Wage garnishment: Here’s what you should know

There are numerous circumstances under which an employed Tennessee resident may have to hand over a portion of his or her earnings as part of a legal procedure. This is typically considered a severe consequence that is used when someone is far behind in his or her obligation to pay a debt. There are a number of debts that may be paid through wage garnishment.

Parents are obligated to financially provide for their children. If the court orders a parent to pay child support, he or she is obligated to adhere to the terms of the order. If the parent is unable to meet the obligation, he or she may petition the court for modification of the order, but must continue to fulfill the obligation unless and until the modification is granted. Wage garnishment is often used as a means of collecting unpaid child support.

Garnished wages may also be appropriate if a person has a formal judgment against him or her and has not fulfilled the obligation. Back taxes may also be collected through garnishment of wages. A person who owes a debt must be notified that the person to whom the debt is owed has scheduled a garnishment hearing to resolve the issue.

If the court sides with the creditor in the hearing, orders will be issued to the debtor’s employer to withhold a certain amount of wages. However, the employer must notify the employee as to when wage garnishment is going to start. An attorney who is well-versed in debt collection regulations can provide support to any Tennessee resident who is concerned about garnishment issues.