what is a writ of attachment 
a writ of attachment is a form of prejudgment process in which a court orders the attachment or seizure of property described in the writ the property is seized and held in the custody of an appointed official such as a u s marshal or law enforcement officer under court supervision a writ of attachment demands the creditor s property prior to the outcome of a trial or judgment whereas a writ of execution directs law enforcement to begin the transfer of property as the result of the conclusion of a legal judgment 