How to Fight Garnishments

Wage garnishment occurs when a court order directs your employer to withhold a portion of your earned wages to pay your debts. You may appeal the ruling in court if you feel unable to pay for your basic living needs -- like food, housing, health care, transportation, education and other necessities. The court could issue a new judgment preventing creditors from garnishing your wages or it could issue a smaller wage-garnishment amount.

Instructions

1

File a "claim of exemption" with the court that issued the garnishment order. Pay the required filing fee to the clerk.

2

Attend the scheduled hearing and present your basic living expenses documentation to the court judge.

3

Explain in detail your reasons for wanting a reconsideration of the wage-garnishment judgment, based on your inability to meet basic living needs. Be clear about your circumstances that prevent you from fulfilling the current judgment. Await the judge's decision.