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Wage garnishment can place a tremendous strain on your financial well-being, making it difficult to meet daily expenses and maintain financial stability. In Maryland, wage garnishment allows creditors to take a portion of your earnings to satisfy outstanding debts, a practice that can persist over months—or even years—depending on the type of debt and the balance owed. If you’re facing wage garnishment, it’s crucial to understand your rights and explore ways to potentially end or reduce this financial burden. Here’s what you need to know about wage garnishment in Maryland and how the Law Offices of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo can help.
Answering the Question: How Long Can Wage Garnishment Last in Maryland?
What is Wage Garnishment?
Wage garnishment is a legal process by which a creditor, such as a credit card company, medical provider, or other lender, can collect a portion of your wages to repay debts. Once a creditor wins a court judgment against you, they can request a wage garnishment order that directs your employer to withhold a specific amount from each paycheck. The garnished wages are then sent directly to the creditor until the debt is paid off. In Maryland, creditors can garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings or the amount by which your weekly income exceeds 30 times the federal minimum wage—whichever is less.
However, there are limits on how much of your wages can be garnished, especially if the debt involves child support, student loans, or unpaid taxes. Garnishments for these types of debt may last until the debt is fully satisfied, while other garnishments may end if you pay off the debt or if your income decreases significantly, making it impossible to garnish wages.
How to Stop Wage Garnishment in Maryland
Wage garnishment can last until the debt is paid in full unless you take action to stop it. Here are a few ways you can potentially end or reduce a wage garnishment in Maryland:
- Filing for Bankruptcy: Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Maryland can offer immediate relief from wage garnishment due to the “automatic stay” provision, which prevents creditors from pursuing collection activities, including garnishment. Chapter 7 bankruptcy may eliminate unsecured debts, such as credit card or medical bills, which can lead to the dismissal of garnishments tied to these debts. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, allows you to reorganize and repay debts over a period of three to five years, often reducing garnishment amounts.
- Requesting a Hardship Exemption: Maryland law allows debtors to request a hardship exemption if wage garnishment creates an extreme financial burden. By demonstrating that the garnishment affects your ability to afford necessities like housing, food, or medical care, you may be able to reduce the garnishment amount or, in rare cases, stop it altogether.
- Negotiating with Creditors: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate directly with creditors for a reduced payment plan or a settlement. Although creditors are not obligated to accept your offer, they may agree if it’s clear you are unable to make the garnished payments long-term.
- Seeking Legal Assistance: Consulting with a bankruptcy attorney is often the most effective way to explore options for stopping wage garnishment. An attorney can help you determine the best solution based on your circumstances, whether it’s filing for bankruptcy, requesting a hardship exemption, or negotiating with creditors.
Why Contact The Law Offices of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo for Help with Bankruptcy in Baltimore
Navigating wage garnishment laws can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The Law Offices of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo in Baltimore provides experienced legal assistance in bankruptcy and debt relief cases, ensuring you understand your rights and the best options available to stop wage garnishment. Our team is dedicated to offering personalized guidance, taking the time to review your situation in detail and providing solutions tailored to your financial goals.
With decades of experience handling bankruptcy cases and fighting for the rights of Maryland residents, Nicholas J. Del Pizzo works directly with you every step of the way. Our goal is to relieve your financial stress and empower you with the legal strategies to get back on track. Don’t let wage garnishment control your finances; reach out to us for a free consultation and start reclaiming your financial freedom today.
Conclusion
Wage garnishment can feel relentless, but you have options. By understanding the garnishment process and knowing how to address it, you can regain control over your earnings and protect your financial future. Contact the Law Offices of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo in Baltimore today to learn more about how we can help stop wage garnishment and guide you toward lasting financial relief.