🦀 Maryland Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()
📍 Collecting a judgment in Maryland? Wage garnishment in the Old Line State has specific rules creditors need to understand. Maryland has its own garnishment limits that differ from federal standards. This guide covers everything you need to know as part of your Maryland judgment collection strategy.
⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in Maryland?
Wage garnishment in Maryland allows judgment creditors to collect directly from a debtor’s paycheck. The process is governed by Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code, with specific procedural requirements.
For creditors working on how to collect a judgment, wage garnishment is effective. Our skip tracing services help locate debtors throughout Maryland.
💡 Key Point: Maryland judgments last 12 years and can be renewed for additional 12-year periods. Maryland also has specific county-level procedures.
⚠️ Maryland Difference: Maryland uses the standard 25%/30× formula, but has specific requirements about which court handles garnishment based on where the employer is located.
🏛️ Types of Wage Garnishment
- Consumer Debt Garnishment – Limited to 25% of disposable earnings
- Child Support – Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings
- Tax Levies – Maryland Comptroller and IRS have broader powers
- Student Loans – Up to 15% for federal student loans
💰 Maryland Wage Garnishment Limits
Maryland follows federal CCPA standards. Maximum garnishment is the lesser of:
🔢 Option 1: 25% of disposable earnings
💵 Option 2: Amount exceeding 30× federal minimum wage
📋 Maryland Exemption Table
| Debt Type | Maximum Garnishment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 📄 Consumer Debt | 25% or 30× min wage test | Standard process |
| 👨👩👧 Child Support | 50-65% | Priority over others |
| 🎓 Student Loans | 15% | Administrative process |
| 🏛️ Tax Debt | Varies | Broad powers |
🔍 Need to Find a Debtor’s Employer in Maryland?
Our employment verification services locate employer information within 24 hours.
Order Employer Search →📋 Steps to Garnish Wages in Maryland
- Obtain a Money Judgment
Get a Maryland judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment.
- Locate Debtor and Employer
Our Maryland skip tracing finds employer information.
- File Request for Writ of Garnishment
File in the county where the employer is located or has an office.
- Serve the Employer
Serve writ on the employer (garnishee).
- Employer Files Answer
Employer must respond with employment and wage information.
- Court Issues Order
Garnishment continues until judgment satisfied.
- Monitor Payments
Track payments and file satisfaction when paid.
🔍 Skip Tracing in Maryland
🏙️ Maryland Coverage
- Baltimore – State’s largest city
- Montgomery County – DC suburb, wealthy area
- Prince George’s County – DC suburb
- Annapolis – State capital
- Frederick – Western Maryland
🎯 Maryland Debtor Hiding from Collection?
20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors throughout Maryland and the DC Metro area.
Start Your Search →⏱️ Garnishment Timeline
Week 1: File request for writ of garnishment
Week 1-2: Serve employer
Week 2-4: Employer files answer
Week 4-6: First payment received
🛡️ Debtor Protections
- 30× minimum wage protection
- Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
- Objection rights – Can claim exemptions
📍 Our Maryland Services
🔍 Skip Tracing
💼 Asset Research
📞 Ready to Collect Your Maryland Judgment?
Get Started Today →❓ FAQs
The lesser of 25% of disposable earnings OR amount exceeding 30× federal minimum wage.
12 years, renewable for additional 12-year periods.
