Yolo — Civil Services

Source: https://yolocountysheriff.com/services-resources/civil-services/

Civil Service

The civil division serves civil process in the manner prescribed by law. Civil process includes summons and complaints, small claims documents for a civil lawsuit, restraining orders, bench warrants, evictions, and any other notices or orders from the courts. We also levy on wages, bank accounts, vehicles, or any assets of the judgment debtor. All requests for service or levies must include a signed letter of instructions(SER-001 & SER-001A, if applicable) to the sheriff and a fee for service or a fee waiver granted by the court. . All documents must be received in our office a minimum of 10 days prior to the last day for service.

Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

The Sheriff's Office provides a cost-effective and reliable service and is successful in serving most defendants. However, in civil matters, the Sheriff is unable to use criminal investigative methods, such as stakeouts or database inquiries (e.g., DMS or arrest records) to affect service. The party requesting service must provide a valid physical address within Yolo County at which the individual can be served. Please note the Sheriff cannot guarantee service.

Portal

Fee Schedule

Requesting a Restraining Order

Service of Process

Evictions

Wage Garnishments

Keeper/Till Tap

Bank Levy

Complex Levies

Requesting a Restraining Order

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a short-term court order intended to provide immediate protection to a person who believes they are at risk of harm, harassment, or other threatening behavior. It is designed to maintain safety and stability until the court can hold a full hearing and determine whether longer-term protection is necessary. An individual may request a Temporary Restraining Order directly through the court or seek assistance from an attorney or local support agency, such as Empower Yolo, which can guide individuals through the process.

Requesting Service From the Sheriff’s Office

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office can serve many types of restraining orders on your behalf. Service is often available at no cost, either through a fee waiver ordered by the court or when the law requires free service—such as in domestic violence matters.

Regardless of whether the judge approves or denies your request for a restraining order, the court may give you documents that must be formally served. The court will provide copies for both your records and for service. If you would like the Sheriff’s Office to attempt service, submit your paperwork to the Sheriff’s Civil Unit along with:

A completed Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers (SER-001)

Two complete sets of the court-issued documents that must be served

$50.00 Per party served unless a court-ordered fee waiver (FW-003). This document must be certified and file-stamped by the issuing court.

The Sheriff’s Office will attempt service using the information you provide, but successful service cannot be guaranteed. If service is completed, the Sheriff will prepare a Proof of Service and file it with the court—and with the Sheriff’s Records Division when required.

If we are unsuccessful in serving your documents, we will send you a declaration of diligence.

Service of Process

Required documents for service:

Request for Instuctions to the Sheriff Service of Process(SER01), completed and signed

Two identical copies of all documents to be served.

Appropriate Fees for Service:

Fees

Summons/Complaint - $50.00 per named party

Summons/Complain – Unlawful Detainer - $50.00 per named party

Prejudgment Claim of Right to Possession (Unnamed Occupants) - $50.00

(6) Six copies of the summons, complaint, and a blank claim form must be provided

Civil Subpoena for Sheriff’s Office Personnel/Deputy appearance -$275.00 deposit

Notarized Proof of Service - $15.00 per document (GOV 8211)

Bench Warrant – varies by type of issued warrant (GOV 26744 and 26744.5)

Small Claims - $50.00

Misc. Services- $50.00 per document per party

Out of State- $50.00

If we are successful in serving your document(s), we will send you a Proof of Service. It is your responsibility to file the original Proof of Service with the court and keep a copy for your records.

If we are unsuccessful in serving your document(s), we will send you a Declaration of Diligence.

If your out-of-state Proof Of Service requires notarized signatures, please include an addtional $15.00 for each signature that must be notarized.

Evictions

Sheriff-Executed Evictions

A Sheriff-assisted eviction, often called a lockout or restoration, is the final stage of the Unlawful Detainer process. The Sheriff will only carry out an eviction after the Yolo County Superior Court has reviewed the case, issued a Judgment, and granted a Writ of Possession. Throughout this process, the Sheriff’s Office remains neutral and follows the court’s orders and legal requirements. The information below explains how the process works for tenants and landlords.

