Wage garnishment is a frightening concept, but it may be a reality if you owe certain types of debts that you haven’t paid. Here’s what to know about your rights when your wages are being garnished in Texas and how to get legal help to protect your income and financial future.

Wage Garnishment Defined

Wage garnishment means that your employer is legally required to withhold a portion of your earnings to pay your debts. You do not have the option to decide how much will be garnished and this money is taken out even if you work fewer hours.

You Have the Right to Be Notified of Wage Garnishment In Writing

If you are being subjected to wage garnishment, you must be notified in writing. This must include what debt your wages are being garnished for, how much you owe in total, how much of your wages will be garnished, and how often.

You Have the Right to File a Dispute Against Garnishing Your Wages

If you believe the debt for which your wages are being garnished does not belong to you or is otherwise invalid, you have the right to file a dispute against the debt. The collection agency must then confirm the debt is yours and verify the amount you owe. If they are unable to, the debt may be discharged and collection activity ceased.

You Have the Right to Request Financial Relief

If you cannot successfully dispute the debt and are unable to pay the amount your creditor is suggesting you owe, you can request financial relief. This may be in the form of lower payments each month or an alternative payment plan with the creditor, but typically requires debtors to prove why the initial proposed garnishment amount would create a significant financial hardship.

You Have the Right to Hire a Texas Bankruptcy Attorney 

You also have the right to hire a Texas bankruptcy attorney as soon as you are notified that your wages may or will be garnished by your employer to satisfy a debt that you allegedly owe. Navigating the process of disputing garnishment or requesting an alternative payment plan can be challenging on your own, but a lawyer can help.

Contact Sims Bankruptcy Law, PLLC for more information about wage garnishment by dialing 469-751-7467 (Dallas-Fort Worth) or 254-304-7161 (Central Texas). Our team of bankruptcy professionals are available now to assist you.