Walk It Through: The Garnished Paycheck

A judgment on an old debt, a garnishment, the twenty percent limit, and what cannot be taken.

A debt collector sends a letter threatening to garnish wages over an unpaid medical bill.

Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.

One medical debt and one garnishment. Child support garnishment, bankruptcy, a bank account levy and a debt collector's conduct under federal law are not worked through here.

A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.

Words this turns on

Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.

Disposable earningsThe pay garnishment is measured against, of which no more than twenty percent may be taken in a week on an ordinary debt.
Absolutely exemptProperty no creditor may levy on or sell, such as clothing, family pictures, a year's food and fuel, and prescribed health aids.