How to Reduce Garnishment Payments

Getting your paycheck and noticing a reduction in pay can spark panic. Less pay might result from a wage garnishment order sent to your employer. Creditors can request a garnishment from the court system if you refuse to pay a judgment. With garnishments, employers must withhold up to 25 percent of your income. In certain situations, such as delinquent alimony or child support payments, a wage garnishment can consume 50 percent of your pay.

Instructions

1

Go to your local court's clerk office and schedule a hearing to discuss the wage garnishment order. File a Claim of Exemption form. A judge needs to decide whether to reduce or eliminate the wage garnishment.

2

Ask for a reduction due to economic hardship. Inform the judge that you can't make a living because you're losing 25 percent of your paycheck. Show evidence of monthly expenses to inform the judge's ruling, such as copies of your income stubs after withholdings and recent statements for utilities, mortgage, auto loans and other monthly expenses.

3

Work with your creditor on this issue and politely ask the company to reduce how much they take from your pay each week. If agreed upon, the company will have to file any changes with the local court.