Wage Garnishment Information

Wage garnishment is the practice of deducting money from an employee's wages to pay a debtor. The court can send an order to your employer to ensure compliance with the garnishment.

Reasons For Garnishment

Garnishments can occur from any type of debt, including unpaid student loans, child support, taxes and any other unpaid financial judgment.

Garnishments Served On An Employer

Garnishments are often served on the employer, and any garnishments of employees are taken directly from payroll. Federal tax garnishments are taken first, then local tax garnishments are taken. Any other remaining garnishments follow those.

Negative Aspects Of Garnishment

Wage garnishment can make it difficult to obtain a loan or open a bank account. Up to 25 percent of disposable wages can be removed from each paycheck a person receives from her employer.

Attachment

Attachment is a form of garnishment in which the garnishee must give all his property to the court to be processed for payment to the plaintiff. The attachment will start on the second pay period after the court order.

Considerations

Garnishments can be avoided by maintaining an up-to-date record of debts owed and by paying debts on time.

References

• Employment Law Guide--Wage Garnishment
• Wage Garnishment Laws and Your Rights
• Administrative Wage Garnishment

Resources

• Wage Garnishment