wage garnishment

I have a friend in California who has an outstanding hospital bill. This person started a new job 2 months ago and just found out the hospital has begun garnishing their wages. No notice of wage garnishment was sent to this person. Is this legal? Also this person has direct deposit and because of the lack of notification several of their checks bounced and they were charged overdraft fees by their bank. Can anything be done about this?

[HomeGuru]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face=" Arial, Verdana, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Night:
I have a friend in California who has an outstanding hospital bill. This person started a new job 2 months ago and just found out the hospital has begun garnishing their wages. No notice of wage garnishment was sent to this person. Is this legal? Also this person has direct deposit and because of the lack of notification several of their checks bounced and they were charged overdraft fees by their bank. Can anything be done about this?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

A garnishee is served on the employer not on the employee. Have your friend talk to the bank that has the checking account. If your friend kept in contact with the hospital creditor, maybe this person would know what was going on.

[JETX]

Yes, it is legal. It is common to file a Writ of Garnishment with the employer without prior notice to the debtor. And the debtor probably received a notice of garnishment right after the wage deductions started.

If you are asking if 'something' can be done about the bounced checks, talk with the bank. They might remove the charges.

[Note: this is not the first time that your 'friend' was aware of this judgment. He probably ignored several letters or phone calls asking for payment. The garnishment is a result of his failure to respond. And yes, bounced checks are common when wages or accounts are garnished... further support for paying the judgment when due.]

Now, if your are asking if something can be done about the garnishment... the answer is yes. Have your 'friend' make arrangements to pay the judgment (probably not the answer you wanted.)

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Steve Halket
Judgment Recovery of Houston
JRS.Houston@excite.com
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This is my PERSONAL OPINION and is not legal advice! Consult your local attorney for your specific situation and laws!