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Washington, DC debt collection rules: lawsuit deadlines, garnishment limits and judgments
In DC, a lawsuit on a simple contract, express or implied, must be filed within 3 years. A lawsuit on an instrument under seal has 12 years. On $800.00 of weekly take-home pay, a creditor with a judgment for an ordinary consumer debt can garnish at most $16.00 a week in Washington, DC.
The rules at a glance
| Deadline for a creditor to sue | In DC, a lawsuit on a simple contract, express or implied, must be filed within 3 years. A lawsuit on an instrument under seal has 12 years. (D.C. Code § 12-301(6)-(7)) |
|---|---|
| Deadline to respond to a lawsuit | In DC Superior Court, a defendant must serve an answer within 21 days after being served with the summons and complaint. (D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 12(a)) |
| Wage garnishment limit | In DC, a creditor can garnish at most 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the DC minimum hourly wage. At $18.40 that protects the first $736.00 a week. (D.C. Code § 16-572) |
| Minimum wage used in the garnishment formula | The DC minimum hourly wage rose from $17.95 to $18.40 on July 1, 2026, for all workers regardless of the size of the employer. (DC Department of Employment Services) |
How much of your pay can be garnished
| Where you live | $600.00 a week | $800.00 a week | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $0.00 | $16.00 | D.C. Code § 16-572 |
Frequently asked questions
How long does a creditor have to sue for a debt in Washington, DC?
In DC, a lawsuit on a simple contract, express or implied, must be filed within 3 years. A lawsuit on an instrument under seal has 12 years.
How much of my paycheck can be garnished in Washington, DC?
In DC, a creditor can garnish at most 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the DC minimum hourly wage. At $18.40 that protects the first $736.00 a week.
Questions answered for Washington, DC
- How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in DC Superior Court?
- What is the statute of limitations on credit card debt in Washington, DC?
- How much of my paycheck can be garnished in DC in 2026?
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