How Can I Stop a Wage Garnishment?

What is wage garnishment?
When you do not pay your debts, the people you owe can go to the court and get a wage garnishment. This is sometimes referred to as having your wages “garnished”, but the actual term is a garnishee or garnishment.

How will the people I owe go about doing this?
To garnish your wages, the people you owe must take you to court and sue you. They will then acquire a Garnishment Order from the court.

Are there any exceptions?
Yes. The only exceptions are a Credit Union that you have given an assignment of wage, and Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

If I agree to pay my debt, will my creditors stop the wage garnishment?
Possibly, but not likely. If a creditor has gone through all the trouble of garnishing your wages, they probably won’t lift the garnishment. After all, creditors tend to garnish people who have not paid in the past, or who they do not believe will pay.

How can I stop wage garnishment?
There are three main ways to stop wage garnishment in British Columbia. These include repaying the debt, filing a consumer proposal to the creditors, or filing for personal bankruptcy.

How much will be garnished?
How much is garnished is completely up to the court to decide.

I am being threatened with a wage garnishment right now. What should I do?
The longer you wait, the more will be taken off each paycheque. We strongly suggest you to consult a licensed trustee immediately - he/she will go over your options and help you make the right decision.