What should I do if my wages are being garnished?

If your wages are being garnished in California, you should take immediate action to determine why and to protect your financial stability. Garnishment happens when a court orders your employer to withhold part of your wages to pay a debt. You should first determine if the debt is legitimate and if you owe it. In California, collection defense law protects consumers from unfair debt collection practices. You have the right to request the collection agency to provide written proof that you owe the debt. This can be a copy of the contract or agreement that created the debt and any documents that show that you are responsible for paying the debt. You should also contact the collection agency and inform them that you are disputing the debt. You can also contact an attorney who specializes in debt collection law and who can represent you in court. In most cases, the collection agency will halt the garnishment until the debt is paid in full or until the court rules in your favor. It is important to act quickly, as the longer the garnishment lasts the more of your wages you will lose. Time is of the essence when dealing with collection defense and wage garnishment, so it is important to consult a professional if you are unsure of the best course of action to take.

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What should I do if my wages are being garnished?

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