There may be a multitude of individuals in Georgia and across the nation who understand the strain of dealing with financial challenges. Many of these individuals may rely on their incomes to keep up with obligations, but what happens when they are faced with the possibility of wage garnishment? Knowing one’s legal rights and options concerning wage garnishment could play an integral role in helping a person make informed choices about how to protect his or her interests.
The first step to addressing wage garnishment may involve understanding how the process works. In most cases, a creditor must first file a lawsuit against a debtor and obtain a court order to initiate the garnishment process. The debtor must be notified about the intent to file legal action and must be provided with notification of the intent to garnish.
Upon receiving notification of a lawsuit, one may have the option of reaching out to creditors and negotiating. Debtors also retain the right to create a defense strategy prior to legal proceedings or to challenge the wage garnishment. Those who wish to safeguard against wage garnishment could also consider seeking insights on the protection provided through the automatic stay, which goes into effect after filing for bankruptcy.
Facing the possibility of wage garnishment can be a stressful and harrowing task and such a scenario could affect a person’s life in various ways. Those who wish to know more about their available options could find it helpful to speak with a bankruptcy attorney early on for guidance on the best course of action with which to proceed. An attorney in Georgia can work toward protecting a client’s legal rights and assist in developing a strategy to reduce or eliminate his or her debts through the proper outlets.