- 1). Consult with a consumer affairs attorney about vacating the judgment leading to the garnishment. Under certain situations the judge may vacate the judgment, automatically ending the garnishment. You or an attorney must file a "motion to vacate" -- which is a legal motion but not an injunction. People filing motions to vacate usually argue that they were unaware of the original lawsuit and want a new hearing on the case. However, removing the judgment is sometimes a temporary victory, because the debt collector can sue again to restart the process.
- 2). See a bankruptcy attorney if you prefer a legal injunction ending the garnishment. Bankruptcy includes a powerful legal injunction called "the automatic stay." This is signed by a judge and ends all debt collection activity, including garnishment.
- 3). Apply for bankruptcy after meeting with the bankruptcy attorney -- but only if you have no other options. Bankruptcy remains on credit reports for a minimum of 10 years, and you must include all of your debts and assets in bankruptcy -- and not just the debt leading to the garnishment.
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