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Client Story | Grandmother Attends Garnishment Hearing Fully Prepared with FRLS’s Help

May 6, 2026

Only weeks after taking on the full‑time care of her young grandson, our client was shocked to discover that her paycheck had been reduced due to a wage garnishment. Already adjusting to the financial and emotional responsibilities of becoming her grandson’s primary caregiver, she feared that the continued garnishment would leave her unable to support their household.

She contacted Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) for legal help. FRLS is a non‑profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.

After reviewing her situation, FRLS determined that she qualified for the head‑of‑household exemption, which protects certain wages from garnishment. Her court hearing was scheduled just six days after she reached out, leaving little time to prepare.

Our team provided detailed guidance on the documents she needed, how to organize her evidence, and the best way to present her circumstances to the judge. With FRLS's support, she walked into her hearing confidently and ready.

The judge ruled in her favor, dissolving the garnishment order. The funds previously withheld from her paycheck will be returned, allowing her to continue caring for her grandson without the fear of losing essential income.

FRLS representation helped protect this family’s financial stability and ensured our client could continue providing a safe home for her grandson. If you or someone you know is facing wage garnishment or another civil legal issue, reach out to us at 1‑888‑582‑3410 or apply online at FRLS.org for help.