How Can Wage Garnishment Be Stopped in Arizona?

Wage garnishment happens when someone who is owed money is permitted to collect that debt from a third party who holds assets that belong to the debtor. This means the money bypasses the debtor and goes directly to the creditor. In Arizona, wage garnishment can make it difficult for the debtor to make ends meet.

If you are experiencing wage garnishment and looking for advice about ending it, you are in the right place. We want to educate you about your options. But, if you have specific questions, they are better answered by an Arizona attorney specializing in ending wage garnishment.

Instructions to Stop a Garnishment

Though a debt may be owed, a debt garnishment can financially cripple the person being garnished. It can be disheartening when a person works hard and finds that a portion of their pay has been garnished. It is not only disheartening but also unmotivating. Working long hours and still being unable to make ends meet can be demoralizing.

If you are hoping to stop garnishment against you, here are some possibilities:

• Avoiding a judgment: Do not ignore lawsuits that are filed against you. Complaints, summons, and judgments should alert you that legal action has been taken against you.
• File a motion to set aside judgment: Challenging the judgment is a valid way to stop the garnishment if you did not know there was a judgment against you. You normally require an attorney to navigate the technical parts for you.
• Keep your money out of harm’s way: As soon as you are notified of a lawsuit is time to start planning for this. If your wages are garnished from a specific account, ensure there is no money to take.
• Negotiate a reduction: If your wages are garnished, you can negotiate a reduction in what is garnished. This will require a court hearing, so you will stand a better chance of success if you have competent legal representation.
• Settle: If a judgment already exists, you may have less leverage to settle, but you still have more than you might expect. Creditors can receive their money much faster if they settle with you, and since they cannot ensure that you will remain employed or will not file for bankruptcy, they may assume the safer option is to settle rather than take a chance on receiving nothing.
• Bankruptcy: Bankruptcy stops all garnishments immediately, and usually, unsecured debts will be alleviated altogether. If you are drowning in debt and cannot get ahead due to wage garnishments, it may be an option in your best interest.

Getting Help When You Need It

Contact the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau if you find yourself in a difficult wage garnishment situation. You have options, and we understand what they are and how to apply them in a way that will benefit you the most. Financial issues can be stressful. Let us help alleviate some of that stress for you. Our firm will work diligently to produce the best possible outcome for your case.