What are Wage Garnishments?
Today, many Americans are in debt because of home loans, credit cards, auto loans, etc. In many cases, the debt has become so high that courts will apply wage garnishment laws to force workers to pay back some of the outstanding debt owed to creditors. This is to ensure that workers donâ??t increase the amount of debt already incurred and force themselves into bankruptcy.
Can an Employer Fire Me because of Wage Garnishment?
Title II of the Consumer Credit Protection Act prevents employers from dismissing an employee for being subject to wage garnishments. However, if an employee accumulates further debt and a court has required more than one wage garnishment, an employer has a right to fire that employee. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the employee to comply with the wage garnishment requirements and not increase existing debt. How Does Wage Garnishment Work?
Wage garnishment imposes deductions on an employeeâ??s salary after all disposable income has been deducted. These deductions include the following: - Federal and State taxes
- Social Security
- Unemployment Insurance
Are their Limits as to the Amount Deducted?
Yes. Wage garnishments are to be no greater than 25% of disposable income. This limits the amount of money employers can withhold from employees to force payments of debt reduction. Should I Contact an Attorney?
An experienced attorney can help answer your questions about wage garnishment law and what steps you can take. Many employers withhold a large percentage of your earned income that exceeds the 25% limit, and a lawyer can help you to recover that money. |
