After a debt judgment in Mississippi: 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). In Justice Court, no collection action can start until 10 days after the judgment is entered.

How long it lasts
7 years
Interest after the judgment
See the rule

Interest and how long the judgment lasts in Mississippi

Interest after the judgment

A judgment on a sale or contract carries the same interest rate as the contract. Other judgments carry a yearly rate the judge sets, starting on a date the judge finds fair, but not before the complaint was filed.

How long it lasts

A judgment lasts 7 years from when it was entered or last renewed. Before it expires, the creditor can renew it by filing a Notice of Renewal with the clerk of the court that entered it (the clerk mails you notice), by a motion in that court, or by a new lawsuit on the judgment.

Law: Miss. Code §§ 75-17-7, 15-1-43; Bhana v. Patel, No. 2022-IA-01264-SCT (Miss.)

Judgment interest and how long a judgment lasts, by state

How much of your pay can be taken in Mississippi

At least the federal limit applies, up to 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less.

Law: 15 U.S.C. § 1673

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)

Bank levies in Mississippi

In Justice Court, no collection action can start until 10 days after the judgment is entered. Federal benefits such as Social Security are protected from bank garnishment.

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

Steps to protect your money in Mississippi

  1. Read every notice

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

  2. Gather proof

    Proof of where the money came from, like award letters, wins exemption claims.

  3. Claim your exemptions

    Ask the clerk which form to file and by when.

  4. Attend the hearing

    Bring your proof to the hearing if the creditor objects.

Free help in Mississippi

Questions about collection after a judgment in Mississippi

How much interest does a judgment add in Mississippi?

A judgment on a sale or contract carries the same interest rate as the contract. Other judgments carry a yearly rate the judge sets, starting on a date the judge finds fair, but not before the complaint was filed.

How long does a judgment last in Mississippi?

A judgment lasts 7 years from when it was entered or last renewed. Before it expires, the creditor can renew it by filing a Notice of Renewal with the clerk of the court that entered it (the clerk mails you notice), by a motion in that court, or by a new lawsuit on the judgment.

Can my wages be garnished in Mississippi?

At least the federal limit applies, up to 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less.

What is a bank levy in Mississippi?

In Justice Court, no collection action can start until 10 days after the judgment is entered. Federal benefits such as Social Security are protected from bank garnishment.

Keep reading about Mississippi

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources