Keywords: Garnishment of wages, Maryland, types Detailed Description: Garnishment of wages in Maryland is a legal procedure through which a creditor can collect unpaid debts by obtaining a court order to deduct a portion of a debtor's wages directly from their paycheck. It is a form of debt collection that aims to satisfy outstanding debts and requires adherence to specific rules and regulations outlined by Maryland state law. There are different types of garnishment of wages in Maryland, including: 1. Regular Garnishment: This is the most common type of garnishment in Maryland. It allows creditors to garnish up to 25% of a debtor's disposable income or the amount by which the debtor's weekly disposable income exceeds 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is lower. 2. Child Support Garnishment: When a debtor fails to pay court-ordered child support, the custodial parent can seek a garnishment order to collect the owed amount from the debtor's wages. In such cases, a maximum of 50% of the debtor's disposable income can be garnished if they are supporting another spouse or child, or up to 60% if they are not. 3. Tax Levies: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Maryland state tax agencies can also initiate wage garnishment to collect unpaid taxes. Depending on the specific circumstances, the amount of garnishment can vary, and it is crucial for debtors to address their tax liabilities promptly to avoid this type of garnishment. 4. Student Loan Garnishment: If a debtor falls behind on federal student loan payments, the Department of Education can seek wage garnishment of up to 15% of the debtor's disposable income, subject to certain minimum income thresholds. It is important to note that Maryland law provides certain exemptions for low-income debtors, protecting a portion of their wages from garnishment. These exemptions include protecting 75% or more of a debtor's wages if they earn less than 30 times the federal minimum wage per week or 30 times the state minimum wage if higher. To initiate wage garnishment, creditors must obtain a court order, present evidence of the debt owed, and provide a notice to the debtor. Garnishment orders are typically served to the debtor's employer, who then deducts the specified amount from the paycheck and remits it to the creditor until the debt is satisfied. Overall, garnishment of wages in Maryland serves as a method for creditors to collect outstanding debts, with different types targeting specific circumstances such as general debt, child support, taxes, or student loans. It is crucial for debtors to understand their rights and obligations within the Maryland garnishment laws to effectively address and resolve their financial obligations.