Wage Garnishment Attorney in Howell, New Jersey

If you're dealing with wage garnishment, you know firsthand how it can significantly impact your financial stability. Even worse, it can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety. So, what should you do when your wages are being garnished? 

Wage garnishment is usually the last resort for creditors who are trying to collect on debt. It's not something they take lightly, and it's not something you should ignore either. If you receive a notice of wage garnishment, it's important to take action as soon as possible.  

Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing what to do is completely understandable. If you're located in or near Howell, New Jersey, you can find solace in Attorney Vera Fedoroff. As part of the reputable Fedoroff Firm LLC, she offers invaluable guidance and representation to those dealing with financial issues, including wage garnishment.  

What Is Wage Garnishment?

What exactly does "wage garnishment" mean? It's formally known as a court-ordered process that allows a creditor to recoup a debt by directly taking a portion of the debtor's wages. In other words, it's the legal procedure that causes money to get deducted from your paycheck even before you receive it. 

Understanding New Jersey Wage Garnishment Laws

In New Jersey, there are specific limits on wage garnishment. Generally, no more than 25% of a person's disposable earnings or the amount by which a person's disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage can be garnished. 

These limits, however, vary based on a person's income level relative to the federal poverty level. For individuals earning no more than 250% of the federal poverty level for a household of their size, only up to 10% of their income can be garnished. This percentage increases to 25% if they earn more than 250% of the federal poverty level.

New Jersey law also provides for specific garnishment limits for unpaid child support, defaulted federal student loans, and unpaid taxes. The federal government can garnish up to 15% of an individual's pay for federal student loan debt and can also garnish wages for unpaid taxes. The exempt amount in these cases is based on the taxpayer's standard deduction and the total amount of deductions for personal exemptions. 

Military pay and benefits, notably, are exempt from garnishment in New Jersey. Furthermore, New Jersey law protects $48 of disposable earnings from garnishment. 

Protection Against Job Termination

Under federal law, employers are prohibited from discharging an employee if they have one wage garnishment. This law is designed to prevent employers from using wage garnishment as a reason to terminate an employee, ensuring that individuals dealing with debt don't also have to face the added stress of losing their jobs. 

In addition to federal protections, New Jersey offers even more safeguards for its residents. According to N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:17-56.12, an employer in New Jersey is prohibited from firing an employee because of a wage garnishment order.  

Remember, wage garnishment can be a difficult process, but you're not alone. If you're facing wage garnishment issues, don't hesitate to reach out to Fedoroff Firm LLC. With Attorney Vera Fedoroff's help, you can gain a full understanding of your situation and explore the best options available to you. 

How to Stop Wage Garnishment

In the face of wage garnishment, individuals have several options at their disposal to halt or reduce the impact of the garnishment: 

• Negotiating a repayment plan or settlement with the creditor. Attorney Vera Fedoroff's negotiation skills often prove invaluable in these discussions. You can trust her to work tirelessly to help you satisfy the debt and stop the garnishment. 

• Filing for bankruptcy. This can offer immediate relief from wage garnishment as the moment a bankruptcy petition is filed, an automatic stay is put in place, halting all collection activities, including wage garnishment. With Fedoroff Firm LLC's extensive experience in handling bankruptcy cases, clients are guided effectively through this process. 

• Claiming exemptions. You can also contest the garnishment by claiming exemptions if you believe that your income is exempt from garnishment or that the amount being garnished exceeds the legal limits. Attorney Vera Fedoroff's knowledge allows her to assess each client's situation accurately and determine applicable exemptions. 

Seeking legal representation can make a world of difference in navigating the complexities of wage garnishment. It's an area where Fedoroff Firm LLC in Howell, New Jersey, can be invaluable. With a deep understanding of state and federal wage garnishment laws, Attorney Vera Fedoroff is passionate about protecting the rights and financial well-being of her clients throughout Jackson Township, Wall Township, Brick Township, and Freehold Township.