State Debt Laws
Wisconsin Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to Wisconsin
Wisconsin (WI) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | Wisconsin Consumer Act |
| Source | Wis. Stat. ยง 427.001 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | YES - covers original creditors too |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 20% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | $5,000 in bank |
| Homestead Exemption | $75,000 |
Key Protections in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Consumer Act covers original creditors
- Lower wage garnishment cap (20%)
- High bank account exemption ($5,000)
- Homestead exemption: $75,000
- Significant extra-FDCPA consumer protections
Wage Garnishment in Wisconsin
After a court judgment, creditors in Wisconsin can garnish up to 20% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or Wisconsin Consumer Act:
- File with the Wisconsin Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)