§ 524. Stay or vacation of execution of judgments, attachments, and garnishments

(a) Court action upon material affect determination If a servicemember, in the opinion of the court, is materially affected by reason of military service in complying with a court judgment or order, the court may on its own motion and shall on application by the servicemember—

(1) stay the execution of any judgment or order entered against the servicemember; and

(2) vacate or stay an attachment or garnishment of property, money, or debts in the possession of the servicemember or a third party, whether before or after judgment.

(b) Applicability

This section applies to an action or proceeding commenced in a court against a servicemember before or during the period of the servicemember’s military service or within 90 days after such service terminates.

(Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, title II, § 204, as added Pub. L. 108–189, § 1, Dec. 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 2843.)

Prior Provisions

Prior Provisions

A prior section 524, act Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, art. II, § 204, 54 Stat. 1181, related to duration and term of stays and codefendants not in service, prior to the general amendment of this Act by Pub. L. 108–189. See section 525 of this Appendix.