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When you owe money to a creditor, you may start receiving calls, emails, and letters asking for repayment. If they continue to go without payments for long enough, they may ask the court for permission to begin garnishing your wages. This is usually the case for parents who have fallen behind on child support, but it may also occur for student loans and consumer debts, such as credit cards. If you’re unsure of what to do in a wage garnishment situation, use the following tips to find a solution.

What to Do if Your Wages Are Being Garnished

1. Know Your Rights

First, it’s important to make sure you’re being treated fairly when it comes to wage garnishment. For example, you shouldn’t have any money taken out of your checks or direct deposits if you weren’t officially notified, such as with a letter from the creditor.

If you don’t owe the debt or believe you are being held responsible for the wrong amount, you can file a dispute. You’ll need to do this within five business days, so it’s crucial to act fast. It’s also important to note that if you receive Social Security or VA benefits, these can’t be garnished until they are in your bank account. 

2. Try to Work Out a Deal

wage garnishmentIn some cases, your creditors may simply have assumed that you were unable or unwilling to pay back the debt. To stop them from taking it directly out of your account, get in touch with your credit card company or student loan provider. Ask them if they’re willing to work out a more reasonable payment plan, so you can offer regular sums on your own schedule. In some cases, they may even be open to settling the debt, or agree to a lower amount as a lump sum.

3. Challenge the Order

If your dispute is rejected and your creditor isn’t willing to meet you in the middle, you can work with an attorney to challenge the judge’s order. They can examine the terms of the garnishment, and look for errors in the creditor’s actions that might negate the order. This could include, for example, if the creditor didn’t properly notify you before taking money from your account, or if your debts were already discharged in a previous bankruptcy.  

 

If you’re trying to challenge a wage garnishment order, reach out to Harry B. Zornow of Hamilton, OH. This trusted attorney has over 30 years of experience helping clients work their way out of debt, whether you need to appeal a ruling or file for bankruptcy. From your free initial consultation to the resolution of your case, you can count on Attorney Zornow. To learn more about his services, visit the website, or call (513) 737-9770 to schedule your appointment.

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