Wage Garnishment in Louisiana
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Louisiana and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: 75% of weekly disposable earnings is exempt, and never less than 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage per week (prorated for other pay periods). This matches the federal limit. La. R.S. 13:3881(A)(1); La. R.S. 13:3921
| Wage garnishment limit | 75% of weekly disposable earnings is exempt, and never less than 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage per week (prorated for other pay periods). This matches the federal limit. The court issues a judgment fixing the exempt portion, and a $3 processing fee per pay period is taken from the non-exempt amount. Lower exemptions apply to child support (50%) and spousal support (60%). R.S. 13:3921: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=77647 |
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| Claiming an exemption | In a wage garnishment, the court enters a judgment fixing what part of the pay is exempt. The creditor must send the debtor written notice that a garnishment petition was filed. A debtor who believes exempt money or property was seized can oppose the garnishment in the court where it is pending. No statewide exemption-claim form or fixed deadline was found. A bank may release garnished funds without a further court order unless it has notice of an opposition (C.C.P. art. 2415). |
Where to get help in Louisiana
More Louisiana debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Louisiana
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Louisiana
- What Creditors Can't Take in Louisiana
- Medical Debt Protections in Louisiana
- All Louisiana debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Louisiana?
75% of weekly disposable earnings is exempt, and never less than 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage per week (prorated for other pay periods). This matches the federal limit. The court issues a judgment fixing the exempt portion, and a $3 processing fee per pay period is taken from the non-exempt amount.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Louisiana?
In a wage garnishment, the court enters a judgment fixing what part of the pay is exempt. The creditor must send the debtor written notice that a garnishment petition was filed. A debtor who believes exempt money or property was seized can oppose the garnishment in the court where it is pending.
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.