Wage garnishment is a serious financial burden that can make it difficult for individuals to pay their bills, afford necessities, or escape mounting debt. If you’ve received notice that your wages are about to be garnished, you’re not alone—millions of Americans face wage garnishment every year. However, you have rights and options to stop or reduce garnishment.
At The Fullman Firm, we’ve helped thousands of clients fight back against unfair debt collection practices, including wage garnishment. In this guide, we’ll explain how wage garnishment works, what laws protect you, and what steps you can take to protect your hard-earned money.
What is Wage Garnishment?
Wage garnishment is a legal process where a portion of your paycheck is withheld by your employer and sent directly to a creditor or government agency to pay off a debt. This typically happens when a creditor has sued you for an unpaid debt, won a judgment, and obtained a court order to take money directly from your wages.
Common Reasons for Wage Garnishment:
🔹 Unpaid credit card debt
🔹 Medical bills
🔹 Unpaid personal loans
🔹 Defaulted student loans
Once a garnishment is in place, it automatically deducts money from your paycheck until the debt is fully paid or you take action to stop it.
Wage Garnishment by the Numbers: The Growing Problem in the U.S.
📊 12 million workers experience wage garnishment annually. (Source: ADP Research)
📊 1 in 10 employees aged 35-44 has their wages garnished due to consumer debt.
📊 Child support and tax debts account for the largest share of wage garnishments.
For individuals struggling with debt, wage garnishment can mean losing up to 25% of their disposable income, making it nearly impossible to keep up with other financial obligations.
How Much of Your Wages Can Be Garnished?
Under federal law, there are limits to how much creditors can take from your paycheck:
✔ Private debts (credit cards, loans, medical bills): Up to 25% of disposable income or the amount exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is lower.
✔ Student loans: Up to 15% of disposable income without requiring a court order.
✔ Child support & alimony: Up to 50% of wages (or 60% if you’re not supporting another child or spouse).
✔ Unpaid taxes: IRS can garnish wages based on a formula depending on your income and dependents—sometimes leaving you with little to no paycheck left.
⚠️ California wage garnishment laws provide additional protections, capping garnishments at the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or 50% of wages exceeding 40 times the state minimum wage.
Your Rights Under Wage Garnishment Laws
While creditors have legal means to collect on debts, they must follow strict federal and state laws.
Key Wage Garnishment Protections:
✅ The Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) – Limits the amount of wages that can be garnished.
✅ The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) – Prohibits harassment, threats, and false information from debt collectors.
✅ California Law (CCP 706.050) – Offers exemptions and protections for low-income individuals.
✅ The Bankruptcy Code – Filing for bankruptcy (while a last resort) may immediately halt garnishment.
Many creditors fail to follow legal procedures before garnishing wages—giving you the opportunity to challenge the garnishment.
How to Stop Wage Garnishment
If your wages are being garnished, you need to act fast to prevent further deductions.
1. Challenge the Garnishment in Court
You can file a claim of exemption or dispute the debt if:
✔ The creditor did not follow proper legal procedures.
✔ The garnishment is causing extreme financial hardship.
✔ The debt does not belong to you.
2. Negotiate a Settlement
In many cases, creditors prefer to negotiate a settlement rather than go through the legal hassle of garnishment. Our team at The Fullman Firm has successfully negotiated thousands of settlements, often reducing the debt to a fraction of the original amount.
3. Seek Legal Assistance
Most people don’t realize that wage garnishment can be stopped with the right legal strategy. The Fullman Firm has extensive experience in helping clients fight wage garnishment, reduce payments, and challenge judgments.
🔹 We help clients file the necessary paperwork to challenge garnishment.
🔹 We negotiate directly with creditors to settle debts before further garnishment occurs.
🔹 We provide clear legal strategies to protect your wages.
4. Use California’s Wage Garnishment Exemptions
California provides specific exemptions that may prevent wage garnishment in certain situations. If your wages fall below a certain threshold or you’re facing financial hardship, we can help you file an exemption request to stop garnishment.
Why Work With The Fullman Firm?
At The Fullman Firm, we have helped thousands of Californians fight back against aggressive creditors and debt collectors. We understand the fear and frustration of losing hard-earned money, and we know how to stop it.
Our Advantage:
✔ Proven Success: Over 40 years of combined experience in debt defense.
✔ Affordable Pricing: Flat fees, no hidden costs, and flexible payment options.
✔ Aggressive Legal Representation: We fight for your rights against unlawful wage garnishment.
✔ Personalized Strategy: Every case is unique—we tailor legal solutions to fit your financial situation.
✔ Fast & Effective: Wage garnishments move quickly—so do we.
💬 “Thanks to The Fullman Firm, my wage garnishment was stopped within weeks. I was able to settle for way less than what I originally owed.” – Former Client
Act Now – Get a Free Consultation Today!
Wage garnishment can cripple your finances, but you DON’T have to go through this alone. The sooner you act, the better your chances of stopping garnishment and protecting your wages.
📞 Call us now at [866-393-4110] for a FREE consultation
💻 Visit FullmanFirm.com to learn more
Take action today—your financial future is worth fighting for.
