When someone isn’t paying what they owe, there are certain steps that can be taken to try to reclaim that debt. In some cases, it is as simple as notifying them that the amount is still due, as they may have forgotten. But in many cases, you have to take much more drastic steps.
One potential legal step that can sometimes be taken is known as wage garnishment. This can only be done with a court order, so it isn’t done lightly. But it also has one major benefit over any other collection efforts.
The money is withheld by the employer
The way that wage garnishment works is that the person’s employer withholds the money from their paychecks. This takes the decision out of their hand. Previously, they would’ve been paid their full wages and then asked to pay back a portion of the outstanding debt. But wage garnishment can be set up so that that money is taken out first, and the debt will eventually be paid off through these small installments.
This is useful if it’s a situation where the person has enough money to pay back the debt, but they simply do not budget well enough to make it happen. They spend everything they earn each month and claim there is nothing left for the debt. By garnishing their wages, it ensures that the correct portion of those earnings goes to the debt they already have, rather than being spent on future purchases.
As noted, though, this is a legal process that cannot always be used. It’s important to know when it is an option and what steps to take.
