Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney in Temple Hills

Stop Wage Garnishment With a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney in Temple Hills

Losing part of a paycheck is scary. Bills keep coming, but the money feels smaller every week. Wage garnishment can turn daily life upside down fast. Many people in Temple Hills deal with this stress and feel stuck.

The law does offer help. A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy attorney in Temple Hills can explain clear steps that may stop garnishment and help protect future income. This guide breaks everything down in simple terms.

What Wage Garnishment Means in Real Life?

Wage garnishment happens when a court lets a creditor take money straight from a paycheck. The employer sends part of the wages to the creditor before the worker ever sees it.

Debts that often cause garnishment

• Credit card debt
• Medical bills
• Personal loans
• Old judgments from lawsuits
• Some tax debts

Once garnishment starts, money gets tight. Rent, food, and utilities feel harder to cover. Stress rises. Sleep gets harder. But there is a legal way to press pause.

Why Chapter 13 fits people with steady pay?

Chapter 13 works well for people who earn regular income. It does not wipe out everything at once. Instead, it builds a plan.

This plan:

• Spreads debt payments over time
• Lasts three to five years
• Helps catch up on missed bills
• Often protects homes and cars

Most important, garnishment stays stopped while the plan is active and payments stay on track.

Who Usually Benefits From Chapter 13

Some people earn too much for other bankruptcy options. Others want to keep their property. Chapter 13 gives them another path.

It often helps people who:

• Are behind on a mortgage
• Are close to car repossession
• Have more than one garnishment
• Feel buried but still earn steady pay

This option brings order to chaos.

Step by Step: How the Process Works

Step 1: Look at income and bills

All income is listed. Monthly expenses are written down. Debts are grouped by type.

Step 2: File the case

Once the paperwork is filed, the automatic stay begins. Garnishment must stop.

Step 3: Build a payment plan

The plan shows how much is paid each month. It also shows which debts get paid first.

Step 4: Court review

A trustee checks the plan. The court approves it if it follows the rules.

Step 5: Make monthly payments

Payments go to the trustee. The trustee pays creditors based on the plan.

This step by step process brings structure back to money matters.

Why Acting Early Really Matters

Waiting can make things worse. Each garnished paycheck hurts more than the last. Acting sooner can limit the damage.

Early action can help:

• Keep rent paid on time
• Avoid falling behind on utilities
• Reduce stress at work
• Stop employer involvement fast

Legal protection only starts after filing. That timing matters more than most people think.

Experience Makes a Difference

Bankruptcy law is federal, but local rules matter too. Courts, trustees, and paperwork can vary.

Attorney Erica R. S. Hunt has practiced law for over 30 years in the Maryland and Washington Metropolitan area.

Her background includes both large and small firm experience. That mix helps cases move more smoothly and avoids common mistakes.

How Long Does Garnishment Stay Stopped?

Garnishment stays stopped as long as the Chapter 13 case stays active and payments are made on time.

If payments stop, creditors may ask the court to restart collection. Staying consistent is key.

Many people finish their plans and come out with far less debt and more control.

Conclusion

Wage garnishment can make life feel heavy and unfair. Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a clear path forward.

With help from a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy attorney in Temple Hills, many people stop garnishment and regain control of their paychecks.

Those ready to explore options can contact the Law Office of Erica R.S. Hunt, LLC for a calm, confidential consultation and a fresh start toward financial balance.

FAQs

• Q – Does Chapter 13 stop garnishment right away?
  A – Yes. The automatic stay starts the day the case is filed.
• Q – How long is a Chapter 13 plan?
  A – Most plans last three to five years.
• Q – Will an employer know details?
  A – Employers are told to stop garnishment, not personal details.
• Q – Can tax garnishment be included?
  A – Some tax debts can be handled in a Chapter 13 plan.
• Q – Is Chapter 13 better than Chapter 7?
  A – It depends on income, goals, and assets.