Are you facing wage garnishment in Texas? Have you recently had a judgment levied against you or your spouse? Has a writ arrived at the house or has HR pulled you aside to have a candid conversation?
These actions can be scary, and indeed they are serious steps to collect a debt. But are these judgment creditors able to follow through with their intended outcome of collecting this debt against you?
Wage Garnishment Laws in Texas
Despite the reality that you owe money, the good news for Texans is this. You cannot garnish wages in the state of Texas. It’s understandable if your creditors have not shared this fact with you, so let me tell you one more time.
Current wages may not be garnished in Texas. This protection also excludes unpaid commissions up to $15,000 if you are married, and half of that or $7500 if you are single. Texas has some of the most consumer friendly laws in our union, but unfortunately many Texans are unaware of them.
Why are Texans unaware of their legal protections?
1. Migration: Our great state has seen a boom in people migrating from all across the US. New residents have come from all four corners of our nation, and in many cases they bring their previous understanding of the law with them. This is understandable. New Texas residents are pleasantly surprised to realize that in addition to the national consumer protections on the legal books, Texas has an additional layer of consumer friendly provisions. I frequently educate new residents of our state when they call me, and often set their minds at ease. One area in particular is the favorable wage garnishment laws in Texas. This is one reason why filing for bankruptcy is often not necessary in our state.
2. Misinformation: Creditors are not in the business of educating their debtors. It is obvious they have a vested interest in collecting the debts that are owed them, and let’s be clear about this. Most debts are legitimately owed. But the problem arises when people living in Texas simply have little to no ability to pay. This is when creditors can begin to act unjust, using the power of their unfair leverage to threaten ill-advised consumers. This can cause fear, intimidation, sleepless nights, loss of health, family stress, and more. Especially when this comes to student loans when in default, because wage garnishment can be avoided. My job is not to help people escape their financial obligations. Instead, I help Texas consumers and business people properly navigate their situation by arming them with the right information. As a former Texas Judge and Mayor, I feel uniquely qualified to do so.
As a Houston bankruptcy attorney, you might be surprised that my strategy is not to promote a program, such as filing for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. Instead I aim to offer clear, straightforward advice of alternative remedies. I think our A+ Better Business Bureau rating reflects my clients’ satisfaction with this advice.
3. Misguidance: Another reason Texans fail to exercise their financial rights when facing debt collection and civil judgments is misguidance. We often turn to friends and family members when facing a crisis. This is natural. However, the legal landscape can be likened to the old board game Mousetrap. Unless you’ve either played or observed the game numerous times, the odds are against you and you’ll likely be trapped by your opponent. Our loved ones mean well in their advice to us, but unless they are a legal professional who has observed the legal changes over the last decade, they probably aren’t the best people to advise you on the details of your financial situation. Concerns such as civil judgments, wage garnishment laws in Texas, and the statute of limitations in Texas for debt are all items best advised by an non-biased expert.
So where do you turn for advice on wage garnishment in Texas?
Searching the Internet can be helpful, but at some point you need to pick up the phone and speak with someone you trust. After all, no article can address your exact situation. Your financial situation has special concerns which requires trust, dialogue, and special insight from a trusted advisor. Don’t believe the advertisements you hear. Even though filing for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy in another state was your only option, Texas is different. Yes, I practice bankruptcy law, but the majority of the people who seek my advice avoid filing for bankruptcy in the state of Texas. That is my preference and utmost goal. If you are researching wage garnishment laws in Texas, chances are you need to act fast with a sound strategy. I offer a free, confidential phone consultation during which you can explain your concerns and I can offer you the best options. Most people are amazed at what Texas law affords them. Won’t you call me today and put my advice to work for your situation?
Call me right now and find your way out: 1-888-982-8609