Intermediate · Lesson 6 · 6 min
Bank Levies
Seizing funds from debtor bank accounts via a writ of execution served on the bank.
Overview
Bank levies are a single-shot capture — they take what is in the account at the moment of service.
Best results come from informed levies (you know the bank) preceded by examination or discovery.
Exempt funds (Social Security, certain benefits) cannot be seized.
Key Concepts
- • Writ of execution / levy procedure
- • Identifying the correct branch / processing center
- • Exempt funds and claims of exemption
- • Sheriff vs. private process server (varies)
Examples
Timed levy
A levy served the day after payroll posts is materially more productive than a levy served at random.
Common Mistakes
- • Serving the wrong branch / wrong entity.
- • Ignoring exemption windows and forfeiting funds back.
- • Levying without first surfacing the bank — pure guesswork.
Recommended Resources
- • Bank Levy Pre-Service Checklist
Educational only. Not legal advice. Judgment enforcement varies by state — consult licensed counsel.