Judgment Collection Paperwork in California

The court says wage garnishment needs a Writ of Execution, form EJ-130, and an Application for Earnings Withholding Order, form WG-001, both taken to the sheriff or levying officer. The employer must return form WG-005 within 15 days.

The court says the employer can take a portion of the debtor's pay within limits set by law. The debtor can claim an exemption, and if the debtor changes jobs the process starts over with the new employer. We prepare forms and cannot advise on amounts.

The court says a bank levy also needs a Writ of Execution, a lien on real estate needs an Abstract of Judgment from the court clerk filed with the county, and form SC-134, the small claims form, asks the court to order a debtor to appear for an examination about assets.

The court says a small claims judgment cannot be collected until the 30-day appeal and vacate period has passed. A judgment expires after 10 years unless renewed.

No, we are not a collection agency and cannot contact debtors or levy accounts. We prepare the court forms you direct, and you or the levying officer take the next steps.