Can an individual garnish my wages?

A family member offered to pay an attorney fee for me when my father ped away. I accepted. There was no mention of repayment, nor a verbal or written agreement of repayment. Now this family member wants their money back. Unfortunately, our attorney ped away before any paperwork could be filed concerning my father's estate. I have petitioned to have this fee returned to me, but I have been told that can take years. Can this family member actually garnish my wages for money that was offered to me with no agreement to repay?