Understand the notice and the next step
Learning that wages are being withheld or a bank account is frozen can be unsettling. Start by identifying who is collecting, the court or agency involved, and the documents you received. Different collection processes can have different rules.
Exemptions may matter
For Florida court garnishments, state and federal law may protect certain wages, benefits or other funds. Florida’s statutory notice identifies potential exemptions, including qualifying head-of-family earnings and certain public, retirement or disability benefits. Protection depends on the facts and applicable law; the source of money deposited into an account can matter. Do not assume that every account or paycheck is protected.
Act on the actual paperwork
Claiming an exemption may require a sworn filing, delivery to the required parties and, if contested, a hearing. Read the notice promptly and have the applicable dates reviewed. This website does not set a universal deadline or promise that funds will be released. Federal administrative collection is a separate process and can involve wage garnishment without a court judgment.
Prepare for your consultation
Gather the writ or agency notice, court papers, recent pay statements, bank statements and records showing where deposited funds came from. Keep the envelopes and note when each document arrived. Tell the office about dependent support and any upcoming hearing. Ask how to provide financial records securely.