Wage Garnishment in Colorado
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Colorado and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: For ordinary debts, the most that can be garnished each week is the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings, or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 40 times the federal minimum wage, or 40 times the Colorado minimum wage. C.R.S. § 13-54-104(2)(a)(I)
| Wage garnishment limit | For ordinary debts, the most that can be garnished each week is the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings, or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 40 times the federal minimum wage, or 40 times the Colorado minimum wage. This is stricter than the federal limit. A debtor can also file a written objection and ask the court to protect more of their pay if the remaining income does not cover actual, necessary living expenses. Different limits apply to child support and some public-assistance debts. Source: C.R.S. § 13-54-104(2)(a)(I) |
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| Claiming an exemption | For bank accounts and other property, the debtor files a written claim of exemption with the clerk of the court that entered the judgment within 14 days after being served with the notice of exemption, describing the property and the grounds. A copy must be sent to the creditor by certified mail. For wages, the debtor has 7 days after receiving the writ to try to resolve a miscalculation with the employer, then may file a written objection with the court. Filing stops further action on the property until the court decides. Source: C.R.S. § 13-54.5-108 |
Where to get help in Colorado
- Colorado Attorney General, Consumer Credit Unit (licenses collection agencies under the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act)
- File a complaint or claim
More Colorado debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Colorado
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Colorado
- What Creditors Can't Take in Colorado
- Medical Debt Protections in Colorado
- All Colorado debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Colorado?
For ordinary debts, the most that can be garnished each week is the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings, or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 40 times the federal minimum wage, or 40 times the Colorado minimum wage. This is stricter than the federal limit. A debtor can also file a written objection and ask the court to protect more of their pay if the remaining income does not cover actual, necessary living expenses.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Colorado?
For bank accounts and other property, the debtor files a written claim of exemption with the clerk of the court that entered the judgment within 14 days after being served with the notice of exemption, describing the property and the grounds. A copy must be sent to the creditor by certified mail. For wages, the debtor has 7 days after receiving the writ to try to resolve a miscalculation with the employer, then may file a written objection with the court. Filing stops further action on the property until the court decides.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.