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What We Can't Stop — An Honest Guide

We'd rather tell you the truth than sell you false hope. Three kinds of garnishment follow federal law, and no state exemption stops them:

1. Child support

Up to 50–65% of disposable earnings can be taken for child support under 15 USC § 1673(b) — the highest garnishment rate in American law. What you can do: request a modification if your income dropped, ask about hardship provisions, and never ignore the order (arrears accrue interest).

2. IRS tax levies

The IRS doesn't need a court judgment. It sends notices, then levies. What you can do: set up an installment agreement, request Currently Not Collectible status if you're broke, or make an Offer in Compromise. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is free.

3. Federal student loans

Administrative wage garnishment up to 15% of disposable pay — no lawsuit required. What you can do: rehabilitate the loan, consolidate, or request a hardship hearing within 30 days of the notice.

Why we're telling you this

If your garnishment is one of these three, our $39 kit is not what you need — and we'd rather you spend that money on an installment agreement. For everything else (credit cards, medical debt, personal loans, old judgments), check your defenses.