Garnished wages... sort of

A common misunderstanding for those facing wage garnishments is that all of wages will be taken to satisfy a debt. Once a judge determines that a debt is owed and awards a judgment a writ of garnishment can be obtained. It attaches to percent of after-taxes ("disposable earnings") income that depends on the type of debt. The remainder of the disposable earnings is paid normally.

Child support - 50%

Consume debt - 20%

Student loans - 15%

All other - 25%

The above figures assume full time employment. For individually not employed full time a different set of exemptions may apply.