Garnishment

A garnishment is a legal process that allows a creditor to collect a debt from a debtor's wages, bank account, or other assets. Garnishments are often used to collect unpaid child support or other court-ordered debts.

There are two types of garnishments: wage garnishments and bank account garnishments. A wage garnishment is a court order that requires an employer to withhold a certain amount of money from an employee's paycheck and send it to the creditor. The amount of money that can be garnished from a paycheck is limited by law. In most cases, a creditor can only garnish up to 25% of an employee's disposable income. Disposable income is the amount of money that an employee has left after taxes and other mandatory deductions have been taken out.

A bank account garnishment is a court order that requires a bank to freeze or seize an account and send the funds to the creditor. Bank account garnishments are less common than wage garnishments, but they can be just as effective in collecting debts.

If you are facing a garnishment, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. First, you should contact an attorney to discuss your options. An attorney can help you to understand your rights and to develop a strategy for dealing with the garnishment. Second, you should try to negotiate with the creditor. If you can reach an agreement with the creditor, you may be able to avoid or reduce the amount of the garnishment. Finally, you should make sure that you are current on your other debts. If you have other debts that are in default, the creditor may be able to get a court order to garnish your wages or bank account for those debts as well.

Garnishments can be a stressful and difficult experience, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. By working with an attorney, you can increase your chances of getting through this process with as little disruption to your life as possible.