Know how to stop garnishment with the help of a bankruptcy lawyer

In the world of debt collection, wage garnishment is the equivalent of bringing in the ‘big guns.’ It is a regular payment to a creditor, taken directly from your salary by your employer. If you are facing garnishment, you should take action immediately to regain control of your finances and halt the collection efforts. With the help of an experienced bankruptcy lawyer, you can understand how to stop garnishment comprehensively and navigate the complex landscape of debt collection.

At Karina Lucid Law, our bankruptcy attorney helps individuals & businesses solve debt problems. We take the time to learn about the specifics of your financial and personal situation and then build a bankruptcy strategy that will result in the best conclusion possible. Contact us now and schedule a free consultation.

What is Wage Garnishment?

Wage garnishment is a legal process through which a creditor obtains a court order to collect a portion of a person’s earnings directly from their paycheck. This process allows creditors to satisfy unpaid debts by intercepting some of the debtor’s wages before they are paid to the individual. Wage garnishment is typically used as a last resort by creditors after other attempts to collect the debt have been unsuccessful.

What are the Reasons for Garnishment?

Wage garnishment can occur for various reasons, typically related to unpaid debts or legal obligations. The most common reasons for garnishment include:

  • Unpaid Consumer Debts: Creditors can seek wage garnishment for outstanding debts such as credit card balances, personal loans, medical bills, and payday loans. Wage garnishment may be pursued if a debtor has failed to pay these types of debts and the creditor obtains a court judgment.
  • Child Support and Alimony: Government agencies or individuals owed child support or alimony (spousal support) may obtain a court order for wage garnishment to ensure consistent and timely payments. These obligations are legally mandated and have high priority.
  • Unpaid Taxes: Government entities (e.g., the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state tax agencies) can garnish wages to recover overdue income taxes, property taxes, or other types of taxes.
  • Student Loans: If a debtor defaults on federal student loans, the government can initiate wage garnishment without obtaining a court judgment. Private student loan lenders may also seek garnishment after getting a court order.
  • Court Judgments: A creditor who has successfully sued a debtor and obtained a court judgment can use wage garnishment to collect the awarded amount. That can apply to various debts or legal disputes.
  • Unpaid Rent or Eviction Costs: Landlords or property management companies may seek wage garnishment to recover outstanding rent or costs associated with eviction, such as court fees or damages.
  • Medical Debt: Medical providers, hospitals, or collection agencies can pursue wage garnishment for unpaid medical bills after obtaining a court judgment.
  • Consumer Loans: If a debtor defaults on a secured loan, such as an auto loan, and the lender repossesses the collateral (e.g., the vehicle) but the sale does not fully cover the debt, the lender may seek wage garnishment for the remaining balance.
  • Court Fines and Legal Fees: Unpaid court fines, legal fees, and other related costs resulting from legal proceedings can lead to wage garnishment.

Remember that garnishment procedures and regulations can vary by jurisdiction and the type of debt or obligation. In some cases, there may be legal limits on the amount garnished from a person’s wages, ensuring they have enough income to cover essential living expenses.

If you are facing garnishment or believe you may be at risk of a wage garnishment, seek legal advice to understand your rights and explore potential options for resolving the debt or legal obligation.

How Can I Stop Garnishment in New Jersey?

Stopping garnishment requires proactive steps and may involve negotiation, legal actions, or financial restructuring. Here are the key actions you can take to stop garnishment:

    • Understand Your Situation: Determine the garnishment you are facing (e.g., wage, bank account, tax refund, etc.), the creditor involved, and the amount being garnished. Understand your rights and legal protections in your jurisdiction.
    • Review the Garnishment Order: Carefully examine the garnishment order to ensure its accuracy and legitimacy. Verify that the proper legal procedures were followed.
  • Negotiate with the Creditor By:
      • Contacting the creditor: Contact the creditor to discuss your situation and explore possible alternatives to garnishment.
      • Offering a repayment plan: Propose a reasonable repayment plan you can afford. Most creditors may be willing to work with you to avoid the administrative costs of garnishment.
  • File for Bankruptcy:
      • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: If you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an automatic stay will be issued upon filing, temporarily halting all collection activities, including garnishment.
      • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves creating a repayment plan, allowing you to catch up on debts over time. The automatic stay takes effect upon filing.
  • Challenge the Garnishment:
  • Dispute the debt: If you believe the debt is invalid or there are errors in the garnishment process, you can challenge the debt’s validity in court.
  • Seek legal advice: Consult our attorney with extensive experience in debt and garnishment to determine the best legal strategy for challenging the garnishment.
  • Seek Legal Help:
  • Consult our attorney: Our bankruptcy or debt relief attorney can assess your situation, explain your options, and guide you through stopping garnishment.
  • Legal aid services: If you can’t afford an attorney, look for free or low-cost legal aid services that can provide guidance.
  • Examine Exemptions:
  • Research exemptions: Understand the available exemptions in your jurisdiction that protect certain income or assets from garnishment.
  • Apply for exemptions: If applicable, file the necessary paperwork to claim exemptions and protect your income or assets.
  • Agree to a Settlement:
  • Negotiate a settlement: If you have a lump sum available, you may be able to negotiate a settlement with the creditor to pay a reduced amount and satisfy the debt.
  • Maintain Compliance: If you reach an agreement with the creditor or the court to stop or modify the garnishment, ensure you meet your obligations and make payments on time.
  • Financial Management:
  • Create a budget: Develop a realistic budget to manage your finances, prioritize essential expenses, and avoid further financial challenges.
  • Build an emergency fund: Establish an emergency savings fund to handle unexpected expenses and prevent future financial crises.

