Wage Exemptions -- State System
California Law Wage Garnishment Limits
In California, your wages are protected to 75% of wages or 40 times state minimum wage ($12/hour for large employers, otherwise $11) or local minimum wage; more if debtor proves that higher amount is needed. Garnishment is limited to 50% of amount in excess of 40 times state or local minimum wage.
California earned a "C" from NCLC because its garnishment law protect at least $350 per week.
California Exemption System 1
California Exemption System 2
Federal Non-Bankruptcy Law
(available only if using State System)
Federal "non-bankruptcy" law also offers exemption protection for wages.
Wage Garnishment — Federal System § 522 (no exemption)
No. Federal exemptions not available. Instead, California has two systems of exemptions, one of which ("C2") closely mirrors the federal scheme. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 703.130
The Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(d) are available to you if
- you haven't lived in any state longer than 180 days for a while,
- or
- if your state allows the Federal exemptions as a choice.
See also on LegalConsumer.com
From Elsewhere on the web:
- Wage Garnishment in California (UpSolve.org): UpSolve features state specific articles on wage garnishment in each state.