State Debt Laws
Delaware Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to Delaware
Delaware (DE) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | Delaware Consumer Fraud Act |
| Source | 6 Del. C. ยง 2511 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | No - third-party collectors only |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 15% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | $500 in bank |
| Homestead Exemption | None |
Key Protections in Delaware
- Lower wage garnishment cap (15% vs federal 25%)
- FDCPA applies to third-party collectors
- No homestead exemption - home equity at risk
Wage Garnishment in Delaware
After a court judgment, creditors in Delaware can garnish up to 15% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - Delaware follows federal law on this limit.
Exempt from garnishment: Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA benefits) cannot be garnished by private creditors regardless of state law.
File a Complaint in Delaware
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or Delaware Consumer Fraud Act:
- File with the Delaware Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)