What is the purpose of an attachment in property law?

The purpose of an attachment in property law is primarily to seize property as security for a judgment payment. This legal mechanism allows a creditor to claim a debtor's property while a lawsuit is ongoing, ensuring that the property can be used to satisfy a judgment if the creditor wins the case. When an attachment is granted by the court, it serves as a lien on the property, preventing the debtor from selling or otherwise disposing of the attached assets while the legal proceedings are active.

In this context, the attachment provides financial security to the creditor, ensuring that they have a way to collect on a potential judgment. This process is critical for creditors seeking assurance that they can recover debts owed to them, especially if there is a concern that the debtor may attempt to hide or transfer assets to avoid payment.

The other options relate to different aspects of property law: assessing market value relates to appraisals, establishing ownership connects to title searches and deeds, while preventing future liens involves the management of titles and existing debts rather than the function of an attachment.