🦡 Wisconsin Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()
📍 Collecting a judgment in Wisconsin? Wage garnishment in the Badger State has specific limits that provide more debtor protection. Wisconsin limits are more restrictive than federal standards. This guide covers everything you need to know as part of your Wisconsin judgment collection strategy.
⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in Wisconsin?
Wage garnishment in Wisconsin allows judgment creditors to collect directly from a debtor’s paycheck. The process is governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 812, 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 Wisconsin.
💡 Key Point: Wisconsin judgments last 20 years! WI limits garnishment to 20% (not federal 25%), providing more debtor protection.
⚠️ Wisconsin Difference: Wisconsin caps garnishment at 20% of disposable earnings – more debtor-friendly than the federal 25% limit.
🏛️ Types of Wage Garnishment
- Consumer Debt – Earnings Garnishment – Limited to 20% of disposable earnings
- Child Support – Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings
- Tax Levies – WI DOR and IRS have broader powers
- Student Loans – Up to 15% for federal student loans
💰 Wisconsin Wage Garnishment Limits
Wisconsin 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
📋 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Our employment verification services locate employer information within 24 hours.
Order Employer Search →📋 Steps to Garnish Wages in Wisconsin
- Obtain a Money Judgment
Get a WI judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment.
- Locate Debtor and Employer
Our Wisconsin skip tracing finds employer information.
- File Earnings Garnishment
File earnings garnishment with the court.
- Serve the Employer
Serve garnishment on the employer.
- Employer Withholds Wages
Employer begins withholding 20% of disposable earnings.
- Continuing Garnishment
Garnishment continues until judgment satisfied.
- Monitor Payments
Track payments and file satisfaction when paid.
🔍 Skip Tracing in Wisconsin
🏙️ Wisconsin Coverage
- Milwaukee – State’s largest city
- Madison – State capital
- Green Bay – Northeast Wisconsin
- Kenosha – Southeast Wisconsin
- Racine – Lake Michigan
🎯 Wisconsin Debtor Hiding from Collection?
20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors throughout Wisconsin.
Start Your Search →🛡️ Debtor Protections
- 20% maximum garnishment – Lower than federal 25%
- 30× minimum wage protection
- Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
📍 Our Wisconsin Services
🔍 Skip Tracing
💼 Asset Research
📞 Ready to Collect Your Wisconsin Judgment?
Get Started Today →❓ FAQs
The lesser of 20% of disposable earnings OR amount exceeding 30× federal minimum wage.
20 years – one of the longest periods in the nation!
