Wage Garnishment
Wage garnishment is a legal process that takes money directly from a person's paycheck to satisfy a debt, including past-due child support. In Florida, current support is typically collected through income deduction, but when a parent falls behind, the state or the other parent can pursue garnishment of wages to recover the arrears. Federal limits cap how much of a paycheck can be garnished for support.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Legal Definition
A court- or agency-authorized withholding of a portion of an obligor's earnings to collect a debt or support arrearage; for child support, Florida uses income deduction under F.S. §61.1301, subject to the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act withholding limits.
Example
After he accumulated several months of unpaid child support, the Department of Revenue initiated wage garnishment to collect the back support.
Related Statutes
- 61.1301
- 61.30
Related Terms
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