⛰️ West Virginia Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()
📍 Collecting a judgment in West Virginia? Wage garnishment in the Mountain State has specific limits that provide more debtor protection. West Virginia limits are more restrictive than federal standards. This guide covers everything you need to know as part of your West Virginia judgment collection strategy.
⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in West Virginia?
Wage garnishment in West Virginia allows judgment creditors to collect directly from a debtor’s paycheck. The process is governed by West Virginia Code Chapter 38, with limits more protective than federal standards.
For creditors working on how to collect a judgment, wage garnishment is effective. Our skip tracing services help locate debtors throughout West Virginia.
💡 Key Point: West Virginia judgments last 10 years and can be renewed. WV limits garnishment to 20% (not federal 25%).
⚠️ West Virginia Difference: West Virginia caps garnishment at 20% of disposable earnings – more debtor-friendly than the federal 25% limit.
🏛️ Types of Wage Garnishment
- Consumer Debt Garnishment – Limited to 20% of disposable earnings
- Child Support – Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings
- Tax Levies – WV State Tax Dept and IRS have broader powers
- Student Loans – Up to 15% for federal student loans
💰 West Virginia Wage Garnishment Limits
West Virginia has enhanced protections. Maximum garnishment is the lesser of:
🔢 Option 1: 20% of disposable earnings (not 25%)
💵 Option 2: Amount exceeding 30× federal minimum wage
📋 West Virginia Exemption Table
| Debt Type | Maximum Garnishment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 📄 Consumer Debt | 20% or 30× 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 West Virginia?
Our employment verification services locate employer information within 24 hours.
Order Employer Search →📋 Steps to Garnish Wages in West Virginia
- Obtain a Money Judgment
Get a WV judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment.
- Locate Debtor and Employer
Our West Virginia skip tracing finds employer information.
- File Suggestee Execution
File suggestee execution (garnishment) with the court.
- Serve the Employer
Serve execution on the employer (suggestee).
- 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 West Virginia
🏙️ West Virginia Coverage
- Charleston – State capital and largest city
- Huntington – Tri-State area
- Morgantown – WVU area
- Parkersburg – Ohio Valley
- Wheeling – Northern Panhandle
🎯 West Virginia Debtor Hiding from Collection?
20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors throughout West Virginia.
Start Your Search →🛡️ Debtor Protections
- 20% maximum garnishment – Lower than federal 25%
- 30× minimum wage protection
- Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
📍 Our West Virginia Services
🔍 Skip Tracing
💼 Asset Research
📞 Ready to Collect Your West Virginia Judgment?
Get Started Today →❓ FAQs
The lesser of 20% of disposable earnings OR amount exceeding 30× federal minimum wage.
10 years, renewable before expiration.
