State Debt Laws
New Jersey Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to New Jersey
New Jersey (NJ) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) |
| Source | N.J.S.A. ยง 56:8-1 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | YES - covers original creditors too |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 10% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | $1,000 in bank |
| Homestead Exemption | None |
Key Protections in New Jersey
- CFA covers original creditors and collectors
- Very low wage garnishment cap (10%)
- Treble damages for CFA violations
- Attorney fees awarded to winning plaintiffs
Wage Garnishment in New Jersey
After a court judgment, creditors in New Jersey can garnish up to 10% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - New Jersey 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 New Jersey
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA):
- File with the New Jersey Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)
New Jersey Debt Resources
SoL
New Jersey Statute of Limitations
Credit card, medical, auto, and personal loan SoL in New Jersey.
View SoL →Free Tool
SoL Date Calculator
Calculate the exact SoL expiration date for your debt.
Check SoL →FDCPA
Federal Collector Rules
What debt collectors can and can't do under federal law.
Read Guide →