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Hardship and exemption claims require detailed proof of what was garnished, what you filed, and how the court responded. A clear log shows the financial impact on your household and demonstrates that you followed court directions. This guide explains how to document every step and use our free PDF to keep your evidence organized.

What this log is

A garnishment hardship claim log records each filing, hearing, and decision related to a request for reduced or exempted garnishment. It captures totals withheld to date, documents submitted (pay stubs, bank statements, exemption forms), and results such as modified orders or denial of relief. Because courts may revisit hardship claims, a dated log is essential for showing what changed and when.

The PDF format keeps entries readable and consistent if you share them with legal aid, creditors, or the court clerk. You can show exactly when you filed a claim, provided verification, or received an order adjusting the withholding.

When you need one (with scenario bullets)

You filed a hardship claim to lower a wage garnishment because the withholding exceeds statutory limits.
Your bank account was frozen and you requested an exemption for exempt funds such as Social Security or child support.
You received a hearing date to contest a tax or judgment garnishment and must bring proof of hardship.
You are working with a creditor to negotiate reduced payments and need a record of what you have provided.
You plan to request reconsideration after a denial and need a timeline of prior filings and outcomes.

What to include (checklist)

Debtor and creditor/plaintiff names, court/case number, and type of garnishment (wage, bank, tax, other).
Employer or bank name handling the withholding or freeze.
Event dates and types: claim filed, hearing scheduled, hearing held, order entered, funds released.
Amount garnished to date and any partial releases.
Documents submitted: hardship affidavits, pay stubs, bank statements, proof of dependents, rent or medical bills.
Results and notes: granted/denied relief, new percentage, deadlines for further documentation, or appeal rights.

Step-by-step to generate/use/file it

Open the Garnishment Hardship Claim Log tool and enter debtor, creditor, case number, and garnishment type.
Add each event: when you filed the claim, when the hearing was scheduled, documents you submitted, and any orders. Note the running total garnished so far.
Download the PDF and attach supporting documents. Keep copies of pay stubs, bank statements, and exemption forms in the same order as your log.
After the hearing, record the result and any deadlines for additional evidence or appeal. Update the log if garnishment amounts change.

Common errors & how to avoid them

Not documenting totals: track cumulative amounts garnished so the court can see ongoing hardship.
Omitting proof of exempt income: include statements showing Social Security, child support, or disability benefits are exempt.
Missing deadlines for objections: log hearing dates and submission deadlines; file early when possible.
Failing to bring supporting bills: attach rent, utilities, and medical bills to show why the garnishment causes hardship.
Relying on verbal updates: note every phone call and follow up with written confirmation or filings.

Example scenarios

Wage garnishment over the legal limit: Your paycheck shows more withheld than your state allows. The log records each pay date, amount garnished to date, the hardship claim filing, and the hearing where you showed pay stubs and rent bills. The court order reducing the percentage is noted with the effective date.

Bank levy on exempt funds: Your account holding Social Security was frozen. You log the date of the freeze, the exemption form submitted, bank statements showing exempt deposits, and the court's release order. If the bank delays, the log documents follow-up calls and deadlines.

Tax refund offset hardship: You seek relief from a state tax garnishment due to medical expenses. The log shows when you filed the request, submitted medical bills, and received the decision, making it easier to request reconsideration if needed.

FAQ

Can I use this log for multiple garnishments? Yes. Note the type for each entry and keep totals separate if more than one garnishment is active.

Do I need to attach receipts? Keep copies of bills and statements with the PDF; the log should reference what was attached and when.

Will this stop the garnishment? The log itself will not stop withholding, but it helps you present organized evidence supporting a hardship claim or exemption.

How often should I update it? Update every pay period or whenever you file or receive a notice so totals stay accurate.

Related tools

Disclaimer: This article is informational and not legal advice. Deadlines and exemption rules differ by state and case type. Consult a lawyer or legal aid office about your options.