Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

No. Once wages hit your bank account, then they can be seized.

Where do you work? How often are you paid? Where is your employer? In PA? Are you married?

PA does not have wage garnishment, but PA has very few exemptions. There is no exemption for a home or land and you can only exempt $300 in any one bank account.

Depending on your situation, you can do several things:

(1) if you work and are married, have your spouse get a bank account solely in his/her name and have your paychecks routed into their account;

(2) if you get paid via paper check, you can also get your check and cash it either at the bank (if they will allow it) or at Wal Mart or other check casher (some grocery stores will do this).

(3) if you are single, you can go without a bank account and go cash only and get your check cashed as above. Some employers will also put your pay on a debit card and this is also a good alternative.

(4) If you must bank, consider banking at an online or purely out of state bank or at a place like ready debit (which functions like a bank).

(5) If you don't like doing things online, then try a credit union or a very small community bank located 25-50 miles from your home. However, make sure that you do not leave money in excess of $300 in your account once a judgment is entered. If you get paid, leave $300 in the bank and take the rest out. If you need it to pay bills, re-deposit funds needed to pay the day before the bill is due to be paid.