Section 10. Definitions

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Disposable earnings" means that part of the earnings of any individual remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amount required by law to be withheld.

"Earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonus, payments to an independent contractor, or otherwise, whether paid directly to the individual or deposited with another entity or person on behalf of and traceable to the individual, and includes periodic payments pursuant to a pension or retirement program.

"F.M.W.R." means the current federal minimum hourly wage rate set out in the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 USC § 206(a)(1) or its successor, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

"Garnishment" means any legal or equitable procedure through which the earnings of any individual are required to be withheld for payment of any debt.

"Ordinary debt" means any debt other than a debt for the support of a person or a debt for taxes, or any other debt for which a different maximum garnishment amount is established by law.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 15, Issue 17, eff. June 15, 1999.

Statutory Authority

§ 34-29 of the Code of Virginia.