Q&A: I just received a garnishment order, what do I do?

You must comply with garnishment orders as written until directed otherwise by the issuing agency or the court, stopping the withholdings only when ordered to do so. When you receive the court order:

Review the order to make sure you understand it. Contact the issuing authority and/or your legal counsel if necessary.
Mark the date received on the notice and retain the postmarked envelope in case you need to prove timely compliance;
Keep a copy of the order in the employee's personnel file as the legal basis for making the payroll deduction; and
Advise the employee of the court order within 10 days of receiving the order, as well as the date you will make the first deduction. The first deduction must be made within 10 days of your receipt of the order, unless the order specifies otherwise.

Employers can withhold $1.50 for each payment made, in compliance with an earnings withholding order that enforces payment of child support obligations.

See the California Department of Child Support Services for additional guidance.

Read about Garnishment Against Wages in the HR Library.

I just received a garnishment order, what do I do?

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