Take Back Your Paycheck

Stop Wage Garnishment in Its Tracks

When creditors start taking money straight from your paycheck, it feels like there's no way out. Filing bankruptcy can often stop wage garnishment fast—and we’ll help you figure out if it’s the right move for you.

Protect Your Income

Helping You Regain Control

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Explain Your Rights

We’ll show you what creditors can and can’t do—and how federal and Arkansas laws protect your paycheck.

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Negotiate When Possible
If bankruptcy isn't the right choice, we can often negotiate with creditors for reduced payments or settlements.

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File Quickly When Needed

Sometimes time matters. We can move fast to file your bankruptcy case and trigger the protections you need to stop garnishment.

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Stand Between You and Creditors

Once we file your case, creditors have to go through us—not you. That alone brings huge peace of mind.

You Have More Power Than You Think

How Bankruptcy Stops Wage Garnishment

Filing for bankruptcy triggers an "automatic stay"—a court order that immediately stops wage garnishment, creditor calls, lawsuits, and collection actions against you.

Whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the automatic stay kicks in once your case is filed, offering breathing room to restructure your finances without losing part of every paycheck.

Key Components

  • The Automatic Stay

    The automatic stay goes into effect as soon as your bankruptcy case is filed. This legal shield stops wage garnishments, foreclosures, repossessions, and most other collections immediately. It gives you breathing space to build a path forward.

  • Bankruptcy Discharge

    If your debts are wiped out (discharged) at the end of a Chapter 7 case, wage garnishments tied to those debts end permanently. No more future deductions—and a chance to rebuild with a clean slate.

  • Non-Bankruptcy Negotiations

    Sometimes, we can negotiate directly with creditors without filing bankruptcy. If filing isn’t the best fit for you, we can work to create payment plans or settlements that avoid further garnishment.

Wage Garnishment FAQs

  • How quickly can wage garnishment stop after filing bankruptcy?

    The automatic stay usually takes effect immediately once your bankruptcy case is filed. We send notice to your employer and creditors quickly to halt any future garnishments. Timing is crucial, which is why fast filing matters.

  • Can all types of wage garnishment be stopped?

    Most wage garnishments—including those for credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans—are stopped by bankruptcy. However, garnishments for child support, alimony, and some taxes may continue, although we can often help restructure other debts to relieve pressure.

  • What happens if a creditor violates the automatic stay?

    If a creditor continues garnishing your wages after your bankruptcy filing, they are violating a court order. We can bring action against them to stop the garnishment immediately—and in some cases, recover damages for you.

  • Can I recover wages already taken before filing?

    In some cases, yes. If a creditor garnished significant wages right before your bankruptcy filing, we might be able to recover some or all of that money for you. Each situation is different, so it’s important to act quickly.

  • Is bankruptcy my only option to stop wage garnishment?

    Not always. Sometimes, we can negotiate with creditors for voluntary releases, payment reductions, or lump-sum settlements without filing bankruptcy. We'll explore all your options before recommending a path forward.