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[symington]

If I receive a check from my lawyer for a personal injury settlement, in the state of Florida.. and I do not deposit the check in any bank account, but just cash it, can it be garnished some how? Starting this year, the treasury started garnishing my wages for a debt in the amount of $15,000 that I owe the treasury (NOT THE IRS). I understand that if I open a bank account they can take it, but can they still garnish it from the check I would receive from my lawyer some how?

[calin]

Sorry but this question clearly implies that you are inherently dishonest with genuine intention to avoid paying your debt if at all possible. You should expect to be called back to court over your refusal to pay

[parnell]

Sounds like maybe you have unpaid student loans. sure they can take your money, off the top, and if they hear (which they will) that you came into a settlement and cashed it then they will demand their share. Seems to me by law they are only allowed to take a certain percentage of offset with regard to monthly payments, however I believe they can put a lien on any account you have, plus take you to court to share that amount. Why would you be hanging onto money from a PI settlement case anyway since when you get money from a PI settlement 1/3 goes to your attorney, 1/3 goes to pay your bills, and 1/3 should go to you but 1/3 isn't usually a lot of money. I'd say give it up and pay down your debt (which is probably adding a hefty interest charge).