our joint bank account has a garnishment against it for credit card in wifes name only. the monies going into account are from my ss @ retiement

Yes they can because her name is on the account. Easiest thing to do would be to open a new account in only your name and have SS checks deposited in that account. That will protect you from garnishments from her credit cards. If your name is on the cards also, this will be of no benefit to you.   Joseph F. Botelho, Esq. BOTELHO & ASSOCIATES, LLCAttorneys At Lawhttp://massachusettslawyeronline.com/ 126 Shove Street Unit 202 Fall River, MA 02724 Office: 888-269-0688Cell: 508-801-6747FAX: 877-475-8147