Wage Garnishment 101: What You Should Know and How Bankruptcy Can Help

Episode Summary: 

In this episode of Bankruptcy Through the Looking Glass, experienced bankruptcy attorney Barry Levine, alongside host Kevin Rosenquist, delves into wage garnishment—what it is, how it works, and how bankruptcy can provide relief. Barry discusses common misconceptions surrounding wage garnishment, explaining that the only guaranteed way to stop a garnishment is by filing for bankruptcy. He also explains the different types of debt that can lead to garnishments, such as credit card debt and IRS, and shares insights on how creditors are handling collections differently today compared to the past. Tune in for a thorough breakdown of wage garnishment, potential defenses, and how bankruptcy could be a solution for those in need of financial relief.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 - Welcome to Through the Looking Glass
• 00:22 - Barry discusses the common misconceptions about wage garnishment and bankruptcy
• 02:56 - What types of debt can lead to wage garnishment?
• 03:32 - How wage garnishment is initiated
• 04:31 - Does challenging a wage garnishment in court work?
• 06:02 - The rare occurrence of wage garnishment today compared to the past
• 07:26 - Other ways to stop wage garnishment besides bankruptcy
• 08:14 - Real-life example of a client who paid creditors for years and ultimately filed for bankruptcy
• 09:06 - How often does negotiating with creditors work?
• 10:41 - What can happen when business owners file bankruptcy for personal liabilities
• 11:50 - Can you challenge a wage garnishment in court?
• 12:44 - The current state of aggressive creditors and how wage garnishment has become rare
• 14:28 - Barry discusses how bankruptcy helps individuals assess their financial situation
• 15:40 - Final thoughts on prioritizing essential payments over credit card debt

About the Show: Through the Looking Glass is a podcast where bankruptcy attorney Barry Levine provides insights into the complex world of bankruptcy law, offering advice and personal anecdotes to help listeners navigate financial struggles. Whether you're facing wage garnishment, dealing with overwhelming debt, or just trying to understand the bankruptcy process, Barry and his guests break it down in an accessible and practical way.