Bankruptcy Can Put a Quick Stop to Garnishments
Few people understand how garnishments work. In fact, most people who are affected by garnishments have never even heard of the term until they receive a visit from their local sheriff. Then they find out that their bank account or a portion of their wages will be seized to pay off their debts — usually credit card bills.
At UHLLAW, PC, we offer a free initial attorney consultation to discuss your options if you have received notice of a garnishment from a sheriff in Massachusetts. We have offices in Worcester, Fitchburg, Boston, Orange and New Bedford.
What Can Be Garnished?
The most common type of garnishment is a wage garnishment. In a wage garnishment, the sheriff will order your employer to pay a portion of your salary to your creditor. Bank accounts, stock accounts and other assets can also be garnished to pay off your debts.
Who Can Garnish My Wages or Bank Accounts?
While most garnishments are initiated by credit card companies, any creditor can seek a garnishment action against you to pay off debts such as loans, lawsuit judgments and other unsecured debts.
How Do I Stop a Garnishment?
Filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stop a garnishment in its tracks. By filing bankruptcy, you can also wipe out the unsecured debts that you owe, including the debt you owe to the creditor who obtained a garnishment against you.
When Is It Too Late to Stop a Garnishment?
Filing bankruptcy will stop a garnishment at any time, even after the garnishment has taken place. However, you will not be able to get back money already paid to the creditor.
Free Bankruptcy Lawyer Consultation
Come with questions and leave with answers about how we can stop garnishments and give you a fresh financial start. Call 888-219-3993 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer.
