Constangy: Attorneys Must Sign Garnishment Answers, Georgia State Bar Says | Practical Law
This Constangy, Brooks and Smith, LLP memorandum discusses the Supreme Court of Georgia's adoption of a state bar advisory opinion on wage garnishments. According to the September 12, 2011 Supreme Court of Georgia opinion, a garnishment is a legal proceeding. Therefore, employers responding to a garnishment order must have a Georgia-barred attorney file a response on its behalf. Non-attorneys who file a response to a garnishment are engaged in the unlicensed practice of law. In addition, employers' answers filed by a non-attorney may be stricken, resulting in a default judgment against them and liability for the total debt.