Information on Wage Garnishment
How does it work?
When you are in over your head with debt and are unable to give creditors your monthly payments the garnishment is a tool that they will use as a last tool to get the outstanding amount. It is important that you consult with an attorney in the early stages so that your financial situation does not become dire enough for garnishment to occur. In order to garnish your wages they will get in contact with your employer and inform them of the financial situation. Now your employer is notified and knows your personal business and they have to go out of their way to withhold a certain amount from each paycheck and give it directly to the creditors. Wage garnishment is very inconvenient for employers and they have to go out of their way to accommodate so they may take out a percentage for themselves as well. Creditors can also utilize non-wage garnishment and go directly into your bank accounts for the money that they are owed.
How much are they allowed to take?
Don't be mistaken, creditors do not have free reign to take an unlimited amount or take enough money to pay the entire amount of your outstanding debt. The U.S. Department of Labor has regulations and limitations that creditors must follow in cases such as these and they are only allowed to take up to 25% of your weekly disposable income. There are also certain funds that are not permitted for garnishment including:
- Federal taxes
- State taxes
- Local taxes
- Employee retirement
- Social security payments
- Unemployment insurance
They are however, able to garnish your union dues or health insurance. The garnishment laws vary from state to state, in fact some states prohibit the garnishment of wages entirely. If you are delinquent on your bills make sure that you contact a bankruptcy attorney and find out the laws of your state and how they pertain to you.
Is there a way to avoid wage garnishment?
One thing that is always beneficial to do is make your situation apparent and known to the creditors early on and don't avoid contact them with because you may be able negotiate a more manageable payment plan with them. If your wages are already being garnished then you should contact a bankruptcy and pursue one of two options. You can attempt to work out an agreement with the creditors follow through with it or you can file bankruptcy which will prohibit them from garnishing your wages any longer. There are also ways to have the amount garnished reduced so you have enough left to live off of. Wage garnishment makes it extremely difficult for people already struggling to do the simple things such as put food on the table, fill up the gas tank and pay other bills. Speak with an attorney today and find out how you can stop losing all your hard-earned money.
Fight to Protect your Paycheck
The key in situations of this nature is to face the problem head on and don't procrastinate or avoid all communication with creditors. There can be serious consequences for being late or delinquent on your payments and it is in your best interest to obtain legal protection. The attorneys at Price Law Group will do everything in their power to help you get back on your feet and hold onto your hard-earned money. They are a nationwide organization that has already helped more than 100,000 people in their battle against debt. Wage garnishment can be embarrassing, try and resolve your debt before your employer has to get involved. Contact the legal team at the firm today and find out how you can avoid garnishment from happening.