Stopping Wage Garnishment Through Bankruptcy

Wage Garnishment and the Automatic Stay

Hands passing paperwork at a desk; calculator, magnifying glass, and pen nearby.
When your wages are being garnished, the financial strain on your family can escalate quickly. Losing a portion of each paycheck often makes it difficult to cover basic living expenses, leaving people feeling stuck. Bankruptcy can provide immediate relief and a structured path out of that cycle.

One of the most powerful protections bankruptcy offers is the automatic stay. Once a bankruptcy case is filed, most wage garnishments must stop right away. This court order prevents creditors from continuing collection efforts while your case is pending, allowing you to regain control of your income.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often used to eliminate unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans that commonly lead to wage garnishment. For many filers, these debts are fully discharged, meaning the garnishment ends permanently once the case is complete. In other situations, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be used to stop garnishment while repaying certain debts over time.

Not all garnishments are treated the same. Obligations such as child support and certain tax debts are not discharged in bankruptcy. Even so, filing may still provide temporary relief or help create a more manageable payment structure. Understanding which debts can be addressed is critical before taking action.

Because timing matters, working with a bankruptcy attorney is essential. An attorney can determine the fastest and most effective way to stop a garnishment, ensure that your paperwork is filed correctly, and help avoid mistakes.

While wage garnishment can feel overwhelming, it does not have to be permanent. Bankruptcy may provide the opportunity to stop the drain on your paycheck and create the breathing room needed to regain financial stability. 
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