California  |  Credit and Debt Law

If it's causing a hardship for you and your family, you can apply to the court for a hardship reduction or exemption. The court will set a hearing at which you will need to be present. In addition, you can try to negotiate with the judgment creditor to reduce the amount for a lump sum payment.

I assume they got a judgment against you and you cannot do anything to set it aside such as defective service. You can apply for exemptions if you act in the time you were allowed when you got a copy of eh notice of garnishment. If you let the time run as set forth on the garnishment then should consider bankruptcy which will immediately stop collection activities once you file but may or may not wipe out the debt depending on your circumstances. You can also use the threat of bankruptcy to negotiate a settlement with your debtor, but next time see a lawyer before they get a judgment against you and garnish your wages.

Good luck and hope this helps.