If your wages are being garnished, there are three things you should always know: when the money is deducted, how much money is being deducted, and the remaining balance.
Whether you’re handling your case alone or hiring a Scottsdale bankruptcy attorney to manage your case, you need to know where and how to check your wage garnishment balance in Arizona. Below, we look at several ways to get current, accurate information.
A garnishment balance is the outstanding amount you owe on a debt that is being collected through wage garnishment.
The balance represents the sum creditors or government agencies are trying to recover from your earnings. As payments are deducted from each paycheck, the garnishment balance gradually decreases until your debt is fully satisfied. Understand that the creditor will continue to add interest, collection fees, and legal fees.
The garnishment balance typically includes the following:
If you’re facing wage garnishment, monitor the balance closely. The balance will determine how long the garnishment will continue. Once the balance reaches zero, your full wages should be restored.
There are several ways to check the balance of your wage garnishment.
Contacting the creditor is the most direct and accurate way to check your wage garnishment balance. The creditor will have the most up-to-date information about your account and can provide precise, real-time details about your remaining balance, including accrued interest or fees. This is also the opportunity to discuss your situation with your creditor and ask any outstanding questions.
Your pay stub shows how much is deducted for garnishment each pay period. To estimate your remaining balance, look for a line labeled “garnishment” and compare the total deducted to the original judgment amount. This will help you calculate the total garnished and track what you still owe.
Your employer’s payroll department is responsible for processing your wage garnishment. After receiving the order, they deduct the specified amount from your wages and keep detailed records of the payments, making them a valuable source of information.
Since wage garnishments typically result from court judgments, court records can also provide information about your garnishment balance. These records are public and are accessible online or in person at the courthouse. They may contain details about the original judgment, modifications, and sometimes updates on the remaining balance.
Many Arizona courts offer online case information systems that allow you to access public records from the comfort of your home. While the level of detail may vary, the systems can often check for updates on your garnishment case, including potential balance information.
If online records aren’t available or don’t provide enough information, contact the county court clerk directly. Court clerks have access to the full case file and provide more information than what’s online.
An experienced Scottsdale bankruptcy attorney can review your wage garnishment order and payment history They can help you understand your current balance and advise you on potential strategies to reduce or eliminate the garnishment.
Most credit counseling agencies have long-standing relationships with creditors and can offer valuable assistance in helping you understand and manage your wage garnishment balance. Plus, they can explore options for resolving your debt.
Your credit report may provide information about debts that have gone into garnishment. While it might not always reflect the most current balance, it can give you insights into your financial situation and any judgments against you.
Regularly checking your credit report can also help you stay informed about what creditors are reporting and how your debts affect your credit history.
If your garnishment is related to a debt with a company that offers online account access, this can be a quick way to check your balance. Many creditors provide online portals to view account details, including balances and payment history. This method allows you to stay updated without needing to contact anyone directly.
Wage garnishment in Arizona can lead to financial hardship, making it crucial to track your garnishment balances. While Arizona law limits garnishment to 10% of disposable income or 60 times the minimum wage, understanding your rights and legal options can help you take control of your finances and work toward resolving your debt.
Here are 5 ways to manage your wage garnishment balance in Arizona:
Remember, it is important to regularly review your statements to track progress and ensure accurate accounting. You may also want to consider financial counseling to develop a long-term plan for debt management and financial stability.
Don’t let wage garnishment hurl you into financial hardship. Contact a bankruptcy attorney for Stone Rose Law for a free consultation, and let us help you keep your wages. Fill out our online form or call 480-498-8998 Stone Rose Law to speak with a Scottsdale bankruptcy attorney.
