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Is a court order needed for wage garnishment in Washington?

Is a court order needed for wage garnishment in Washington?

Q: How does a creditor obtain a court order for wage garnishment in Washington?

To obtain a court order for wage garnishment in Washington, a creditor must first file a lawsuit and win a judgment against you in court. Once the judgment is secured, the creditor can request a wage garnishment order from the court, which allows them to collect a portion of your wages directly from your employer.

Q: Can the IRS garnish wages without a court order in Washington?

Yes, the IRS can garnish wages without a court order in Washington. They have the authority to do so for unpaid federal taxes. The IRS will send a notice to your employer to begin withholding a portion of your wages to satisfy the tax debt.

Q: What debts can lead to wage garnishment in Washington?

In Washington, wage garnishment can occur for various debts, including credit card debts, personal loans, and unpaid medical bills. Additionally, government debts like unpaid taxes or child support can also result in wage garnishment.

Q: How much of my wages can be garnished in Washington?

In Washington, the maximum amount that can be garnished from your wages is typically 25% of your disposable earnings or the amount by which your weekly earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. This is to ensure that you retain enough income for basic living expenses.

Full question:

Status : Open Priority : Low Owner : Dana Aultman Ticket: referred = State = Washington User Name = Order number = Is a court order required to proceed with wage garnishment

Category: Debts and Credit
Date: 04/07/2025
State: National

Answer:

In most situations, a creditor must obtain a judgment against you and secure a court order to garnish your wages. However, certain government agencies, like the IRS, can garnish wages without needing a court order.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is wage garnishment in Washington?

Wage garnishment in Washington is a legal process where a portion of your earnings is withheld by your employer to pay off a debt. This typically occurs after a creditor obtains a court judgment against you. The garnished amount is sent directly to the creditor until the debt is satisfied.