Garnishment

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Social Security income is a lifeline for most seniors. Because it is considered so essential for survival, it has traditionally been protected from attachment by creditors. However, there are some exceptions.  Please review the guide below for more information.
What is a garnishment? A garnishment is basically a legal collections tool where a creditor obtains a court order compelling an employer to withhold a portion of an employee’s wages. The amount that can be withheld is capped at 25%, however, the percentage may vary depending on the state issuing the garnishment and the type of debt. The cap applies to all creditors, meaning 25% is the most that can be withheld at any one time. Garnishments, however, are not limited to wages and can involve one time garnishment of bank accounts or personal property.
Un acreedor puede requerirle a un empleador a desviar parte del sueldo de un empleado para pagar un fallo/ sentencia. El acreedor está limitado a tomar el sueldo de un deudor que: a) exceda treinta (30) veces el sueldo mínimo federal ($7.25 por hora vigente 24 de julio 2009), o b) es 25% del ingreso disponible. Cualquier exención cual permite al deudor mantener más de su sueldo aplica. Ingreso disponible es el pago neto del deudor después de las deducciones requeridas por ley, tal como impuestos, cuales son rebajados...
Once a creditor sues and obtains a judgment (court order) against a debtor they must follow a legal process to obtain payment. The creditor collects on a judgment through a "Writ of Execution" which directs a sheriff to seize the debtor's money, property, or real estate to pay the debt (in limited situations, money or property may be taken before a court enters a judgment). A creditor must collect on the debt within five years after a court issues a judgment, although a creditor can renew a judgment for additional five year periods.

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