This collections process is used in the common law system, especially Britain and the United States, but in other legal regimes as well.
[1] Ballentine's Law Dictionary notes that this process is not literal, whereby a "person's property is figuratively brought into the court.
"[2] In England, an attachment of earning order can stop money being paid to a defendant.
[3] Under English law, somebody who is self-employed, unemployed, or a member of the armed forces cannot have an attachment against them.
[4] At present four U.S. states — North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas — do not allow wage garnishment at all except for debts related to taxes, child support, federally guaranteed student loans, and court-ordered fines or restitution for a crime the debtor committed.