Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a powerful tool to stop wage garnishment. Read Kevin’s story and see how one person dealt with keeping his wages.
Kevin G. found himself in a dire situation. Working as an engineer for the local railroad, he was unexpectedly hit by a disheartening notice in the mail. It stated that an apartment complex from his past, where he had resided more than five years ago, had managed to secure a court order to garnish his wages. This news left Kevin bewildered, as he had no recollection of any legal proceedings related to the old apartment. The questions raced through his mind – how much of his hard-earned money were they planning to deduct from his paychecks? Could he challenge this situation legally? The uncertainty of it all left him wondering how he would manage to sustain his life during this unexpected financial crisis.
Fortunately, Kevin called Adam M. Freiman and The Law Offices of Adam M. Freiman the moment he received the notice. He did not wait, because he knew that every second counted, and that stopping the garnishment could mean the difference between his keeping a roof over his family’s head, and possibly being out on the streets. He called 410-486-3500, and asked Adam M. Freiman, personally, all of his questions.
The first question was how the apartment complex could even get this judgement against Kevin, when it had been years since he had lived there. As I explained to Kevin, his story was not uncommon. Many of my clients have moved out of apartment complexes, and left balances owed without ever knowing about the money their landlord was claiming, usually in damages, or other frivolous charges.
In Maryland, a landlord can obtain what is known as an “Affidavit Judgment” against a person, without that person ever appearing in court, and sometimes, without the person ever realizing how to stop the Judgement from being entered. Unless a person fights back and calling Adam M. Freiman is a good way to do so, they can have a judgement entered against them. Fighting the judgment was one option, but at over $5,000.00 in lawyer’s fees alone, Kevin needed an alternative, and needed it fast.
The Solution to Stop Wage Garnishment
Bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code presented an entirely new ray of hope for Kevin in his desperate situation. The garnishment would stop immediately in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, and even if it had started, and under certain circumstances, some of the money may have been recoverable. Kevin had nothing to lose.
At the end of the day, Kevin’s case was filed in time to stop wage garnishment, which could have taken as much as 25% of his pay, AFTER the government took their taxes. So, the net percentage would actually be higher than that! Tragedy narrowly averted, and Kevin was very satisfied.
Summary
Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a powerful tool to stop wage garnishment. While it does come with initial credit score consequences, the long-term benefits of discharging unmanageable debt can help you regain financial stability and build a stronger credit profile. By taking proactive steps to manage your finances responsibly and making smart credit choices, you can pave the way to a brighter financial future after Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Are you facing financial troubles? Call me at The Law Offices of Adam M. Freiman. I can help you deal with the legal aspects involved so you can get a fresh financial start. To schedule a free consultation, call (410) 486-3500 or fill out the online form.
