LEGAL AID OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN
RELIEF FROM GARNISHMENT/OTHER DEBT RELIEF
Your wages, paycheck or bank account can only be garnisheed if a judgment is taken against you.
If you are garnisheed, it is probably too late to protest the original debt or other obligation, but
you can do either of the following:
1) If you believe that your wages or bank account is exempt because of BANKRUPTCY
or because your only income is social security, or other good reason, you should promptly file an
objection to the Order of Garnishment, and ask for a hearing before the court. (See forms MC
49-51 attached hereto.)
2) If you OWE THE MONEY, but the garnishment is taking too much of your of
paycheck or bank account, and the creditor will not agree to except a lessor amount each
week/month, then you should petition for INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS. (See forms 15 and
15a.) If the court grants you an Order for Installment payments, and you fail to obey the
order, the creditor may again start to garnish you!
IF A JUDGMENT HAS NOT BEEN ENTERED AGAINST YOU, NO ONE CAN
MAKE YOU PAY. YOU MAY ALWAYS POLITELY SAY, IF APPROPRIATE: "I DO
NOT OWE THIS MONEY. IF YOU BELIEVE I DO, THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO SUE
ME. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT WE ANYMORE."
If you owe the money you may wish to negotiate with the creditor for a reduced amount
and for an "installment payment plan". Again, remember, if you agree to an installment plan and
fail to keep your part of the bargain, the creditor may sue you.
As long as you remain qualified for our services, you may address questions concerning
garnishment and other debt/collection matters to LEGAL AID OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN by
calling (517) 485-5411.