If you receive a notice of a wage garnishment order, you might be able to protect or exempt some or all of your wages by filing an exemption claim with the court. You can also stop most garnishments by filing for bankruptcy. Your state's exemption laws determine the amount of income you'll be able to keep.
How can I stop a garnishment from happening?
In some situations, you can prevent a wage garnishment without bankruptcy.
- Respond to the Creditor's Demand Letter. ...
- Seek State-Specific Remedies. ...
- Get Debt Counseling. ...
- Object to the Garnishment. ...
- Attend the Objection Hearing (and Negotiate if Necessary) ...
- Challenge the Underlying Judgment. ...
- Continue Negotiating.
Where can I put money to avoid garnishment?
- Pay your debts if you can afford it. Make a plan to reduce your debt.
- If you cannot afford to pay your debt, see if you can set up a payment plan with your creditor. ...
- Challenge the garnishment. ...
- Do no put money into an account at a bank or credit union.
- See if you can settle your debt. ...
- Consider bankruptcy.
