Minnesota § 571.81 - GARNISHMENT LIEN; PRIORITIES OF CREDITORS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 571.81 — GARNISHMENT LIEN; PRIORITIES OF CREDITORS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 571.81. GARNISHMENT LIEN; PRIORITIES OF CREDITORS
Subdivision 1.Garnishment lien.
From the time of service of a garnishment summons upon a garnishee, either before or after judgment, the creditor has a perfected lien upon all disposable earnings, indebtedness, money, or other property of the debtor that is attached by garnishment pursuant to section 571.73, subdivision 3.
Subd. 2.Priorities of creditors.
Except as provided in this subdivision or in section 518A.53, a perfected lien by garnishment is subordinate to a preexisting voluntary or involuntary transfer, setoff, security interest, lien, or other encumbrance that is perfected, but a lien perfected by garnishment is superior to such interests subsequently perfected. Priorities of creditors relating to multiple wage garnishments are set forth in section 571.923. An assignment of earnings made by the debtor to any party within ten days before the receipt of the first garnishment on a debt is void. Any indebtedness to the garnishee incurred by the debtor within the ten days before the receipt of the first garnishment on a debt may not be set off against amounts otherwise subject to the garnishment.
Subd. 3.Continuity of garnishment lien.
When a lien by garnishment is perfected in disposable earnings, indebtedness, money, or property, neither that lien nor the date and priority of that lien is lost for any purpose when the creditor: (1) obtains the debtor's assignment of the same to the creditor; (2) levies execution upon the same or against the garnishee whether or not a release of garnishment accompanies the levy; or (3) obtains a court-ordered sale of the same.
History:
1990 c 606 art 3 s 13; 1991 c 199 art 1 s 83; 1997 c 203 art 6 s 92; 2005 c 164 s 29; 1Sp2005 c 7 s 28
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 571.81
What does Minnesota Statutes § 571.81 cover?
Section 571.81 ("GARNISHMENT LIEN; PRIORITIES OF CREDITORS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 571.81?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 571.81" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 571.81 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.