Garnishment

What is the name of your state? Maryland
A judgement was entered against us. The court gave no instruction regarding re-payment. We began to pay $25/mo. to satisfy the judgement. None of the 3 checks have been cashed and then we received a writ of garnishment for a huge amt. out of my husband's paycheck. We cannot survive on the amount of money being taken and have a budget of all expenses to prove it. None of these are for luxuries - food, rent, gas, electric, etc. only. Our lawyer petitioned the court for a hearing, but the garnishment will begin next week. The opposing attorney filed with the court to say a hearing isn't necessary. What can we do? I thought, at very least, they could only take out 25% of your "net" pay. Please help?

[JETX]

Maryland garnishment exemptions:
"Greater of 75% or amount = to $145 x no. of wks. in which wages due were earned; except in Caroline, Worchester, Kent & Queen Anne’s Counties, Federal law applies.

Federal Exemptions:
75% of disposable earnings per week,
or an amount = to 30 x federal minimum hourly wage, whichever is greater.

Anything about the exemption limit is subject to garnishment.

[Ladynred]

In some states, like mine, you can file a motion with the court to allow you to pay a judgment in payments rather than have your pay garnished. There is also a way to ask the court to reduce a garnishment because of hardship. You might try calling the court to find out if either is available to you in your state.