What legal action involves the seizure of property for payment of money before judgment?

The process of seizure of property for payment of money before a judgment is known as a writ of attachment. This legal action allows a creditor to secure a claim by placing a lien on the debtor's property before the court issues a final judgment in the case. Essentially, it gives the creditor a way to ensure that the property is available to satisfy any potential judgment that may be awarded in their favor, protecting their interests while the legal proceedings unfold.

This action is particularly useful in situations where there's a concern that the debtor might dispose of or hide assets to avoid paying a resulting judgment. By using a writ of attachment, creditors can effectively prevent such actions, ensuring that the property remains available for any future claims post-judgment.

In contrast, other options such as a writ of seizure usually refer to taking property after a judgment has been made, while a lis pendens is a notice that a lawsuit is pending concerning a specific property and does not involve immediate seizure. A default judgment occurs when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit, resulting in a ruling in favor of the plaintiff but does not involve the seizure of property beforehand.