What Is Wage Garnishment and How Can a Tax Lawyer Help?

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If you’re paying close attention to every penny that enters or leaves your bank account, you’re far from alone. Many Americans live in such tight financial circumstances that they’d have a hard time covering a surprise expense, with fewer than 40% able to cover an unexpected $1,000 bill.

From urgent medical visits to car repairs, it can be hard to make ends meet. Add an unexpected wage garnishment, and you might find yourself out of luck.

If you’re wondering, “What is wage garnishment, anyway, and how can a tax lawyer help?” it’s time to get the answers you need. Read on to learn what to do in this troubling financial situation.

What Is Wage Garnishment?

First things first: what is the meaning of “wage garnishment?”

Wage garnishment is something that happens when a court orders your workplace to withhold a specific amount of your wages. Instead of going into your pocket, this withheld money goes to someone you owe money to, as specified by the court.

Typical types of wage garnishment include child support, federal student loans, and consumer debts like loans and credit card bills. It’s also worth noting that the IRS can garnish wages as well: if you owe money for taxes, the IRS can take a percentage of your paycheck.

How Can You Avoid Wage Garnishment

Wage garnishment can feel like someone’s reaching into your pocket to take your hard-earned cash. How can you avoid these costs?

If your related court case is ongoing, you can stop wage garnishment before it happens by hiring a reputable attorney who can help win your case.

If you’ve already lost your case, you still have other options. In some cases, you can negotiate a payment plan with your creditor instead. In addition, you can file for bankruptcy for a fresh start, as this will bring an immediate end to your wage garnishments—though it’s not a decision to take lightly.

How Can a Wage Garnishment Lawyer Help?

If you’d prefer to avoid the options above, an attorney can help you understand how to stop wage garnishment. With expert help, you can challenge the court order in court or use other strategies for resolving disputes.

This can be a great option if you believe the wage garnishment is in error. If you don’t owe the debt, for example, or if you simply believe your creditor is taking too much of your money, you should consult an attorney. An attorney can also help negotiate a payment arrangement on your behalf if you’re suffering from financial hardship.

If you’re uncertain, talking to an experienced tax lawyer is always a good idea: many of these experts offer free consultations that can help you decide whether your situation would benefit from legal support.

Get the Help You Need

Now that you’ve stopped wondering, “What is wage garnishment, anyway?” it’s time for your next steps. At the end of the day, reaching out to a lawyer can help you get some much-needed clarity on what you can do in this situation. With proper legal support, you’ll find it easier to reduce or stop your wage garnishments and get more of your hard-earned cash.

Looking for more of the legal tips you need to know? Be sure to check out our other posts for additional insights.