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Writ of Execution Service in California

A money judgment collects nothing by itself. The clerk issues a Writ of Execution (form EJ-130), which must reach the levying officer, normally the county sheriff, with written instructions naming the property to take. A California registered process server can also levy on certain property under Code of Civil Procedure section 699.080 and serve an earnings withholding order under section 706.108.

StrikeServe does that legwork in all 58 counties: writ and instructions to the sheriff, bank levies and wage garnishment orders where permitted, service on the judgment debtor, and the proof returned to you. Upload the issued writ for a quote.

What gets served

Send the issued writ and the forms for the method you have chosen.

EJ-130

Writ of Execution

Issued by the clerk after judgment; directs the levying officer to enforce a money judgment or possession of property.

EJ-150

Notice of Levy

Served with a copy of the writ on the debtor and on any third person holding the property, such as a bank.

WG-001 / WG-002

Application for and Earnings Withholding Order

The wage garnishment packet served on the employer.

EJ-125

Application and Order for Appearance and Examination

Debtor exam order; personally served 10 days ahead.

For a writ of possession, send the EJ-130 marked for possession of real property with the sheriff's instructions.

Who can serve it

The levying officer is the sheriff or marshal of the county where the property is located; each county needs its own writ. Every writ starts with the original writ, written instructions under Code of Civil Procedure section 687.010 and the fee reaching that office, and under section 699.530(b) no levy may be made after 180 days from issuance. StrikeServe hand-delivers the packet the same day in Sacramento and Los Angeles, through local servers elsewhere, and confirms the drop-off on your timeline.

Section 699.080 lets a California registered process server levy under the writ on listed property types, including deposit accounts, safe-deposit boxes, accounts receivable and real property, and section 706.108 lets one serve an earnings withholding order. The server's fee is a recoverable cost.

How service works with StrikeServe

Upload the issued writ, your instructions and the addresses, and tell us which steps you need. We quote in minutes, dispatch a registered process server, log each step with GPS and a timestamp, and return the proof.

How it works

1

Upload the documents

File-stamped papers, blank response forms, the service address and any notes.

2

Get a quote and confirm

We reply with a quote in minutes; approve it and the assignment is dispatched.

3

Follow the attempts

Each attempt appears on your timeline with GPS coordinates and a timestamp.

4

Download the proof

Court-formatted, signed under penalty of perjury, or a Declaration of Non-Service if service fails.

Ready when you are. Upload the packet to start.

Bank levies by a registered process server

A deposit account is levied under section 700.140 by serving the bank with a copy of the writ and a Notice of Levy (EJ-150), then serving the judgment debtor. Section 699.080(a)(5) lets a registered process server make that levy the day the writ arrives: deposit a copy of the writ and the fee with the levying officer, serve the bank, request the garnishee's memorandum under section 701.030, serve the debtor, and file the writ, proof and instructions with the levying officer within five court days. The sheriff then collects the funds.

Wage garnishment: serving the earnings withholding order

An Earnings Withholding Order (WG-002) is issued by the levying officer or, under section 706.108(a), by a registered process server on the creditor's application (WG-001). Under section 706.108(c) the server delivers to the employer the order, the employer's return, the employee notice, the exemption forms and the employer's instructions, and files proof with the levying officer within five court days.

Writ of possession after an unlawful detainer judgment

After an unlawful detainer judgment, section 1174 provides for a writ of possession, enforced by the levying officer under sections 715.010 and 715.020: the sheriff or marshal serves or posts a notice to vacate, and if the occupants have not left within five days, removes them and places the landlord in possession. A private server cannot do that part. StrikeServe gets the writ, instructions and fee to the sheriff and confirms receipt.

Debtor exams, costs memoranda and other papers for the debtor

An Application and Order for Appearance and Examination (EJ-125) must be personally served on the judgment debtor at least 10 days before the hearing under section 708.110(d). A Memorandum of Costs After Judgment (MC-012), which under section 685.070 adds writ, levying officer and registered process server fees to the judgment, is served on the debtor, who has 10 days to move to tax.

Statute notes

Statutes referenced. Code of Civil Procedure §687.010 (instructions to the levying officer), §699.080 (levy by a registered process server), §699.530(b) (180 days), §700.140 (deposit accounts), §701.030 (garnishee's memorandum), §706.108 (earnings withholding orders), §708.110(d) (examination orders), §685.070 (costs after judgment), §1174, §715.010 and §715.020 (writ of possession). StrikeServe delivers and serves enforcement papers; it does not prepare them or advise on collection strategy. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the requirements for your case with the court or your attorney.

Writs of execution: frequently asked questions

Who actually enforces a writ of execution in California?
The sheriff or marshal of the county where the property is, on written instructions under section 687.010. A registered process server may make certain levies under section 699.080.
Can a process server serve a bank levy?
Yes. Section 699.080(a)(5) authorizes a registered process server to levy on a deposit account under section 700.140, filing the writ, proof and instructions with the levying officer within five court days.
Can a process server serve a wage garnishment on my debtor's employer?
Yes. Under section 706.108 a registered process server may serve an earnings withholding order on the employer and must file proof with the levying officer within five court days.
How long is a writ of execution good for?
Under section 699.530(b) no levy may be made after 180 days from issuance; a new writ can then be issued.
Can StrikeServe carry out an eviction under a writ of possession?
No. Only the sheriff or marshal can post the notice to vacate and remove occupants under sections 715.010 and 715.020. We deliver the writ and instructions to the sheriff.
Are your fees recoverable from the judgment debtor?
Yes. Fees under sections 699.080 and 706.108 are recoverable costs, claimed on form MC-012 under section 685.070.

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