Ontario Wage Garnishment Lawyers
Debts can be hard to handle. Some people give up on them due to a lack of money. They just can’t keep up when there are daily living expenses to pay. However, if you are not making payments on your loans, credit cards, and other debts, your creditors aren’t going to be happy. They may call you demanding payment. After a while, they may file a lawsuit against you. They may even garnish your wages.
Wage garnishment is the act in which employers withhold a portion of a person’s wages until the balance is paid. This may seem unfair, but it is a legal procedure. Wage garnishment can be done without a judgment. This is the case for child and spousal support, as well as student loan debt and back taxes. However, there are limits on wage garnishment. It is not always done fairly. Contact an Ontario wage garnishment lawyer from Wadhwani & Shanfeld to understand your legal rights in these matters.
What to Consider
While wage garnishment is legal, it is not always done fairly. There are limits as to how much money can be taken from your wages. For debts, a creditor cannot garnish more than 25% of your wages. Up to 50% of your pay can be taken for child support, and as much as 60% for past due child support. If you owe back taxes, the IRS can garnish up to 75% of your wages.
Note that there are situations in which your pay cannot be garnished. For example, pensions and Social Security benefits are protected from garnishment. Also, if you have agreed to installment payments or have filed for bankruptcy, then your money is protected. However, an installment payment order must be done through the court. This can stop creditors from taking wages as long as you make the required payments on time.
When to Hire a Lawyer
In some cases, it is helpful to hire a lawyer. You may not be aware of the wage garnishment until it happens. You may need to contact the creditor, your bank, or your employer to learn more about the garnishment order.
You may want to contact a lawyer in the following situations:
- You have already paid the debt.
- You don’t owe the debt.
- The creditor is garnishing too much money.
- The creditor garnishes a bank account instead.
- You’re willing to work out other payment arrangements.
- You want to file for bankruptcy.
- Your employer fires you over wage garnishment, which is illegal.
Contact Wadhwani & Shanfeld Today
Getting your wages garnished can be a frustrating experience. Your income is taken away before you even see it. You may feel like you’re working for nothing.
The Ontario wage garnishment lawyers at Wadhwani & Shanfeld can assess your situation and help you understand your legal rights as well as the laws involved. Schedule a consultation to see how we can assist you. Give us a call today at (800) 996-9932.
