Attachment is a legal process by which a
court of law, at the request of a
creditor, designates specific property owned by the
debtor to be transferred to the creditor, or sold for the benefit of the creditor. A wide variety of legal mechanisms are employed by debtors to prevent the attachment of their assets. For example, a declaration of
bankruptcy will severely limit the ability of creditors to attach the property of the debtor. Many jurisdictions have a
homestead exemption or other property exemptions which limit the ability of creditors to attach the debtor's primary residence, vehicle, and/or personal effects..