Wage Garnishment

Wage Garnishment Attorney

Serving the West Palm Beach & Port St. Lucie Area

In today’s economy, more people than ever are living paycheck to paycheck, making it more difficult to accumulate savings than ever before. 


Having your wages garnished can be frightening and embarrassing while placing you in stressful financial situation that can quickly become overwhelming.


If you’ve been contacted by a creditor threatening to garnish your wages, or your wages are already being garnished, you need help from Ozment Law, an experienced wage garnishment law firm with locations in both Palm Beach County and St. Lucie County Florida

What Is Wage Garnishment?

Wage garnishment occurs when a court orders your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck for a creditor payment.


Unpaid child support, consumer debt, student loans, and tax liens are common sources of wage garnishment.


Unless you intervene, the garnishment will be continued until the debt is completely satisfied. 


There are also non-wage garnishments, commonly referred to as a Bank Levy, that allow creditors to withdraw money directly from your bank account.

Depending on the type of debt being collected, federal law does place limits on how much of your disposable income a creditor can take.

Credit Card Debt, Medical Bills, Personal Loans, and Most Other Consumer Debt

Either 25% of your disposable income or the amount by which your weekly income exceeds 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less.

Child Support and Alimony

50% of your disposable income if you are supporting another child or spouse; otherwise, up to 60%. If you are more than 12 weeks late in payments, an additional 5% may be taken.

Federal Student Loans

15% of your disposable income

Taxes

 Usually, up to 15%. 

IRS will determine the amount taken based on standard deductions and the number of dependents

Defending Against Wage Garnishments

With the help of an experienced wage garnishment attorney and depending on your financial circumstances, you might be able to prevent wage garnishment before it starts.


Before they can begin to garnish your wages most creditors must obtain a judgment from a court, which allows you to attempt to reach a settlement before a judgement is awarded. 


You may also qualify for an exemption from garnishment under Florida law, depending on your income, your circumstances, and the nature of the debt. 


Call our office today to discuss your personal situation.

West Palm Beach Office (561) 689-6789  Port St. Lucie Office (772) 344-9090

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