Knoxville Wage Garnishment Attorneys

Helping East Tennessee Residents Overcome Wage Garnishment

The concept of wage garnishment is one that often makes people disheartened and frustrated. When they have worked so hard in an economy that is already punishing them with low wages and hours, it is discouraging when creditors swallow up a person's hard-earned salary without them even seeing a penny. What is even worse is that this type of method of paying back debts is a long process that is hardly effective at helping you lose the chains of debt.

If you are a resident of Morristown, Knoxville, or Sevierville who happens to be faced with the threat of garnished wages, The Law Offices Of Mayer & Newton are ready to support you. Our determined wage garnishment attorneys in Knoxville can help you file for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy options. Through the safety net of bankruptcy, you can make your payments without the fear of creditors constantly hassling you to withhold wages.

Call us today at (865) 328-7993 so that our Knoxville wage garnishment lawyers can help you avoid the hardship of this process.

What is Wage Garnishment? 

Wage garnishment is considered a legal process through which a portion of an individual's earnings is withheld by their employer in order to satisfy a debt. It is a powerful tool utilized by creditors to recover unpaid debts, often resulting in financial challenges for the affected individuals. Wage garnishment typically occurs after a creditor has obtained a court order, allowing them to collect a specific amount directly from the debtor's paycheck. Common scenarios leading to wage garnishment include unpaid child support, outstanding taxes, defaulted student loans, and other debts subject to legal action. At The Law Offices Of Mayer & Newton, our Knoxville wage garnishment lawyers recognize the impact this process can have on your financial stability and are here to offer comprehensive legal support.

What Are the Disadvantages of Wage Garnishment? 

When your creditor goes to the local court and requests to garnish your wages, several consequences result from this event. These consequences can have painful effects on your life and livelihood.

Some of the major disadvantages of wage garnishment include:

• You might be required to have up to 25% withheld from your earnings: Having a large chunk taken out of your income can threaten your ability to take care of other debts you must pay.
• Your boss or employer could force you to pay a fee for handling expenses: This results in an even greater loss of funds.
• Your employer cannot refuse the process of garnishment: If your employer does not have the garnishment paid on time in the full amount of the selected percentage, they will be forced to pay the whole sum of your debt, even if this happens for emergency reasons.
• Your employer could often begrudge the trouble of wage garnishment and fire you: Often, employers do not want to deal with the risk and hassle of garnishing your wages because it requires a lot of time and paperwork, in addition to the horrible burden hanging over them that they might have to pay your debt. As a result, many employers simply fire their employees rather than bear the responsibility of wage garnishment.

Options to Consider If Your Wages Are Being Garnished

There are definitely still options for you if you ever find yourself in the tough situation of having your wages garnished.

• Negotiate with creditors. You may be able to work with the creditor to resolve the debt, such as negotiating a smaller monthly payment or negotiating a debt settlement.
• File for bankruptcy. One of the most effective methods of immediately stopping garnishment is by applying for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy with our knowledgeable wage garnishment lawyers in Knoxville.
• Challenge the garnishment. It may be possible to challenge the garnishment if the amount taken is more than appropriate or if the creditors didn't follow the proper protocol to request the garnishment.

Understanding Your Rights in Wage Garnishment Cases

Wage garnishment can be a daunting experience, but it's essential to know that you have rights as a debtor. At The Law Offices Of Mayer & Newton, we believe that informed clients are empowered clients. Understanding your rights can help you navigate the complexities of wage garnishment more effectively.

Here are some key rights you should be aware of:

• Notification: You must be notified before garnishment begins. Creditors are required to inform you of the impending garnishment and provide details regarding the debt.
• Limitations on Amount: There are legal limits on how much of your wages can be garnished. Generally, creditors can only take a portion of your disposable earnings, ensuring you still have enough to cover your living expenses.
• Exemptions: Certain income types, such as Social Security benefits or disability payments, may be exempt from garnishment. Knowing what is exempt can help you protect your income.
• Right to Challenge: You have the right to contest the garnishment if you believe it is unjust or if you have already settled the debt. Our experienced attorneys can help you file the necessary motions to challenge the garnishment.

Being aware of your rights can make a significant difference in how you handle wage garnishment. If you are facing garnishment or have questions about your rights, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at The Law Offices Of Mayer & Newton for a consultation.

Get Help from Knoxville Wage Garnishment Lawyers Today

The moment that you turn in your application to be processed, any future or current event of garnishing (except for funds going toward child support) will be immediately cut off, so that you are not being slowly bled of your income. Additionally, all funds that had been taken away from you following your bankruptcy application date are required to be returned to you.

Contact The Law Offices Of Mayer & Newton at (865) 328-7993 so that our Knoxville wage garnishment attorneys can help. Schedule your free consultation today.