What is a garnishment in civil law?

A garnishment is a type of civil law process in which a creditor (such as a bank, credit card company, or government agency) is legally allowed to take property, such as wages or bank accounts, from a debtor to satisfy a debt. In California, garnishment applies to a person’s wages and bank accounts. If a creditor obtains a court order for a garnishment, the debtor’s employer or bank must comply with the order. This means that the employer or bank must forward a portion of the debtor’s wages or funds to the creditor. This money is used to satisfy the debt and help the creditor get the money that it is owed. Garnishment is also used to collect child support payments or unpaid taxes owed to the state or federal government. California law places limits on the amount of the debtor’s wages or bank funds that can be garnished. Generally, the creditor may not take more than 25% of the debtor’s wages or more than the amount the debtor owes in taxes, fines, or fees. If a garnishment has been issued against you in California, you may be able to file a claim of exemption to have the garnishment revoked. Additionally, the creditor may report the debt to credit bureaus, which could adversely affect your credit score. It is therefore important to take appropriate action and contact a qualified attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.

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