[1] When issuing a writ of execution, a court typically will order a sheriff or other similar official to take possession of property owned by a judgment debtor.
Such property will often then be sold in a sheriff's sale and the proceeds remunerated to the plaintiff in partial or full satisfaction of the judgment.
It is generally considered preferable for the sheriff simply to take possession of money from the defendant's bank account.
Generally, execution is unnecessary for defendants who pay verdicts against themselves voluntarily.
Many states also protect an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) from execution as well as unemployment income, but the amount that is exempt may be limited.