Rule 667.Judgment by Default

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 667 lets the court render a default judgment against a garnishee that fails to answer the writ by the time directed, for the full amount of the plaintiff's judgment against the defendant.

Full Text of Rule 667

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If the garnishee fails to file an answer to the writ of garnishment at or before the time directed in the writ, it shall be lawful for the court, at any time after judgment shall have been rendered against the defendant, and on or after appearance day, to render judgment by default, as in other civil cases, against such garnishee for the full amount of such judgment against the defendant together with all interest and costs that may have accrued in the main case and also in the garnishment proceedings. The answer of the garnishee may be filed as in any other civil case at any time before such default judgment is rendered.

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Plain-English Summary

Rule 667 handles a non-answering garnishee. If the garnishee fails to file an answer to the writ at or before the time directed, the court may render a default judgment against the garnishee for the full amount of the plaintiff's judgment against the defendant — so a garnishee cannot ignore the writ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a garnishee doesn't answer in Texas?

The court may render a default judgment against it for the full amount of the underlying judgment (Rule 667).

Can a Texas garnishee still file a late answer?

Yes. Rule 667 lets the garnishee file an answer any time before the court renders the default judgment.

When can a Texas court enter a default judgment against a garnishee?

Rule 667 allows it any time after judgment has been rendered against the defendant and on or after appearance day, if the garnishee still has not answered.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 667), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: judgment by default garnishmentgarnishee defaultlate garnishee answerdefault judgment against garnisheeTRCP 667