🏛️ Virginia Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()

📍 Collecting a judgment in Virginia? Wage garnishment in the Old Dominion follows federal guidelines. Virginia has straightforward garnishment procedures for creditors. This guide covers everything you need to know as part of your Virginia judgment collection strategy.

25%📊 Max Disposable Earnings
20 Yrs⏱️ Judgment Duration
40×💵 Min Wage Protection
24 hrs🔍 Employer Search Speed

⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in Virginia?

Wage garnishment in Virginia allows judgment creditors to collect directly from a debtor’s paycheck. The process is governed by Virginia Code § 8.01-511 et seq., with some state-specific protections.

For creditors working on how to collect a judgment, wage garnishment is effective. Our skip tracing services help locate debtors throughout Virginia.

💡 Key Point: Virginia judgments last 20 years! Virginia uses 40× minimum wage protection (more than federal 30×).

🏛️ Types of Wage Garnishment

  • Consumer Debt Garnishment – Limited to 25% of disposable earnings
  • Child Support – Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings
  • Tax Levies – VA DT and IRS have broader powers
  • Student Loans – Up to 15% for federal student loans

💰 Virginia Wage Garnishment Limits

Virginia has enhanced protections. Maximum garnishment is the lesser of:

🔢 Option 1: 25% of disposable earnings

💵 Option 2: Amount exceeding 40× federal minimum wage

📋 Virginia Exemption Table

Debt TypeMaximum GarnishmentNotes
📄 Consumer Debt25% or 40× min wage testMore protection
👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support50-65%Priority over others
🎓 Student Loans15%Administrative process
🏛️ Tax DebtVariesBroad powers

🔍 Need to Find a Debtor’s Employer in Virginia?

Our employment verification services locate employer information within 24 hours.

Order Employer Search →

📋 Steps to Garnish Wages in Virginia

  1. Obtain a Money Judgment

    Get a VA judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment.

  2. Locate Debtor and Employer

    Our Virginia skip tracing finds employer information.

  3. File Garnishment Summons

    File garnishment summons with the court.

  4. Serve the Employer

    Serve summons on the employer (garnishee).

  5. Employer Files Answer

    Employer must respond with employment and wage information.

  6. Court Issues Order

    Garnishment continues until judgment satisfied.

  7. Monitor Payments

    Track payments and file satisfaction when paid.

🔍 Skip Tracing in Virginia

🏙️ Virginia Coverage

  • Virginia Beach – Hampton Roads
  • Norfolk – Hampton Roads
  • Richmond – State capital
  • Arlington – DC metro
  • Fairfax – Northern Virginia

🎯 Virginia Debtor Hiding from Collection?

20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors throughout Virginia.

Start Your Search →

🛡️ Debtor Protections

  • 40× minimum wage protection – Higher than federal
  • Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
  • Objection rights – Can claim exemptions

📍 Our Virginia Services

🔍 Skip Tracing

💼 Asset Research

📞 Ready to Collect Your Virginia Judgment?

Get Started Today →

❓ FAQs

📋 How much can be garnished in Virginia?

The lesser of 25% of disposable earnings OR amount exceeding 40× federal minimum wage.

⏱️ How long do Virginia judgments last?

20 years – one of the longest periods in the nation!

📚 Resources

📖 Related Guides