State Debt Laws
California Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to California
California (CA) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA) |
| Source | Cal. Civ. Code ยง 1788 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | YES - covers original creditors too |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 25% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | 2 months' net wages |
| Homestead Exemption | $300,000 - $600,000 (county-based) |
Key Protections in California
- Rosenthal Act covers ORIGINAL creditors (FDCPA does not)
- No calls before 8am or after 9pm local time
- Cannot communicate with debtor's employer
- Must cease contact on written request
- Right to request validation within 30 days
- Higher damages: up to $1,000 per RFDCPA violation
Wage Garnishment in California
After a court judgment, creditors in California can garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - California follows federal law on this limit.
Exempt from garnishment: Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA benefits) cannot be garnished by private creditors regardless of state law.
File a Complaint in California
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA):
- File with the California Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)
California Debt Resources
SoL
California Statute of Limitations
Credit card, medical, auto, and personal loan SoL in California.
View SoL →Free Tool
SoL Date Calculator
Calculate the exact SoL expiration date for your debt.
Check SoL →FDCPA
Federal Collector Rules
What debt collectors can and can't do under federal law.
Read Guide →