🌲 Washington Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()
📍 Collecting a judgment in Washington? Wage garnishment in the Evergreen State has significant debtor protections. Washington’s high minimum wage provides more protection for debtors. This guide covers everything you need to know as part of your Washington judgment collection strategy.
⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in Washington?
Wage garnishment in Washington allows judgment creditors to collect directly from a debtor’s paycheck. The process is governed by RCW Chapter 6.27, with state-specific protections that can exceed federal standards.
For creditors working on how to collect a judgment, wage garnishment is effective. Our skip tracing services help locate debtors throughout Washington.
💡 Key Point: Washington judgments last 10 years and can be renewed. WA uses the state minimum wage (higher than federal) for exemption calculations, providing more protection.
⚠️ Washington Difference: Washington uses the higher state minimum wage (not federal) for the 35× exemption calculation, which significantly increases debtor protection.
🏛️ Types of Wage Garnishment
- Consumer Debt Garnishment – 25% of disposable or 35× state min wage
- Child Support – Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings
- Tax Levies – WA DOR and IRS have broader powers
- Student Loans – Up to 15% for federal student loans
💰 Washington Wage Garnishment Limits
Washington has enhanced protections. Maximum garnishment is the lesser of:
🔢 Option 1: 25% of disposable earnings
💵 Option 2: Amount exceeding 35× WA state minimum wage
📋 Washington Exemption Table
| Debt Type | Maximum Garnishment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 📄 Consumer Debt | 25% or 35× state min wage | High 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 Washington?
Our employment verification services locate employer information within 24 hours.
Order Employer Search →📋 Steps to Garnish Wages in Washington
- Obtain a Money Judgment
Get a WA judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment.
- Locate Debtor and Employer
Our Washington skip tracing finds employer information.
- File Writ of Garnishment
File writ with the court that issued judgment.
- Serve the Employer
Serve writ on the employer (garnishee).
- Employer Files Answer
Employer must respond with employment and wage information.
- Continuing Lien
Washington garnishments create continuing liens on wages.
- Monitor Payments
Track payments and file satisfaction when paid.
🔍 Skip Tracing in Washington
🏙️ Washington Coverage
- Seattle Metro – Puget Sound region
- Spokane – Eastern Washington
- Tacoma – South Puget Sound
- Vancouver – Portland metro
- Bellevue – Eastside
🎯 Washington Debtor Hiding from Collection?
20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors throughout Washington.
Start Your Search →🛡️ Debtor Protections
- 35× state minimum wage protection
- High state minimum wage – More protection
- Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
📍 Our Washington Services
🔍 Skip Tracing
💼 Asset Research
📞 Ready to Collect Your Washington Judgment?
Get Started Today →❓ FAQs
The lesser of 25% of disposable earnings OR amount exceeding 35× Washington state minimum wage.
10 years, renewable before expiration.
