{"id":20946,"date":"2024-09-24T13:28:59","date_gmt":"2024-09-24T19:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/?page_id=20946"},"modified":"2025-01-22T11:35:32","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T18:35:32","slug":"embargos","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/es\/consumer-rights\/garnishments\/","title":{"rendered":"Embargos"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#9DB07B” background_image=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/CLS_ARTWORK_11.png” background_position=”top_center” background_enable_mask_style=”on” background_mask_style=”wave” background_mask_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image_tablet=”on” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_enable_mask_style_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Garnishments” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][dmpro_breadcrumbs bc_custom_home=”on” bc_home_text=”Home” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px|||5px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dmpro_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What is garnishment?” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The term \u201cgarnishment\u201d refers to when someone\u2019s income is withheld, or their money is taken for the payment of debt. Most garnishments are made by court order. Judgment creditors, which are creditors with a court order giving them permission to get money from someone for a debt, can garnish bank accounts and wages.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Is there a limit to how much can be taken from my paycheck?” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font_size=”28px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Federal and state wage garnishment laws limit the amount of a person\u2019s paycheck which can be garnished in any one week or pay period and protects employees from being fired because of garnishment for any one debt.
It does not change other matters related to garnishments, such as the right of a creditor to collect the full amount owed, and most garnishment procedures established by state laws or rules.<\/p>\n

Based on Colorado minimum wage of $14.81\u200b per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2025, the following are limits to how much can be garnished:<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Wage garnishment<\/h3>\n

The term \u201cwage garnishment\u201d refers to when someone\u2019s income is taken out of their paycheck for the payment of debt.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

I AM PAID:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

AFTER TAXES, SSA, MEDICARE and the COST OF EMPLOYER PROVIDED HEALTH INSURANCE <\/strong><\/p>\n

I RECEIVE:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

HOW MUCH WILL BE GARNISHED:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

EVERY WEEK<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$592.40 or less<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

NOTHING<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

EVERY 2 WEEKS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1184.80 or less<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

NOTHING<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

TWICE A MONTH<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1283.53 or less<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

NOTHING<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

ONCE A MONTH<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$2567.06 or less<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

NOTHING<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

I AM PAID:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

AFTER TAXES, SSA, MEDICARE and the COST OF EMPLOYER PROVIDED HEALTH INSURANCE \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I RECEIVE:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

HOW MUCH WILL BE GARNISHED:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

EVERY WEEK<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$592.40 – $740.50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The amount I earn over $592.40<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

EVERY 2 WEEKS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1184.80 – $1481.00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The amount I earn over $1184.80<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

TWICE A MONTH<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1283.53 – $1604.41<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The amount I earn over $1283.53<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

ONCE A MONTH<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$2567.06 – $3208.83<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The amount I earn over $2567.06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

I AM PAID:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

AFTER TAXES, SSA, MEDICARE and the COST OF EMPLOYER PROVIDED HEALTH INSURANCE <\/strong><\/p>\n

I RECEIVE:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

HOW MUCH WILL BE GARNISHED:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

EVERY WEEK<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$ 740.50 or more<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20% of what I receive<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

EVERY 2 WEEKS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$ 1481.00 or more<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20% of what I receive<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

TWICE A MONTH<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$ 1604.41 or more<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20% of what I receive<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

ONCE A MONTH<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$ 3208.83 or more<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20% of what I receive<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Colorado law allows you to request a hearing if a garnishment calculated according to the chart above would not allow you to pay your family\u2019s actual and necessary living expenses after considering all income in the household.<\/p>\n

If you owe child support, student loans, or money to the IRS, the above exemptions may not apply.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Garnishments FAQs” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”What is bank account garnishment?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The term \u201cbank account garnishment\u201d refers to when someone\u2019s money is taken from their bank account for the payment of debt.
Judgment creditors routinely go after bank accounts. A judgment creditor can attempt to take your money from your bank account, even if the money was originally exempt. As soon as you put money into a bank account with your name, a judgment creditor can take it.
Therefore, we recommend to clients that if there is a judgment, you should pay attention to whether the money in the account is protected and what may happen if a writ of garnishment is served on the bank. <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What if I have a shared account with someone?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

If you have a joint account, your creditors DO NOT<\/strong><\/span> have to notify the other account holder of the garnishment, and all funds in the account are frozen, or not accessible to you, up to the amount of the judgment.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What happens when my bank account is garnished?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

When a bank account is garnished, the judgment creditor gets a written court order (called a writ) and serves the bank and then serves the person who owes the debt. The funds in the account are frozen up to the amount of the judgment.
This means that if the account is a checking account and the garnishment freezes the entire amount, checks will bounce and you will have to pay bank charges, as well as charges to the merchants. While the account is frozen, any outstanding checks will be returned, resulting in charges for insufficient funds, and the bank will charge a fee for the garnishment.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What do I do if I think my money should be protected from garnishment or if I can\u2019t afford to pay living expenses without that money?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||-15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-15px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

You have 14 days to object to wage or bank account garnishment through a form that you can file with the court. Court forms are available at www.courts.state.co.us<\/a>, and you should also receive the necessary form when you are served with the writ of garnishment.<\/p>\n

If you do not object to the garnishment within 14 days, then the court will release the funds to the judgment creditor, even if the funds may be exempt. We also recommend seeking legal advice.<\/p>\n

If you do file an objection to the court within 14 days, the court should set a hearing on the objection. You will have to prove that the funds are exempt from garnishment.<\/p>\n

If the court finds that the funds are exempt and should be protected from garnishment, the court will order the money released to you, the judgment debtor.<\/p>\n

The court can consider various living expenses to determine how much of your money can be taken through garnishment, including:<\/p>\n