I have been paying off a credit card for over two years with a collection agent. (Marcadis & Associates in Tampa, FL.) I was late on a payment of few months ago and they issued a writ to collect the balance. I wrote them letting them know I could not pay the remaining balance of $1300 at one time. I have continued to send the a monthly payment of $150. Saturday I received a notice of garnishment from my bank. They gave the collection agent the balance in my checking account. Enclosed with the letter from the bank was a copy of the writ of garnishment and a form to file with court (claim of exemption/request for hearing). Now I will have to deal with an overdrawn bank account.
Is this the best way to handle recovering my money? Is it necessary to get a lawyer?

Thank you for any help.
Shedawn

Apparently they obtained a judgement against you. Which means they already knew you could default. So as soon as you had a problem making the regular payments they decided to use the judgement and attach your account.

I don't know whether any of your funds would be exempt from the order. You need to determine that before you decide to go for a hearing.