West Virginia § 38-7-19 - 38-7-19. Lien of attachment.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 38-7-19 — 38-7-19. Lien of attachment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-7-19. 38-7-19. Lien of attachment.

The plaintiff shall have a lien upon any personal property, choses in action and other securities of the defendant, from the time of the levy of such attachment, but such lien may be defeated by a sale, pledge, or other transfer of such property, choses in action, or other securities, before seizure, if such property, choses in action, or other securities are subject to levy and sale under an execution, to a purchaser for value without notice, who advances money or other value at the time of such transfer, in reliance upon the defendant's title to the property: Provided, however, That in the case of a pledge or other transfer of the property other than a complete sale, the lien of the attachment shall bind any equity or other interest in the property, remaining in the defendant. The plaintiff shall have a lien upon the claim or right which the defendant has against any garnishee for any debt or liability owed by such garnishee to the defendant, or any personal property in the possession or under the control of the garnishee, belonging to the defendant, from the time of the service of the attachment upon such garnishee, or the delivery to him of a copy of the order and indorsement, as provided in section fifteen of this article: Provided, however, That if such chose in action or obligation be evidenced by a negotiable instrument, and such instrument be negotiated after the service on, or notice to, the garnishee, to a holder in due course, so that the garnishee becomes obligated to pay the money or deliver the property to such holder, the lien of the attachment thereon shall, to the extent of such obligation to such holder, be discharged. The plaintiff shall have a lien upon any real estate of the defendant levied upon under an attachment, from the time of the suing out of the attachment, but such lien may be defeated by a sale of such real estate to a purchaser for value without notice before the filing, by the plaintiff, of a notice of lis pendens under the provisions of article eleven, chapter fifty-five of this code.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 38-7-19

What does West Virginia Code § 38-7-19 cover?

Section 38-7-19 ("38-7-19. Lien of attachment.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia § 38-7-19?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 38-7-19" (West Virginia). 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 West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 38-7-19 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia 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 West Virginia.