20E: Notice of Garnishment

What the 20E is

Winning is half the job; Form 20E collects. A garnishment directs a third party who owes the debtor money — an employer (wages) or a bank (account balances) — to pay a portion into court for the creditor. Wage garnishments are capped by the Wages Act (generally up to 20% of net wages for ordinary debts; more only for support), while bank garnishments catch what’s in the account when served.

A garnishment stays alive for years and can be renewed (Form 20E.1), quietly collecting each pay cycle. Multiple creditors share pro-rata. The debtor or garnishee can dispute at a garnishment hearing.

How to fill it out

1. Get an enforceable judgment first, and know the exact balance: principal + post-judgment interest + costs − payments received. File the affidavit the enforcement rules require (Form 20P) with your calculation.
2. Identify the garnishee precisely: employer’s legal name and payroll address, or the bank branch holding the account (bank garnishments are served on the branch).
3. Complete the 20E, have the clerk issue it, and serve the garnishee and the debtor as the rules require.
4. The garnishee pays money into court; the clerk pays out to creditors. Track payments against the balance.
5. Renew before expiry (20E.1) if the debt isn’t fully paid, and consider pairing garnishment with a writ (20C/20D) for pressure on debtors with assets.