🌊 Delaware Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()
📍 Collecting a judgment in Delaware? Wage garnishment is a valuable tool for recovering money owed to you in the First State. Delaware—known as a business-friendly state—has specific garnishment procedures that creditors should understand. This guide covers everything you need to know about garnishing wages in Delaware as part of your Delaware judgment collection strategy.
⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in Delaware?
Wage garnishment in Delaware allows judgment creditors to collect money directly from a debtor’s paycheck. The process is governed by Delaware Code Title 10, Chapter 43, with garnishment limits that are more debtor-friendly than federal standards.
For judgment creditors working on how to collect a judgment, understanding Delaware’s unique limits is essential. Our skip tracing services help locate debtors and employers in Delaware.
💡 Key Point: Delaware limits garnishment to only 15% of disposable earnings (not 25% like federal law). This means slower collection but still effective over time. Delaware judgments last 10 years.
⚠️ Delaware Difference: Delaware protects 85% of wages—significantly more than the federal standard. Creditors should plan for longer collection timelines but consistent payments once garnishment begins.
🏛️ Types of Wage Garnishment
- Consumer Debt Garnishment – Limited to only 15% of disposable earnings
- Child Support Withholding – Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings
- Tax Levies – Federal IRS and Delaware Division of Revenue have broader powers
- Student Loan Garnishment – Up to 15% for federal student loans
💰 Delaware Wage Garnishment Limits
Delaware has its own garnishment limits that differ from federal standards:
🔢 Delaware Limit: Maximum 15% of disposable earnings
💵 Protected: 85% of wages are always protected
📋 Delaware Exemption Table
| Debt Type | Maximum Garnishment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 📄 Consumer Debt | 15% of disposable earnings | More debtor-friendly than federal |
| 👨👩👧 Child Support | 50-65% | Priority over others |
| 🎓 Student Loans | 15% | Administrative process |
| 🏛️ Tax Debt | Varies | Broader powers |
🔍 Need to Find a Debtor’s Employer in Delaware?
Our employment verification services locate employer information within 24 hours.
Order Employer Search →📋 Steps to Garnish Wages in Delaware
- Obtain a Money Judgment
Get a Delaware judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment. Delaware courts include Superior Court and Court of Common Pleas.
- Locate the Debtor and Employer
Our Delaware skip tracing finds employer information.
- File Writ of Attachment
Delaware uses “attachment” for wage garnishment. File the appropriate writ with the court.
- Serve the Employer
Serve the writ on the employer (garnishee) through proper legal channels.
- Employer Response
Employer must respond to the attachment and begin withholding wages.
- Debtor Notice
Debtor receives notice and can claim exemptions.
- Ongoing Collection
Garnishment continues at 15% until judgment satisfied.
🔍 Skip Tracing in Delaware
Delaware’s small size but large corporate presence creates unique challenges. Many employees work for corporations headquartered in Delaware but may live or work elsewhere.
🏙️ Delaware Coverage
- Delaware Statewide
- Wilmington – Largest city, corporate headquarters hub
- Dover – State capital
- Newark – University of Delaware area
- Sussex County – Beach communities, tourism
- New Castle County – Philadelphia commuter corridor
🎯 Delaware Debtor Hiding from Collection?
20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Start Your Search →⏱️ Garnishment Timeline
Week 1: File Writ of Attachment
Week 1-2: Serve employer
Week 2-4: Employer begins withholding
Week 4-6: First payment received
Note: At only 15% garnishment, collection takes longer than in states allowing 25%. Plan accordingly.
🛡️ Debtor Protections
- 85% wage protection – Much higher than federal
- Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
- Objection rights – Can claim exemptions
- Hardship provisions
⚠️ Legal Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Delaware has unique garnishment procedures. Complex matters may require a Delaware attorney.
📍 Our Delaware Services
🔍 Skip Tracing
💼 Asset Research
📞 Ready to Collect Your Delaware Judgment?
Get Started Today →❓ FAQs
Only 15% of disposable earnings – Delaware protects 85% of wages, more than federal law requires.
10 years from date of entry.
Many corporations are incorporated in Delaware. Our business asset searches can help identify corporate assets.
