No — Virginia and federal law limit how much of your paycheck a creditor can take. But your bank account is a different story, and the difference catches many people off guard.
Wages: a cap applies
For most judgment creditors, wage garnishment is limited to a portion of your disposable earnings (generally up to about 25%), so a creditor cannot take your entire paycheck. The exact amount depends on your earnings and the type of debt, so confirm your specific numbers.
Bank accounts: the whole balance can be frozen
Unlike wages, the money in your checking or savings account can be frozen in full when a garnishment hits the bank — until you claim an exemption. Here is what to do if your bank account is frozen.
Protect what you can with a homestead deed
The Virginia homestead exemption lets you protect a portion of your wages and bank funds. Record a Virginia Homestead Deed and assert your claim in the garnishing court before the return date (court date). Learn how much you can protect or prepare your homestead deed online.