Washington Laws on Wage Garnishments, Statute of Limitation on Debts, and Bankruptcy Property Exemptions
WAGE GARNISHMENT EXEMPTION: 75% of earnings or 40 times the federal minimum hourly wage, whichever is greater
MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE: Legal: 12% Judgment: 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON ENFORCEMENT:
Open Account (credit card): 3 years
Written Contract: 6 yearsDomestic Judgment: 10 yearsForeign Judgment: 10 yearsBAD CHECK LAW DAMAGES: Check amount, interest, collection costs up to $40
WASHINGTON BANKRUPTCY PROPERTY EXEMPTIONS (Revised Code of Washington Annotated):
Can use either the state exemptions below or the federal exemptions
The State of Washington has exempted the property and income below from seizure by the bankruptcy court to pay creditors:
Real Property: Real property or mobile home to $30,000; must file homestead declaration with county [6.13.010 and 6.13.030] Note: Read statute for special exemptions if you are seeking to discharge Washington state income taxes
Personal Property: Clothing, unlimited amount, but value of furs and jewelry cannot exceed $1,000 [6.15.010(1)]; books up to $1,500, keepsakes and pictures, unlimited amount [6.15.010(2)]; appliances, home and yard equipment, furniture and household goods, up to $2,700 total, and food and fuel, amount needed [6.15.010(3)(a)]; any personal property up to $1,000, but only $100 of this can consist of cash, stocks, bonds and other securities or bank deposits [6.15.010(3)(b)]; up to two motor vehicles, not to exceed $2,500 total [6.15.010(3)(c)]; farm equipment consisting of seed, stock, tools, equipment and vehicles, up to $5,000 total [6.15.010(4)(a)]; library, office equip. and furniture and supplies of attorney, clergy, physician or other professional, up to $5,000 total [6.15.010(4)(b)]; tools of trade up to $5,000 [6.15.010(4)(c)]; burial plots in non-profit cemetery, unlimited amt [68.20.120]
Insurance / Annuities: Fraternal society benefits, unlimited amount [48.36A.180]; group life insurance policy or proceeds, unlimited amount [48.18.420]; insurance proceeds for destroyed exempt property up to exemption amount [6.15.030]; life insurance proceeds if beneficiary is not the insured, unlimited amount [48.18.410] disability proceeds or benefits, unlimited amount [48.18.400]; annuity proceeds to $250 per month [48.18.430]
How to Deal with Debt Collectors
Federal and State Laws Regarding Debt Collection
State Laws Regulating Wage Garnishments
Pensions / Retirement Plans: IRAs and retirement benefits, unlimited amount [6.15.020]; public employees, unlimited amount [41.40.052]; city employees, unlimited amount [41.28.200]; state patrol officers, unlimited amount [43.43.310]; volunteer firefighters, unlimited amount [41.24.240]
Public Benefits / Entitlements: Unemployment compensation, unlimited amount [50.40.020]; workers' compensation, unlimited amount [51.32.040]; aid to families with dependent children, unlimited amt [74.13.070]; crime victims' compensation, unlimited amount [7.68.070]; general assistance, unlimited amt [74.04.280]; old-age assistance, unlimited amt [74.08.210]
Wages: 75% of earned but unpaid wages [6.27.150]
Miscellaneous: None.
