Wage Garnishment After a Judgment
This page covers wage garnishment as pursued directly by a judgment creditor after winning a debt lawsuit — a distinct process from bankruptcy's automatic-stay protection against garnishment, covered separately in our Bankruptcy and Wage Garnishment guide.
How Wage Garnishment Works After a Judgment
Once a creditor has a judgment, they can generally seek a wage garnishment order directing your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck and send it to satisfy the debt, subject to legal limits and, in some states, additional court approval steps.
Federal Limits
Federal law, enforced through the Department of Labor and referenced by the CFPB, caps how much of your disposable earnings can be garnished for most debts. State limits can be more protective than the federal floor, so your specific state's rule may allow less to be garnished than the federal maximum.
How to Respond
Some states allow hardship exemptions that can reduce or eliminate garnishment in cases of genuine financial hardship. Consult an attorney promptly if you've been notified of a garnishment, since response windows and available defenses are generally time-sensitive and state-specific.
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This information is for general education only and is not legal advice. Court procedures, deadlines, and rules vary by state and by court. Consult a licensed attorney immediately if you have been served with a lawsuit — deadlines to respond are often short and missing one can result in an automatic loss.