Wage Deductions And Garnishment

Worrying about paying your bills is stressful enough even when you bring home your entire paycheck. The last thing you need is wage deductions or to have funds in your bank account garnished. Unfortunately, these are very powerful and popular collection tools for creditors.

At the Law Office of Joanne Yi, PLLC, we work fast to stop the garnishment of your wages or bank account through bankruptcy in Northern Virginia. Joanne Yi is an attorney who sincerely cares about helping her clients find relief in the best way possible. She provides honest and direct advice so you always know what to expect both from her and in your case.

Call our office in Manassas at 703-997-9156 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your financial situation.

Creditors Must File A Lawsuit Before They Can Garnish Anything

When collectors call you and threaten wage garnishment, they make it seem like it will happen immediately. Creditors cannot automatically deduct a portion of your wages or freeze your bank account. They must first file a lawsuit against you and obtain a judgment from the court in order for them to garnish wages or freeze bank accounts.

The law requires creditors to notify you that they are suing you for unpaid debts. These papers are generally referred to as a “warrant in debt” in Virginia. If you have received a notice, it is important that you contact a lawyer immediately. Failing to respond to a summons or appear on your court date is the same thing as pleading guilty. The court can enter a default judgment against you.

Is Your Money Gone Forever Or Can You Get It Back?

In many situations, it is possible to recover your funds. On the notice of garnishment, there is always a return date listed. Employers or banks are required to turn in the money to the creditor by this date. If you file for bankruptcy prior to this date, the funds are turned over to the trustee and can be used to satisfy creditors as a part of your bankruptcy plan or returned to you.

Have You Received A Notice? Contact Us Immediately.

Time is of the essence if you want to recover funds that have been garnished. Contact us immediately if you have received a notice that a creditor is suing you or garnishing your wages or bank account.

Call 703-997-9156 or send us an email to schedule your free initial consultation with our lawyer.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.