Summer paychecks should fund vacations, not debt collectors. Yet a judgment creditor can garnish up to 10 % of your gross wages in New York—unless you act fast.
Garnishment starts with an Income Execution served on your employer. You’ll receive a Notice of Income Execution first, giving you 20 days to pay or claim exemptions before payroll deductions begin.
Common exemptions include 90 % of wages for the last 60 days, public assistance, Social Security, veteran’s benefits, and child support payments. Filing an Exemption Claim Form with proof forces the sheriff to halt the execution.
Vacating the underlying default judgment is another strategy. If you never received the summons or have a meritorious defense such as the three‑year statute of limitations, courts may set aside the judgment and stop the garnishment.
Negotiated settlements or installment stipulations can also pause enforcement while you repay at manageable rates.
Employers who over‑withhold or fire you for garnishment can face penalties. Keep pay stubs and consult counsel immediately at the first sign of trouble.
Georgiou Law often combines judgment vacatur motions with settlement negotiations to eliminate wage deductions entirely.
Legal Disclaimer: Informational purposes only; no attorney‑client relationship is formed.
⏰ Your next paycheck is on the line. Call Georgiou Law at (917) 764‑3072 before the sheriff takes another dollar.
