When, in an action commenced by process of foreign attachment, the defendant does not appear, if the plaintiff does not take a default in such action within four months after the day on which the process is returnable to such court, the judicial authority may, at any time thereafter, upon motion of any garnishee in such action, assign the same for trial.
Section 14-22.Assignment for Trial on Motion of Garnishee
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule lets a garnishee in a foreign attachment case ask the court to schedule the case for trial if the plaintiff has not defaulted the absent defendant within four months of the return date.
Full Text of Section 14-22
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 278.)
Plain-English Summary
This rule addresses a narrow situation in foreign attachment actions: the defendant never appeared, and the plaintiff has waited more than four months after the return date without taking a default against that defendant. In that circumstance, a garnishee holding attached property or debts can move the court to assign the case for trial, rather than leave the matter open indefinitely.
The rule protects garnishees from being left in limbo. Once they file the motion, the judicial authority may assign the case for trial at any time after the four-month window has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a garnishee under this rule?
A garnishee is a person or entity holding property or owing a debt to the defendant that has been attached in the foreign attachment action; this rule lets that garnishee ask the court to move the case toward trial.
When can a garnishee file this motion?
The garnishee can file the motion only after four months have passed since the day the process was returnable to the court and the plaintiff still has not taken a default against the non-appearing defendant.
Does this rule apply if the defendant has appeared?
No, the rule applies specifically to situations where the defendant does not appear in the foreign attachment action.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 14-22). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: garnishee motion for trial CTforeign attachment assignment for trialConnecticut Practice Book 14-22garnishee trial assignment defaultforeign attachment defendant no appearance