Writ of Garnishment on Wages
Wage garnishment is a legal procedure in which a person's earnings are required by court order to be withheld by an employer for the payment of a debt.
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Writ of Garnishment
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Wage garnishments are used to pay off your debts. Your wages only can be garnished as the result of a court order.
How Much Can They Take?
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An employer can take up to 25 percent of your take home pay out of each check until the debt is paid. For people on low incomes, the employer has to make sure you are left with a certain amount of money. The amount usually is equal to minimum wage times 30.
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Special Exceptions
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Up to 50 percent of your income can be withheld if you owe child support or taxes. If you owe child support and have no other dependents, 60 percent can be withheld.
How to Get a Garnishment Order
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You must have a judgment against the debtor before you can file a request for the writ of garnishment. You need to know where the debtor works. The writ is served on the debtor's employer.
Your Rights
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Federal law prohibits employers from firing you because of a single garnishment. You can appeal a wage garnishment.
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References
Resources
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