Santa Barbara — Civil Unit

Source: https://www.sbsheriff.org/command-and-divisions/support-services/contract-services-bureau/civil-unit/

WELCOME TO THE SHERIFF’S CIVIL UNIT

The Civil Unit is a branch of the Judicial Services Bureau of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. The Civil Unit is dedicated to civil enforcement and process of service. We can assist residents and businesses in Santa Barbara County with the service of various types of civil process such as temporary restraining orders, evictions, wage garnishments, bank levies, summons, claims, real and personal property levies and sales. The majority of procedures and laws governing the service and execution of civil process are covered in the California Code of Civil Procedure. All forms, guidelines and fees are primarily set by the legislature and written into California Codes.

The law requires that any civil process brought to the Sheriff for service must be valid on its face, issued by a competent authority, and accompanied by adequate legal instructions.

The Sheriff’s Civil Unit is not permitted to give legal advice nor can we conduct investigative services including computer inquiries (DMV, arrest records, etc.) to verify name and or addresses; therefore, successful service of documents is not guaranteed. All service information must be provided by the requestor.

CIVIL OFFICE LOCATIONS

SANTA BARBARA CIVIL OFFICE

Serving South County (Goleta, Santa Barbara, Summerland, Montecito, Carpinteria)

Physical Address: 1105 Santa Barbara Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(across the street from the District Attorney’s office under archway) MAP

Mailing: PO Box 690, Santa Barbara, CA 93102

Phone: (805) 568-2900

Fax: (805) 568-2909

Email: civil@sbsheriff.org

SANTA MARIA CIVIL OFFICE

Serving North County (Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, Buellton, Santa Maria, Guadalupe, New Cuyama, Lompoc, and the Lompoc Federal prisons)

Physical Address: 312-O East Cook Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454

(Enter screening station off Miller Street and take stairs or elevator to second floor building D) MAP

Mailing: PO Box 5049, Santa Maria, CA 93456

Phone: (805) 346-7430

Fax: (805) 346-7437

Email: civil@sbsheriff.org

Hours – Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Closed on court holidays (Click HERE for list of holidays)

All request for service must include the following:

Original instructions directed to the Sheriff and signed by the plaintiff or the attorney of record. (click HERE for instruction forms) The instructions must state the process to be served, the person or entity to be served, the location for service, and be signed by the attorney of the plaintiff or by the plaintiff if they have no attorney. We cannot take information from the court documents nor can we attempt service at post office boxes.

A complete set of documents for each person you want served and an additional copy for the Sheriff’s file.

The proper fee for service or a court ordered fee waiver. (Click HERE for fee schedule.)

Click HERE for list of instruction forms

Click HERE for Sheriff’s fee schedule

Click HERE for eviction information

Click HERE for collection of judgment information

Click HERE for frequently asked questions

Click HERE to check the Status of Your Service (opens in a new tab)

SHERIFF’S SALES OF REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY

Current listings: (CLICK HERE)

Seized property will be sold as one whole lot

(Click HERE for information on Sheriff’s sales or real or personal property)

SELF-HELP LINKS

Santa Barbara County Superior Court Website (legal forms, court fees, additional self-help links)

Santa Barbara County Law Library (legal resource and research)

California Courts Self-Help Center (general assistance on a variety of topics)

California Courts Self Help Housing (information on eviction and housing)

California Courts Online Forms (current PDF fillable legal forms)

Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County (free legal assistance for Santa Barbara County residents)

Santa Barbara County Bar Association Lawyer Referral (locate an attorney)

California Rural Legal Assistance (free civil legal services to low-income residents of California rural communities)

Housing is Key (tenant and landlord information, rental assistance and community resources)

Guide to Tenant and Landlords’ Rights (landlord and tenant information)

Santa Barbara County Housing Transition Resource Guide (Printable flyer of immediate resources within Santa Barbara County also Spanish Version HERE)

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16 Sep 2100020380572537173

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 68-year-old incarcerated man who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Northern Branch Jail.

Follow this link to read more:

Notice of In-Custody Death – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...

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15 Sep 2099853220076257347

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office Announces 1988 Cold Case Investigation Reopened. Click here to read more:

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office Announces 1988 Cold Case Investigation Reopened – Santa Barbara...

Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...

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Emergency: 911

Non-Emergency: 805-683-2724

SBSO Instagram Feed

Small but mighty. 🔬🧬🔎

This National Forensic Science Week, we’re celebrating the small team that does some seriously detailed work behind the scenes.

From late-night callouts and long hours processing evidence to meticulous work in the lab, our Forensics Team brings professionalism, expertise and dedication to every scene. And when you spend that many hours working side-by-side, coworkers have a way of becoming friends.

Thank you to our Forensics Team for the skill, patience and teamwork you bring to the Sheriff’s Office every day — and every night the phone rings. 💚

#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #Forensics #SBSheriff #Teamwork

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18105543980458566

Small but mighty. 🔬🧬🔎

This National Forensic Science Week, we’re celebrating the small team that does some seriously detailed work behind the scenes.

From late-night callouts and long hours processing evidence to meticulous work in the lab, our Forensics Team brings professionalism, expertise and dedication to every scene. And when you spend that many hours working side-by-side, coworkers have a way of becoming friends.

