First, I need to ask what a "parture" is. Do you mean a "partial"? You used this term several places in your post.
Second, whenever you have a financial dispute, STAY OFF THE PHONE!
You must do all disputes in writing via certified mail, return reciept requested. Put the certified # in the body of the letter and keep a copy for your records.
Any time you recieve any sort of legal demand, you must respond to all parties involved by the means above.
And, no one can just garnish your wages without first sueing you and winning.
That is why they told you that you didn't have to show up! Are you stupid? The reason they didn't want you to show up is so they could win by default and move for a judgement against you! Then comes the wage garnishment.
By the means above, you can file a dispute regarding the wage garnishment, they may call it an "appeal".
Just common sense here.
But now YOU NEED A LAWYER!!
GET A LAWYER TODAY!!!