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If a debtor's earned income is seized, they are left with an allowance that serves to secure their livelihood and that of their dependants. In principle, this allowance is based on the garnishment table, which is adjusted annually by the Federal Ministry of Justice. The currently valid garnishment exemption limits for earned income can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Justice, which you can access under "Further links".
However, if the debtor cannot cover the necessary living expenses for themselves and the persons they are legally obliged to support with the income remaining after the garnishment, they can apply for an adjustment of the exemption amount. To do so, they must prove that they have a need that exceeds their monthly allowance. This may be the case, for example, if the debtor incurs considerable additional costs due to illness or if they have to provide maintenance for more than five people.
The following requirements must be met for a change in the non-garnishable amount:
An adjustment of the allowance in the case of an attachment of income requires an application by the debtor. This must be submitted to the enforcement court that issued the attachment order to be amended.
The application can be submitted in writing or electronically. If the application is submitted electronically, a secure transmission channel (e.g. BayernID or electronic citizen and organization mailbox) must be used. Submission by e-mail is not permitted.
There are no court fees for the proceedings.
Immediate appeal
An immediate appeal may be lodged against decisions of the enforcement court. This must be lodged within an emergency period of two weeks. If the enforcement court considers the immediate appeal to be well-founded, it will dismiss it. Otherwise, it will immediately submit the immediate appeal to the court of appeal for a decision.