⭐ Texas Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()
📍 Collecting a judgment in Texas? Wage garnishment in the Lone Star State is extremely limited. Texas does NOT allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts – one of the most debtor-friendly states in the nation. This guide covers what you need to know as part of your Texas judgment collection strategy.
⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in Texas?
Texas has some of the strongest wage protections in the nation. Texas does NOT allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts. The Texas Constitution and Property Code protect wages from garnishment.
For creditors working on how to collect a judgment, alternative collection methods are essential. Our skip tracing services help locate debtors and assets throughout Texas.
⚠️ Critical Warning: Texas does NOT allow wage garnishment for consumer debts! You must use alternative methods like bank levies, property liens, and asset seizure.
💡 Key Point: Texas judgments last 10 years and can be renewed. Focus on bank accounts (once deposited, wages lose protection) and non-homestead property.
🏛️ What CAN Be Garnished
- Child Support/Spousal Maintenance – Up to 50% of disposable earnings
- Tax Levies – Texas Comptroller and IRS have garnishment powers
- Student Loans – Federal administrative wage garnishment
- Court-Ordered Restitution – Criminal restitution
- Consumer Debt – NOT ALLOWED for regular judgments
💰 Alternative Collection Methods
Since wage garnishment isn’t available for consumer debts, focus on these alternatives:
🏦 Bank Levies: Once wages are deposited, they lose protection (after 30 days commingled)
🏠 Property Liens: Lien on non-homestead real estate
📋 Alternative Collection Options
| Method | Description | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 🏦 Bank Levy | Attach bank account funds (after exempt period) | High if account found |
| 🏠 Abstract of Judgment | Lien against non-homestead property | Collects upon sale |
| 🚗 Vehicle Seizure | Seize non-exempt vehicles | One vehicle exempt per family member |
| 📋 Post-Judgment Discovery | Court-ordered asset disclosure | Reveals assets |
🔍 Need to Find a Debtor’s Assets in Texas?
Our asset search services locate bank accounts and property for levies.
Order Asset Search →📋 Steps to Collect in Texas
- Obtain a Money Judgment
Get a Texas judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment.
- Locate Debtor and Assets
Our Texas skip tracing finds debtors and assets.
- File Abstract of Judgment
Record in county to create property lien.
- Request Bank Levy
File writ of execution to levy bank accounts.
- Conduct Post-Judgment Discovery
Written interrogatories to discover assets.
- Pursue Non-Exempt Assets
Seize eligible property and bank funds.
- Renew Judgment
Texas judgments must be renewed before 10 years.
🔍 Skip Tracing in Texas
🏙️ Texas Coverage
- Houston – State’s largest city
- Dallas-Fort Worth – DFW Metroplex
- San Antonio – South-Central Texas
- Austin – State capital
- El Paso – West Texas
🎯 Texas Debtor Hiding Assets?
20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors and assets throughout Texas.
Start Your Search →🛡️ Texas Debtor Protections
- No consumer wage garnishment – Constitutional protection
- Unlimited homestead exemption – Primary residence protected (up to 10 acres urban, 200 acres rural)
- Vehicle exemption – One vehicle per licensed family member
- Personal property exemption – Up to $100,000 (family) / $50,000 (single)
- Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
📍 Our Texas Services
🔍 Skip Tracing
💼 Asset Research
📞 Ready to Collect Your Texas Judgment?
Get Started Today →❓ FAQs
No – Texas does NOT allow wage garnishment for consumer debts. Use bank levies and property liens instead. Note: once wages are deposited and commingled, they may lose exempt status.
10 years, renewable before expiration.
Yes! While wages are protected, once deposited and commingled with other funds, they may be subject to levy. This is often the most effective collection method in Texas.
