How Long Does Wage Garnishment Last?
Wage garnishment typically lasts until the debt is fully paid, including interest and court fees. However, it can end sooner if you negotiate a settlement, file for bankruptcy, or if the garnishment order expires due to state-specific limitations or the creditor’s failure to renew it. When creditors garnish your wages, it can be emotionally straining, and your financial control can slip away.
But there are ways you can defend against wage garnishments and take back control. First, secure legal help from an experienced debt relief lawyer. Secondly, write a letter explaining your financial hardship and submit evidence such as pay stubs, utility bills, or disconnection letters as supporting documents.
How Does Wage Garnishment Work?
Wage garnishment is a legal or equitable procedure wherein creditors instruct your employer to withhold part of your paycheck until your debt has been satisfied. Usually, this amount equals what is owed plus interest; however, there may be exceptions, such as when back taxes or child support payments and student loan debts are involved, where more than 30 times the federal minimum wage can be garnished from your pay period.
Before garnishing your wages, the judgment creditor must file a Request for Writ of Garnishment and win a money judgment against you. Once they do so, they can file with the court a garnishment order, which will then be delivered directly to your employer (often via the sheriff or another official) along with all relevant information, including an award amount including interest plus your employer’s name and address.
You must hire a professional bankruptcy attorney for this wage garnishment process because they can guide you through every detail. The Pope is the most recommended bankruptcy attorney in Johnson City, TN. Contact us now!