Thank you to our Forensics Team for the skill, patience and teamwork you bring to the Sheriff’s Office every day — and every night the phone rings. 💚

#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #Forensics #SBSheriff #Teamwork

...

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Deputies joined members of the Armed Forces for the ceremonial coin toss at tonight’s Dos Pueblos High School football game. Thank you, Dos Pueblos, for honoring our military service members and local law enforcement! 🇺🇸🏈

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18091400261258430

Deputies joined members of the Armed Forces for the ceremonial coin toss at tonight’s Dos Pueblos High School football game. Thank you, Dos Pueblos, for honoring our military service members and local law enforcement! 🇺🇸🏈

...

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National Police Woman Day — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

Today, we honor the women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office — the women who wear the badge, serve our communities, lead from the front, and set the standard for professionalism in public safety.

We also honor the women behind the badge — the dispatchers, analysts, technicians, professional staff, and family members whose strength, skill, and support make our mission possible every single day.

Their impact is felt in every division: patrol, investigations, custody, coroner, search and rescue, forensics, behavioral sciences, community outreach, and the countless roles that keep this organization moving forward.

To every woman who serves, supports, and stands with the Sheriff’s Office — thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to Santa Barbara County.

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18581867389069064

National Police Woman Day — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

Today, we honor the women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office — the women who wear the badge, serve our communities, lead from the front, and set the standard for professionalism in public safety.

We also honor the women behind the badge — the dispatchers, analysts, technicians, professional staff, and family members whose strength, skill, and support make our mission possible every single day.

Their impact is felt in every division: patrol, investigations, custody, coroner, search and rescue, forensics, behavioral sciences, community outreach, and the countless roles that keep this organization moving forward.

To every woman who serves, supports, and stands with the Sheriff’s Office — thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to Santa Barbara County.

...

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National Night Out was a great reminder of what makes Santa Barbara County special—strong partnerships, great conversations, and communities that come together. 🚔🌙

From bubbles and smiles in Santa Barbara to “magic hands” in Lompoc, we loved spending the evening connecting with residents, answering questions, and meeting so many families. 🫧 🪄✋🏼

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, said hello, and helped make National Night Out another memorable evening. We appreciate the opportunity to build relationships that make our communities stronger and safer every day.

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18091695065384117

National Night Out was a great reminder of what makes Santa Barbara County special—strong partnerships, great conversations, and communities that come together. 🚔🌙

From bubbles and smiles in Santa Barbara to “magic hands” in Lompoc, we loved spending the evening connecting with residents, answering questions, and meeting so many families. 🫧 🪄✋🏼

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, said hello, and helped make National Night Out another memorable evening. We appreciate the opportunity to build relationships that make our communities stronger and safer every day.

...

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Congratulations to Sergeant Kemp on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)!

Over the course of this intensive program, Sgt. Kemp strengthened the leadership skills, decision-making, and professional development that help build stronger teams and better serve our community. We are proud to see our leaders continue investing in their growth and bringing that knowledge back to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Kemp on this well-earned achievement! 👏🎓💚💛

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18130300198558302

Congratulations to Sergeant Kemp on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)!

Over the course of this intensive program, Sgt. Kemp strengthened the leadership skills, decision-making, and professional development that help build stronger teams and better serve our community. We are proud to see our leaders continue investing in their growth and bringing that knowledge back to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Kemp on this well-earned achievement! 👏🎓💚💛

...

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☕ Coffee, conversation, and community ☕

Join us this Saturday, July 11 from 9–11 a.m. at Gina’s Piece of Cake in Orcutt for Coffee with the Crew!

Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and spend the morning with your Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies and County Fire firefighters. No speeches, no agenda — just a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, or simply say hello.

We hope to see you there! ☕🚒⭐️

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 17891809719564446

☕ Coffee, conversation, and community ☕

Join us this Saturday, July 11 from 9–11 a.m. at Gina’s Piece of Cake in Orcutt for Coffee with the Crew!

Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and spend the morning with your Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies and County Fire firefighters. No speeches, no agenda — just a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, or simply say hello.

We hope to see you there! ☕🚒⭐️

...

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When life gives you lemons… call for backup. 🍋🚓

Our deputies made a sweet stop at a neighborhood lemonade stand while out on patrol. Summer is in full swing, and we love seeing kids out creating memories, meeting neighbors, and sharing a little kindness one cup at a time.

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18121921987703693

When life gives you lemons… call for backup. 🍋🚓

Our deputies made a sweet stop at a neighborhood lemonade stand while out on patrol. Summer is in full swing, and we love seeing kids out creating memories, meeting neighbors, and sharing a little kindness one cup at a time.

...

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📞 What really happens after you call the Sheriff’s Office ?

In this edition of Sheriff’s Mini Roundup, From Ring to Response, we take you behind the scenes to show how a call for service is created, prioritized, and dispatched to deputies. It’s a quick look at the people and technology working together to get help where it’s needed.

Watch now and see what happens between the ring of the phone and the arrival of a deputy.

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18070628900700883

📞 What really happens after you call the Sheriff’s Office ?

In this edition of Sheriff’s Mini Roundup, From Ring to Response, we take you behind the scenes to show how a call for service is created, prioritized, and dispatched to deputies. It’s a quick look at the people and technology working together to get help where it’s needed.

Watch now and see what happens between the ring of the phone and the arrival of a deputy.

...

133

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