Remember that each situation is unique, and the best approach to stopping garnishment depends on your circumstances. Seeking advice from our bankruptcy lawyer in New Jersey or a financial advisor is recommended to determine the most appropriate strategy for your situation.

What are the Limits on Wage Garnishment in New Jersey?  

Under federal law, a judgment creditor can garnish the lesser of:

  • 25% of your disposable earnings, or
  • your disposable earnings are less than 30 times the federal minimum wage.

In New Jersey, $48 is exempt. (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:17-50). Also, under New Jersey law, a creditor may only garnish:

  • Up to 10% of your income if you earn no more than 250% of the federal poverty level for a household of your size, or
  • For a debt owing to the state, up to 25% if you earn more than 250% of the federal poverty level (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:17-56).

Military pay and benefits are exempt from garnishment in New Jersey.

Why Do I Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer in New Jersey?

Our bankruptcy attorney can be an invaluable resource for stopping garnishment. Our knowledge of bankruptcy law and the legal system can help you navigate the complexities of your financial situation and take appropriate actions to halt or prevent garnishment. 

Here’s how Karina Lucid Law can assist you in stopping garnishment:

  • Automatic Stay: One of the most powerful tools in bankruptcy is automatic stay. An automatic stay is enacted when you file for bankruptcy. This legal injunction prohibits creditors, including those attempting to garnish your wages, from taking further collection actions. Our bankruptcy lawyer can initiate the automatic stay as soon as you file, halting the garnishment process effectively.
  • Legal Knowledge: Our bankruptcy attorneys are well-versed in federal and state bankruptcy laws. We understand the nuances of different bankruptcy chapters (e.g., Chapter 7, Chapter 13) and their implications for various financial situations. This understanding helps us strategize and choose the most appropriate bankruptcy option to address your garnishment issue.
  • Navigating the Process: Filing for bankruptcy involves complex paperwork, court filings, and adherence to specific timelines. Our bankruptcy attorney will guide you through the process, ensuring that all necessary documents are completed accurately and submitted on time. This reduces the likelihood of errors that could delay your bankruptcy case or jeopardize your goal of stopping garnishment.
  • Negotiation and Representation: If you are facing a garnishment due to unpaid debts, our bankruptcy lawyer can negotiate with creditors on your behalf. We can work to secure more favorable repayment terms, potentially reducing the amount owed or arranging a manageable payment plan. If a court hearing is required to address the garnishment, our bankruptcy attorney will represent you, presenting your case and advocating for your financial interests.

If you are considering bankruptcy to stop garnishment, consulting with our bankruptcy lawyer in New Jersey is prudent to ensure you make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome for your financial situation.

Call our New Jersey Bankruptcy Attorney Now!

Garnishment, a legal process that allows creditors to collect debts directly from your income or assets, can create significant financial stress and disrupt your financial stability. Whether you are dealing with wage garnishment, bank account seizure, or other forms of collection, your actions can make a substantial difference in your financial well-being. By learning about your rights, exploring available options, and taking informed steps, you can potentially stop a garnishment or reduce its impact on your life.

With the help of a trusted law firm like Karina Lucid Law, rest assured we will give you the best chance at a successful resolution. You are in capable hands as you are represented by a New Jersey bankruptcy attorney who understands your needs and has the depth of bankruptcy law experience to smooth out the bumpy roads of the bankruptcy process.

Ready to get started on your fresh start? Whether through Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, trust that we will offer you the best legal solution for your situation. Call us now!