Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Illinois

Wage deductions

We just received a letter informing us of wage deduction for a medical bill. I was just wondering how much they can actually take from your paycheck. We are a one income family that can barely make our mortgage and utility bills without even considering extras and I am just worried they may take enough that we could not even afford to eat. Is there any way to negotiate a lower payment? We have three young children and do not want to lose our house.


Asked on 6/21/05, 12:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kevin Plachta The Law Office of Kevin F. Plachta

Re: Wage deductions

By law the maximum amount that can be deducted is 15 percent of gross wages minus mandatory contributions to pension or retirement plans. If you are not able to afford having your wages deducted then you must either 1. Contact the attorney and try to work out some sort of payment plan and have the wage deduction dismissed or 2. show up on court on the date the wage deduction is returnable and the the judge about your financial situation and ask that he reduce the percentage, however if he does grant your request then in most cases the percentage will only be reduced to 10 percent of your gross wages or 3. File bankruptcy.

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Answered on 6/22/05, 11:39 am


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