Garnishment Law Change Could Make You Liable for Your Employee’s Debt
On September 12, 2011, the Georgia Supreme Court adopted an informal State Bar of Georgia opinion stating that any non-lawyer who answers a garnishment in Georgia is engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. The ruling became effective immediately; employers must utilize a licensed attorney to process and respond to a summons of garnishment if it originates in a State or Superior court of Georgia. Employers who fail to do so risk engaging in the unauthorized practice of law and may find themselves liable for the entire garnishment.
Altera Payroll is here to help you remain compliant with this new ruling. We are offering a Garnishment Filing Service. The Garnishment Filing Service will complete the garnishment form, have the form signed by an attorney and deliver the documents to the court house. We will then retain documentation that shows proof of delivery for each garnishment, indefinitely.
If you are already a member of the HR Expanded Service Program the cost will only be $25 per garnishment filed. If you are not a member of the HR Expanded Service Program the cost is $35 per garnishment filed.
If you wish to have Altera Payroll Service file your garnishment summons please talk with your processor and she can get you signed up today.
If you have any question about the Garnishment Filing Service or the Expanded HR Service please contact: Mike Higdon or Jon Paxton at HR@alterapayroll.com or 478-477-6060
Click Here to learn more about the HR Expanded Service Program.