Facing wage garnishment is one of the most stressful scenarios to find yourself in. After all, you work hard for your money, and no one should be able to take it before covering the essentials. If you’re at risk of losing some portion of your paycheck, though, you are not alone. Garnishment is a looming threat for many Americans. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are familiar with the proceedings. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about this legal process. Here is what you should know about wage garnishment. 

Common Myths

If an employer receives notice that an employee’s wages should be garnished, they must comply to avoid facing legal ramifications of their own. Many people believe employers have to ask permission or at least inform an employee of a pending garnishment, but neither is the case. The government does not have to inform you of this arrangement, either.

Another common myth regards the total amount that can be garnished. The government does not have to limit what they take. Instead, they can leave you with less than $300 per paycheck—or less than $200 if you’re not married. For this reason, it’s essential to do everything possible to stop the proceedings. 

Facts

Contrary to popular belief, it may be possible to stop the government from garnishing wages even after receiving a final notice. Upon receiving such a notice, individuals still have 30 days to arrange a reasonable payment plan or request a hearing. Fortunately, an attorney can help with either approach. 

There is also a lot of confusion regarding the kinds of debts that can lead to wage garnishment. In general, the government can take some portion of every paycheck for unpaid child support, tax obligations, alimony, court fines, student loans, and monetary civil judgments. It’s important to review the actual facts and precise proceedings regarding wage garnishment, so you know if you’re at risk of losing some portion of every check.

If you are facing wage garnishment in Hamilton, OH, turn to Harry B. Zornow. This compassionate debt relief attorney will evaluate your financial situation to determine if you have any other options. He has been representing clients for more than three decades, which means you can be sure he has seen it all. Instead of judging you for current circumstances, he will explain the best ways to regain your financial footing. Visit his website or call (513) 737-9770 to schedule an initial consultation today.