After a debt judgment in Indiana: garnishment, bank levy, exemptions

What can be taken from your pay and bank account, and how to claim exempt money.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

After a judgment, the creditor can ask the court to take part of your pay or freeze your bank account, but some money is exempt (protected by law). Wage limits are applied automatically. For other exemptions (for example the $450 for bank accounts, Social Security or other protected benefits), tell the court in writing that you claim the specific exemption, ideally before or at the proceedings supplemental hearing.

How long it lasts
20 years
Interest after the judgment
8%
Exemption form
Official exemption form

Claiming what the law protects in Indiana

Wage limits are applied automatically. For other exemptions (for example the $450 for bank accounts, Social Security or other protected benefits), tell the court in writing that you claim the specific exemption, ideally before or at the proceedings supplemental hearing. Courts use a Notice of Exemption Rights form that lists common exemptions. No fixed filing deadline is set by rule, so do it as early as possible.

Law: Ind. Trial Rule 69(E); IC 34-55-10-2; Indiana Small Claims Manual, Notice of Exemption Rights

Official exemption form

Count your deadline to claim an exemption

The date is counted in your browser.

Read the notice you got from the court, your bank or your employer.

An estimate from our state data, not legal advice. Court holidays and local rules can change a deadline. File early, and ask the court clerk if you are not sure.

Exemption claim cover letter

How long a judgment lasts in Indiana

Interest after the judgment

The rate in the contract you were sued on, but no more than 8% a year; or 8% a year if there was no contract. Interest runs from the date of judgment until paid.

How long it lasts

A judgment is considered satisfied after 20 years. It is a lien on real estate in the county where it is entered for 10 years.

Law: IC 24-4.6-1-101; IC 34-11-2-12; IC 34-55-9-2

Judgment interest and how long a judgment lasts, by state

Your bank account after a judgment in Indiana

The creditor files proceedings supplemental, naming your bank as garnishee; the court orders you and the bank to appear or answer questions at least 20 days after service. $450 of intangible property, including bank accounts and cash, is exempt.

Law: IC 34-55-10-2(c)(3); 750 IAC 1-1-1(c)

Your bank must protect up to two months of Social Security, SSI, VA and some other federal benefits that were paid into your account by direct deposit. You don't have to ask.

Law: 31 CFR 212.5, 212.6

Your paycheck after a judgment in Indiana

No more than 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less; you can ask the court to lower it to between 10% and 25% for good cause.

Law: IC 37-2-6-4

These garnishment limits are from our sister site, which checks them against official sources: Debt Collector Map: Indiana

For an ordinary debt, a creditor can take at most 25% of your take-home pay, or the part above 30 times the federal minimum wage if that is less. Many states protect more.

Law: 15 U.S.C. 1673(a)

Steps to protect your money in Indiana

  1. Read every notice

    Deadlines to claim exemptions can be days, not weeks. Read each notice the day it comes.

  2. Collect your records

    Get bank statements and benefit award letters: they prove the source of the money.

  3. Ask the court to protect your money

    In Indiana: Wage limits are applied automatically. For other exemptions (for example the $450 for bank accounts, Social Security or other protected benefits), tell the court in writing that you claim the specific exemption, ideally before or at the proceedings supplemental hearing.

  4. Go to the hearing

    If the creditor objects, the judge decides at a hearing. Bring your proof.

Where to get free help in Indiana

Questions about collection after a judgment in Indiana

Does a judgment grow with interest in Indiana?

The rate in the contract you were sued on, but no more than 8% a year; or 8% a year if there was no contract. Interest runs from the date of judgment until paid.

Can a judgment be renewed in Indiana?

A judgment is considered satisfied after 20 years. It is a lien on real estate in the county where it is entered for 10 years.

How much of my pay can be taken in Indiana?

No more than 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less; you can ask the court to lower it to between 10% and 25% for good cause.

Can my bank account be frozen in Indiana?

The creditor files proceedings supplemental, naming your bank as garnishee; the court orders you and the bank to appear or answer questions at least 20 days after service. $450 of intangible property, including bank accounts and cash, is exempt.

How do I claim an exemption in Indiana?

Wage limits are applied automatically. For other exemptions (for example the $450 for bank accounts, Social Security or other protected benefits), tell the court in writing that you claim the specific exemption, ideally before or at the proceedings supplemental hearing. Courts use a Notice of Exemption Rights form that lists common exemptions. No fixed filing deadline is set by rule, so do it as early as possible.

Related Indiana pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources