Can a cosigner have their wages garnished?

Asked by: Raoul Morar  |  Last update: November 7, 2025
Score: 5/5 (73 votes)

In fact, studies of certain types of lenders show that - for cosigned loans that go into default - as many as three out of four cosigners are asked to repay the loan. Your credit rating could be damaged. If the lender sues and wins, your wages and property may be subject to garnishment or other collection actions.

Can a cosigner be garnished?

The creditor can collect this debt from you without first trying to collect from the borrower. The creditor can use the same collection methods against you that can be used against the borrower, such as suing you, garnishing your wages, etc.

What legal action can a cosigner take?

But most states allow cosigners to take primary borrowers to court in the following situations: Cross claims: If you default on or fail to repay the loan, the lender could sue the cosigner for the money owed. The cosigner may then be able to sue you for the money that the lender is trying to recover.

What are the rules for wage garnishment in New Jersey?

Also, under New Jersey law, a creditor may only garnish: up to 10% of your income if you earn no more than 250% of the federal poverty level for a household of your size, or. for a debt owing to the state, up to 25% if you earn more than 250% of the federal poverty level.

What are the rules for garnishments in Alabama?

Wage Garnishments

The employer is required to withhold 25 percent of the taxpayer's gross wages. The wage garnishment remains in effect for subsequent pay periods until the total amount of the garnishment has been withheld and remitted by the employer.

Unexpected Wage Garnishment: What You Can Do

15 related questions found

How can I stop a wage garnishment immediately in Alabama?

You can stop it by filing a bankruptcy.

Is there a way around wage garnishment?

If wage garnishment means that you can't pay for your family's basic needs, you can ask the court to order the debt collector to stop garnishing your wages or reduce the amount. This is called a Claim of Exemption.

How do you escape a wage garnishment?

5 Ways to Stop a Garnishment
  1. Pay Off the Debt. If your financial situation is dire, paying off the debt may not be an option. ...
  2. Work With Your Creditor. ...
  3. Find a Credit Counselor. ...
  4. Challenge the Garnishment. ...
  5. File a Claim of Exemption. ...
  6. File for Bankruptcy.

Can they garnish your wages without telling you?

Normally, creditors need a court order to garnish your wages. But there are some creditors allowed to garnish wages without notification—these are the exceptions. Bigwigs like the IRS or the Department of Education can cut straight to the chase and grab your cash without a court's okay.

What states prohibit wage garnishment?

A few have even prohibited wage garnishment for consumer debt entirely.
  • Alabama. ...
  • Alaska. ...
  • Arizona. ...
  • Arkansas. ...
  • California. ...
  • Colorado. ...
  • Connecticut. ...
  • Delaware.

How do I protect myself as a cosigner?

5 ways to protect yourself as a co-signer
  1. Serve as a co-signer only for close friends or relatives. One of loan co-signing's biggest risks is potential damage to your credit score. ...
  2. Keep copies of all the loan documents. ...
  3. Create a contract. ...
  4. Track monthly payments. ...
  5. Ensure you can afford payments.

What if a cosigner refuses to pay?

If they stop making payments, the responsibility will be passed on to you—and you could be sued if you don't follow through. Your credit could also suffer. Understanding what you're getting into can help you decide if being a cosigner is worth the risk.

How much power does a cosigner have?

A co-signer takes on all the rights and responsibilities of a loan along with the borrower. This means that if the borrower can't make a payment on the loan, the co-signer is responsible.

How can I legally get out of a cosigned loan?

Request release from a co-signed loan

Co-signers can make a written request to the lender to be released from a loan. In certain cases, like some student loans, there may be a provision that allows a co-signer to take their name off a loan.

What authority does a cosigner have?

A cosigner on a loan is legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower defaults. Cosigning a loan will show up on your credit report and can impact your credit score if the primary borrower pays late or defaults. Cosigners may sign for student loans, personal loans, credit cards, and even mortgages.

Can you take legal action against a cosigner?

Yes, you can sue the person you co-signed for if they don't make the payments they promised to make.

What is the most they can garnish from your paycheck?

Ordinary garnishments

Under Title III, the amount that an employer may garnish from an employee in any workweek or pay period is the lesser of: 25% of disposable earnings -or- The amount by which disposable earnings are 30 times greater than the federal minimum wage.

What type of bank account cannot be garnished?

Bank accounts solely for government benefits

Federal law ensures that creditors cannot touch certain federal benefits, such as Social Security funds and veterans' benefits. If you're receiving these benefits, they would be exempt from garnishment.

How long can wages be garnished?

Child support, consumer debts and student loans are common sources of wage garnishment. Your earnings will be garnished until the debt is paid off or otherwise resolved. You have legal rights, including caps on how much can be taken at once.

Can you negotiate after wage garnishment?

If after the money is taken from your paycheck, you can't pay for your family's basic needs, then you can file a "Claim of Exemption." A Claim of Exemption is a way to ask to lower the amount being taken.

How do I stop a garnishment after paying off?

Address any overpayments or errors: If your employer or bank continues to garnish money after the debt is fully paid, you need to act quickly. Contact the creditor and provide proof that the debt has been paid off. If necessary, file a complaint with the court that issued the garnishment.

How do I write a letter to stop wage garnishment?

At a minimum, your written objection to the garnishment should include the following information:
  1. the case number and case caption (ex: "XYZ Bank vs. John Doe")
  2. the date of your objection.
  3. your name and current contact information.
  4. the reasons (or "grounds") for your objection, and.
  5. your signature.

How do I protect my money from garnishment?

  1. Pay your debts if you can afford it. Make a plan to reduce your debt.
  2. If you cannot afford to pay your debt, see if you can set up a payment plan with your creditor. ...
  3. Challenge the garnishment. ...
  4. Do no put money into an account at a bank or credit union.
  5. See if you can settle your debt. ...
  6. Consider bankruptcy.

Can I quit my job to avoid wage garnishment?

There are several options for stopping a wage garnishment. One, you can quit your job. Your creditor won't get your money, but neither will you. Two, you can pay the debt in full.

How can I find out who garnished my wages?

How can I find out who is garnishing my wages? Check your pay stub for new garnishment line items, contact your employer's payroll department, and review any court documents you've received. You can also reach out to government agencies like the Department of Labor or the IRS for information.