Can a debt collector garnish my wages?

Yes, a debt collector can garnish your wages in Washington. This is a legal procedure called wage garnishment, and it allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck until a debt is repaid. In Washington, the amount that can be garnished is limited by law. Under the Consumer Debt Defense Law in Washington, up to 25% of disposable earnings can be garnished if you make less than the median income level. This means that your wages can be garnished if you earn less than a certain amount per month. If you make more than the median income level, the court can allow a creditor to garnish up to 15% of your earnings, or the amount by which your weekly paycheck exceeds thirty times the federal minimum wage. In Washington, certain types of debt are not subject to wage garnishment. These include student loan debt, taxes, child support, and alimony. Additionally, wages for military personnel are exempt from garnishment. If a creditor has threatened to garnish your wages, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on debt protection laws and provide guidance on how best to protect your finances.

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