Imperial — Civil Division

Source: https://new.icso.imperialcounty.org/support-services/civil-division/

Support Services

Civil Division

Serving Imperial County Superior Court

Contact:

(442) 265-2011

Support Services

About the Civil Division

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division is responsible for serving civil court documents, enforcing court orders, conducting evictions, executing writs, and carrying out Sheriff’s Sales throughout Imperial County.

Our mission is to provide professional, impartial, and timely service while ensuring all court orders are executed in accordance with California law. Because civil matters involve disputes between private parties, the Sheriff’s Office remains neutral and cannot provide legal advice or favor either side in a case.

Please note: civil process service cannot be guaranteed. Unlike criminal investigations, the Sheriff’s Office cannot use investigative resources such as surveillance, DMV records, or criminal databases to locate individuals for service.

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Civil Division Services

Evictions (Unlawful Detainer)

Service of Restraining Orders

Civil Forms & Documents

Civil Process Fees

Sheriff’s Sales

Online Service Requests

Legal Disclaimer

Civil Division Services

Service of civil process

Service of restraining orders

Enforcement of writs

Wage garnishments

Bank levies

Evictions (Writs of Possession)

Sheriff’s Sales

Other court-ordered civil services

Exact change is required for all transactions and fees. Please provide original documents plus 2 additional copies for each service.

Please refer to the Civil Fee Schedule for applicable fees and deposits.

Fee Schedule PDF to be linked here once provided by the team.

Evictions (Unlawful Detainer)

An eviction — sometimes referred to as a lockout or restoration — is the final step in the Unlawful Detainer process.

The Sheriff’s Office may only conduct an eviction after the Imperial County Superior Court issues both a Judgment for Possession and a Writ of Possession. The Sheriff’s Office does not decide whether an eviction is appropriate; our role is to enforce the Court’s order while remaining neutral.

How the Eviction Process Works

Once the landlord submits the required documents and fees:

A Sheriff’s representative posts a Notice to Vacate at the property

The tenant is provided a copy of the Writ of Possession

An earliest enforcement date is identified

If the tenant has not vacated by that date, deputies restore possession of the property to the landlord

Service of Restraining Orders

A restraining order is a court order issued by a judge to protect an individual from harassment, abuse, threats, violence, or other prohibited conduct. Only a judge can issue a restraining order. The Sheriff’s Office cannot issue restraining orders or provide legal advice.

To Request Sheriff’s Service, Submit:

Completed Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers form

Complete set of court documents

Court-approved fee waiver (if applicable)

Applicable fees (if required)

The Sheriff’s Office will make a diligent effort to complete service but cannot guarantee successful service.

Civil Forms & Documents

The following forms are commonly used for civil process, restraining orders, and enforcement matters. Click any form to download the PDF.

Proof of Service Forms

What is a Proof of Service? (SC-104B)

Download the guide (PDF) →

Proof of Service — Domestic Violence (DV-200)

Download the form (PDF) →

Proof of Service — Civil Harassment

Download the form (PDF) →

Claim of Exemption Forms

Claim of Exemption (EJ-160)

Download the form (PDF) →

Claim of Exemption — Wage Garnishment (WG-006)

Download the form (PDF) →

For questions about these forms or how to submit them, please contact the Civil Division at (442) 265-2011.

Civil Process Fees

Most civil services require payment of statutory fees and, in some cases, deposits before service can begin.

Fees are charged per person served. Additional deposits may be required depending on the complexity of the service.

Important — Effective January 1, 2026: California Code of Civil Procedure §684.130 now requires a Declaration of Address Verification for post-judgment requests for Sheriff’s collection services.

Sheriff’s Sales

The Sheriff’s Office conducts public auctions of real or personal property as ordered by the Court to satisfy judgments.

Sheriff’s Sales are open to the public and conducted in accordance with California law. Sheriff’s personnel cannot provide legal advice or answer questions regarding property offered for sale.

Online Service Requests (Coming Soon)

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is working to make Civil Division services more convenient. Soon, customers will be able to:

Submit — Eligible civil service requests online

Upload — Court documents directly through the portal

Pay — Applicable fees securely without visiting our office

Until the online portal becomes available, service requests must be submitted in person or by mail.

Legal Disclaimer

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division cannot provide legal advice or assist with legal strategy. If you need legal assistance, please contact an attorney or the Imperial County Superior Court.

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Contact Information

CIVIL DIVISION

For questions regarding the Civil Division or to inquire about a case, please contact our office.

(442) 265-2011

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Closed weekends and observed holidays.

Office: 328 Applestill Road, El Centro, CA 92243

Mailing: P.O. Box 1040, El Centro, CA 92244

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