If a garnishee answers to interrogatories that he does not have property or credits of the defendant, or has less than the amount of the plaintiff’s judgment, the plaintiff may traverse the answer as to the existence or amount of the property or credits, and the issue thereby made may be tried as provided by section 16-551 . In such a case, where judgment is rendered for the garnishee, the plaintiff shall be adjudged to pay to the garnishee, in addition to the taxed costs, a reasonable attorney’s fee. If the issue is found for the plaintiff, judgment shall be rendered for him in accordance with the finding.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 554, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1.)
1981 Ed., § 16-553.
1973 Ed., § 16-553.
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]
Chapter 5 - Attachment and Garnishment
Subchapter II - Attachment and Garnishment After Judgment in Aid of Execution
§ 16–541. Definition and applicability
§ 16–542. Issuance of attachment after judgment; costs
§ 16–543. Revival of judgment unnecessary
§ 16–544. Property subject to attachment
§ 16–545. Multiple attachments against same judgment debtor
§ 16–546. Attachments of credits
§ 16–547. Retention of property or credits by garnishee
§ 16–548. Attachment of judgments and money or property in hands of marshal
§ 16–549. Attachment of money or property in hands of executor or administrator
§ 16–550. Preservation of property; sale
§ 16–551. Defending against the attachment; trial of issues
§ 16–552. Interrogatories to garnishee; oral examination
§ 16–553. Traverse of garnishee’s answers; trial of issue; costs and attorney’s fee
§ 16–554. Claims to attached property
§ 16–555. Condemnation and sale of property; proceeds of sale under interlocutory order