Columbus Wage Garnishment
Wage garnishment can be a stressful and confusing experience. It occurs when a court orders an employer to withhold a portion of your earnings to pay off debts, such as unpaid loans, child support, or taxes. Understanding how wage garnishment works is can protect you if you are facing financial difficulties in Columbus.
What is Wage Garnishment?
Wage garnishment is a legal process in which an employer withholds a portion of an employee’s earnings to pay off a debt. This deduction is typically mandated by a court order following a judgment against the debtor.
On average, a garnished worker experiences five months of garnishment, with about 11% of gross earnings remitted to their creditor(s). [1] Wage garnishment can apply to various types of debts, making it an important concept for anyone managing financial obligations.
Common Reasons for Wage Garnishment
Wage garnishment can result from several situations, including:
Unpaid Consumer Debts: This includes credit card debts, personal loans, or medical bills.
Child Support and Alimony: Courts may order garnishment to ensure that child support or spousal support payments are made.
Tax Debts: The IRS or state tax authorities can garnish wages for unpaid taxes.
Student Loans: Federal or private student loan lenders may pursue garnishment if payments are not made.

Ohio Wage Garnishment Laws
In Ohio, wage garnishment is primarily governed by state statutes, which outline the procedures that creditors must follow to obtain a garnishment order. This process typically begins with the creditor filing a lawsuit and obtaining a judgment against you, the debtor.
Federal vs. State Regulations
While federal laws set certain guidelines for wage garnishment, Ohio has its own regulations that may provide additional protections. For example, federal law limits the amount that can be garnished to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. Ohio law mirrors these limits but may offer certain exemptions.
Process of Wage Garnishment in Columbus
Wage garnishment in Columbus follows a structured legal procedure. Understanding each step can help you know what to expect and how to respond if you are faced with garnishment.
1. Judgment Against the Debtor
Before garnishment can occur, a creditor must obtain a judgment against you in court. This typically involves the creditor filing a lawsuit and proving that the debt is valid.
2. Court Order for Garnishment
Once a judgment is granted, the creditor can file a motion for wage garnishment. The court will issue a garnishment order specifying how much of your wages should be withheld.
3. Employer’s Role
Upon receiving the court order, the employer is legally required to comply. They must withhold the specified amount from your paycheck and send it directly to the creditor until the debt is paid off or the court order is lifted.
4. Notification Requirements for Debtors
You must be notified of the garnishment. In Ohio, this notification often comes in the form of a notice sent to you by the creditor or the court detailing the amount being garnished and the reason for it.
5. Opportunity to Respond
You have the right to contest the garnishment. If you believe the garnishment is unjust, you can request a hearing to dispute the creditor’s claims or assert any exemptions you may qualify for.

How Much Can Be Garnished in Columbus, Ohio?
When facing wage garnishment, understanding how much of your earnings can be withheld is critical. The amount that can be garnished from your wages varies based on federal and state laws.
1. Overview of Garnishment Limits
Under federal law, the maximum amount that can be garnished is typically 25% of your disposable earnings. Disposable earnings are what remains after mandatory deductions, such as taxes and Social Security. If your weekly disposable income exceeds 30 times the federal minimum wage, only that excess can be garnished. If the minimum wage is $7.25, the threshold is approximately $217.50 per week.
2. Calculating Disposable Income
To calculate your disposable income, start with your gross earnings and subtract the mandatory deductions. For example, if you earn $1,000 per week and have $200 in mandatory deductions, your disposable income would be $800. From this, you can determine how much could potentially be garnished based on the federal limits.
3. Types of Debts and Their Impact on Garnishment
The type of debt plays a significant role in determining garnishment rates. For example:
Child Support: Typically, higher amounts can be garnished—up to 50% of disposable income if you are supporting another household.
Federal Student Loans: These can also result in up to 15% of your disposable income being garnished.
Credit Card Debt and Medical Bills: Generally subject to the standard 25% limit.

4. Potential for Additional Garnishments
If you have multiple debts being garnished, the total amount taken from your wages cannot exceed federal limits. This can lead to financial strain, as multiple garnishments may collectively take a significant portion of your income. In Ohio, the law prevents the total of all garnishments from exceeding these limits.
Debtor Rights and Protections in Ohio
Facing wage garnishment can be overwhelming, but know that you have rights and protections under both federal and state law. Understanding these rights can empower you to take action and seek relief when necessary.
Right to Be Informed
You have the right to be informed about the garnishment process. Before any wages can be garnished, creditors must provide a court order. This means you should receive notification of the impending garnishment and details regarding the debt, including the amount owed and the creditor’s name.
Ability to Contest Garnishment
If you believe the garnishment is unjust or if you dispute the debt, you have the right to contest it. In Ohio, you can file a motion with the court to challenge the garnishment. Valid reasons might include improper notification, the debt being paid, or that the garnishment amount exceeds legal limits.
Exemptions and Protections
Ohio law provides certain exemptions that can protect some of your income from garnishment. For instance:
- Minimum Wage Protection: Ohio allows debtors to keep a portion of their wages that equals or exceeds the minimum wage, which helps ensure that you can still meet basic living expenses.
- Public Assistance: Income from social security benefits, unemployment compensation, and certain pensions may be exempt from garnishment.

By being informed of your rights and the protections available to you, you can better navigate the challenges posed by wage garnishment in Columbus. If you find yourself in this situation, contact Richard West to explore your legal options within the context of a free evaluation.
Source:
[1] DeFusco, A., Enriquez, B., & Yellen, M. (2022, December 1). Wage Garnishment in the United States: New Facts from Administrative Payroll Records. https://doi.org/10.3386/w30724