🌵 New Mexico Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()
📍 Collecting a judgment in New Mexico? Wage garnishment in the Land of Enchantment follows federal guidelines. New Mexico has straightforward garnishment procedures for creditors. This guide covers everything you need to know as part of your New Mexico judgment collection strategy.
⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in New Mexico?
Wage garnishment in New Mexico allows judgment creditors to collect directly from a debtor’s paycheck. The process is governed by New Mexico Statutes Chapter 35, with protections that exceed federal standards.
For creditors working on how to collect a judgment, wage garnishment is effective. Our skip tracing services help locate debtors throughout New Mexico.
💡 Key Point: New Mexico judgments last 14 years and can be renewed. New Mexico uses 40× minimum wage (not 30×) for the protected amount calculation.
⚠️ New Mexico Difference: New Mexico protects 40× minimum wage (more than federal 30×), providing greater debtor protection than most states.
🏛️ Types of Wage Garnishment
- Consumer Debt Garnishment – Limited to 25% of disposable earnings
- Child Support – Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings
- Tax Levies – NM TRD and IRS have broader powers
- Student Loans – Up to 15% for federal student loans
💰 New Mexico Wage Garnishment Limits
New Mexico has enhanced protections. Maximum garnishment is the lesser of:
🔢 Option 1: 25% of disposable earnings
💵 Option 2: Amount exceeding 40× NM minimum wage
📋 New Mexico Exemption Table
| Debt Type | Maximum Garnishment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 📄 Consumer Debt | 25% or 40× min wage test | More protection |
| 👨👩👧 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 New Mexico?
Our employment verification services locate employer information within 24 hours.
Order Employer Search →📋 Steps to Garnish Wages in New Mexico
- Obtain a Money Judgment
Get a NM judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment.
- Locate Debtor and Employer
Our New Mexico skip tracing finds employer information.
- File Writ of Garnishment
File writ of garnishment with the court.
- 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 New Mexico
🏙️ New Mexico Coverage
- Albuquerque – State’s largest city
- Las Cruces – Southern NM
- Rio Rancho – Albuquerque metro
- Santa Fe – State capital
- Roswell – Southeast NM
🎯 New Mexico Debtor Hiding from Collection?
20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors throughout New Mexico.
Start Your Search →⏱️ Garnishment Timeline
Week 1: File writ of garnishment
Week 1-2: Serve employer
Week 2-4: Employer files answer
Week 4-6: First payment received
🛡️ Debtor Protections
- 40× minimum wage protection – Higher than federal
- Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
- Objection rights – Can claim exemptions
📍 Our New Mexico Services
🔍 Skip Tracing
💼 Asset Research
📞 Ready to Collect Your New Mexico Judgment?
Get Started Today →❓ FAQs
The lesser of 25% of disposable earnings OR amount exceeding 40× NM minimum wage.
14 years, renewable before expiration.
