A wage garnishment is a legal solution authorized by a court that allows an employer to withhold a certain amount of your wage as compensation for debt. Having to go through a situation like this can be beyond stressful. You work so hard everyday, just so you can support your family and maintain a roof over their heads but then to see money being taken out of paycheck every month? That is a lot of weight and pressure being put on your shoulders to take action and do something.
A good thing about wage garnishment is that no one can do this unless they file a lawsuit against you and then win the lawsuit. There are also limits that are set up to prevent creditors from over-extending their reach into a debtor’s wallet. Particularly in the state of Alaska, the most that can be garnished from your wage is either 25% of your disposable earnings or any amount of disposable earnings in excess of 30 times minimum wage. Of the two options, whichever amount is less at the end is what will be garnished. Also, keep in mind that disposable earnings means the money that is left after your employer makes the necessary deductions that are required by law.
One exception to the lawsuit rule is if you owe child support, student loans, or taxes. The government or creditor can garnish your wages without having to get a court judgment. Also, if you have more than one garnishment, the total amount that can be withheld from your paycheck is still limited to 25%. For example, if the federal government is garnishing 15% of your income to pay back defaulted student loans and another garnishment order is received, the employer is allowed to only take another 10% out of your income to send to the other creditor.
Finally, in Alaska, your employer is not allowed to fire you from your job if you only have one garnishment order against you. However, if you have more than one tied to your name, then the federal law cannot do much at that point. Sometimes, employees choose to quit their job rather than be subject to wage garnishments. They can also decide to file for bankruptcy to avoid this situation altogether. All in all, it’s important to at least go to court and fight any case against you. Do your research and get your facts straight since the laws and limits in Alaska are different than other states.
Every summer, Archana works at Kumon, a math and reading workshop, tutoring children between the ages of three and 18 in these subjects. She used to be enrolled in this program herself, so this allows her to connect with the students and give them the one-on-one help that they need. Archana is also currently a member of NC State’s Psychology Club, Rotaract Club, and EKTAA (NC State’s premiere South Asian Student Organization).
Archana was born in India, and moved to North Carolina with her immediate family when she was 7 years old. She speaks mostly Tamil, the native language of South India, and English in her home. In addition, having taken Spanish classes since 6th grade, she can speak and understand it pretty well too. Archana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, listening to music, and going to the gym. She also loves to travel, and hopes to travel the world one day and learn about all the different cultures!
- Repaying Student Loans Can Include a Delay - May 10, 2015
- How to Get Help with Medical Bills in Michigan - November 7, 2014
- How to Get Help with Medical Bills in Massachusetts - November 7, 2014