{"id":4720,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/garnishment-of-wages.html"},"modified":"2026-10-19T08:47:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T13:47:16","slug":"garnishment-of-wages","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/garnishment-of-wages.html","title":{"rendered":"An Employer’s Guide to Handling Wage Garnishment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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An Employer's Guide to Handling Wage Garnishment<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A wage garnishment<\/span> is a court order<\/span> requiring an employer to withhold a portion of an employee’s earnings to pay a debt. As a business owner, you must comply with these orders. Federal and state laws also govern the process and limit how much you can withhold. This guide explains your responsibilities, outlines the steps you must take, and clarifies how to handle wage garnishment<\/span> correctly.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A garnishment order<\/span> is a legal remedy creditors<\/span> use to collect an unpaid debt. As an employer, you may receive an order to garnish wages<\/span> for several types of past-due debts, including:<\/p>\n