Earnings Withholding Order (WG-002)
Tells the employer (orders) to garnish wages of an employee. This sheriff, marshal, or constable may prepare this form or ask you to prepare it for them.
WG-002 Earnings Withholding Order
The WG-002 Earnings Withholding Order is a California court form that instructs an employer to withhold a portion of an employee’s wages to satisfy a court judgment. This document is a key part of the wage garnishment process and is issued after the court approves an Application for Earnings Withholding Order.
Once served on the employer, the WG-002 legally authorizes wage deductions according to California law.
What the WG-002 Form Is Used For
The WG-002 is used to enforce a money judgment by directing an employer to withhold wages from the judgment debtor’s paycheck. The form provides the employer with clear instructions, including:
The amount to withhold from each paycheck
Where the withheld wages must be sent
When the withholding should begin
How long the withholding remains in effect
This form ensures that wage garnishment is carried out consistently and lawfully.
When the Earnings Withholding Order Is Issued
The WG-002 is typically issued after the following steps have been completed:
A judgment has been entered by the court
A Writ of Execution (EJ-130) has been issued
An Application for Earnings Withholding Order (WG-001) has been approved
The Confidential Statement of Judgment Debtor’s Social Security Number (WG-035) has been submitted
Each step must be completed correctly before wage garnishment can move forward.
Why Proper Service of the WG-002 Matters
The Earnings Withholding Order must be properly served on the employer to be enforceable. If service is incorrect or incomplete, the employer may not be legally required to withhold wages.
Proper service helps ensure:
The employer understands their obligations
Withholding begins on time
Proof of service is available if questions arise
Common Issues With the WG-002
Problems with the WG-002 can occur when:
Employer information is outdated or incorrect
Required supporting forms are missing
The debtor is no longer employed at the listed job
The order is not served correctly
When these issues occur, wage garnishment may be delayed or stopped.
What to Do If Employment Information Is Unclear
If the judgment debtor’s employment information is unknown or outdated, there are lawful options that may help.
SSN Lookup for Permissible Purpose
In judgment enforcement cases, an SSN lookup may be used when there is a lawful permissible purpose, such as enforcing a court judgment. This step can help confirm identity and support efforts to locate current employment.
All lookups must be conducted lawfully and in compliance with applicable regulations.
People Search to Help Locate Employment Leads
A people search may help identify address history, employment indicators, or related records that point to current or recent employers. While results vary, this can help determine next steps before attempting service.
How the WG-002 Fits Into Wage Garnishment
The Earnings Withholding Order works alongside several other California wage garnishment and enforcement forms, including:
Together, these forms allow wage garnishment to be carried out in compliance with court rules.
Learn the Judgment Collection Process Step by Step
Wage garnishment is only one enforcement option available to judgment creditors. A judgment collection course explains how writs, garnishments, levies, and enforcement timelines work together and how to avoid common mistakes.
This option is helpful for individuals handling judgment enforcement on their own or managing multiple cases.
Important Information
This page is provided for educational purposes only. We are not a court, law firm, or government agency, and we do not provide legal advice.
If you need legal advice regarding wage garnishment or employer obligations, consult a licensed attorney.
About This Site
WG-035.com is operated by Lance The PI, a California private investigator with over 25 years of experience working with civil court procedures, judgment enforcement, and sensitive information. This site was created to help people understand required court forms and move through the enforcement process with fewer delays.