Information for Tenants

An eviction begins when a landlord files a legal action to remove a tenant from a rental property, usually due to nonpayment of rent, lease violations, or other legal reasons. After the landlord files, the tenant will receive a notice to appear in court. Tenants have the right to respond and present their case.

If the court rules in favor of the landlord, a judgment for possession is issued, and the tenant is given a set amount of time to move out. If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, the sheriff may carry out a lawful eviction.

Tenants are encouraged to communicate with the landlord, seek legal assistance, and attend all court hearings to protect their rights throughout the process.

Please note that the Sheriff's Office cannot provide legal advice or guidance regarding your rights and an eviction.

Sheriff’s Enforcement Process

When a landlord asks the Sheriff to enforce a Writ of Possession, a Sheriff’s representative will post a Notice to Vacate at the property This notice includes:

A copy of the Writ of Possession

Instructions for vacating the property

Directions for asserting any right of possession, if applicable

The Notice to Vacate will list the date and time the tenant is required to vacate the property.

Important: Once the Sheriff enforces an eviction, tenants are no longer permitted to enter the property, as the Sheriff is carrying out a legal court order. Tenants are encouraged to seek legal advice or assistance from an attorney or legal aid organization regarding their rights and options prior to the date that is listed on the Notice to Vacate.

Requesting Sheriff’s Assistance (for Landlords)

To have the Sheriff enforce a Judgment for Possession, landlords must provide the Sheriff’s Civil Unit with:

An Instuctions to the Sheriff- SER01 for each named debtor

A Special Instructions for Writs (SER-001A) form with details about the property

The Original Writ of Possession (EJ-130), plus three copies.

Sheriff’s service fees of $180.00

After receiving the required forms and fees, the Sheriff’s Office will serve the tenant with a Notice to Vacate. The landlord will be contacted once it is time to schedule the lockout and restore possession of the property. This final action may be referred to as an eviction, lockout, or restoration.

As with all stages of this process, the Sheriff’s Office must follow the directions of the Writ and cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal guidance, please consult an attorney or a trusted legal resource.

If you wish to cancel or repost an eviction, we require your request to be in writing, signed by the attorney or creditor (if pro per), prior to the lockout. Please include the court case number, eviction address, and the levying officer's file number on your request. Please note that cancellation or rescheduling may be subject to applicable fees. The sheriff is entitled to his fee for service, whether or not the services are successful, Gov Code 26738.

Resources

California Rural Legal Assistance

Department of Consumer Affairs

Department of Fair Housing

California Tenant Landlord Handbook

Wage Garnishments

To process an Earnings Withholding Order (EWO), the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office requires the following documents:

Application for Earnings Withholding Order (Form WG-001)

Form WG-035 (required if the debtor’s Social Security number is known)

Original Writ of Execution or an electronic writ and declaration

Address Verification Declaration (Form WG-015/EJ-135)

Electronic Writs

If you are submitting an electronically issued writ, you must include a completed Yolo Electronic Writ Declaration

Fees

$45.00 per service

Processing Timeline

All Earnings and Withholding Orders are processed in the order they are received. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing before contacting the Sheriff's Office for updates on service.

After successful service, employers will send the Sheriff an Employer’s Return with details about your order. We will forward a copy to you once received.

Employer Garnishment Requirements

If your business has been served with an Earnings Withholding Order for an employee, you are legally required to comply with the garnishment instructions. This includes withholding the specified amounts from the employees' wages and forwarding them as directed.

Failure to comply with the order may result in legal consequences. Please review the order carefully and contact the court or your legal advisor if you have questions regarding your obligations.

Disbursement of Funds

The Sheriff's Office holds all collected funds for a minimum of 21 days to allow time for processing, verification, and any potential claims or adjustments.

After this period, funds are disbursed according to the court order or applicable legal requirements.

Pursuant to California Government Code 26746, the Sheriff is authorized to collect a processing assessment fee of $15.00 for each disbursement of money collected under a writ of attachment, execution, possession, or sale. This fee is in addition to other fees required by law and is collected from the judgment debtor along with the disbursement.

Contact & Status Checks

Visit the Portal

Call (530) 668-5275

Email civil@yolocounty.gov

Keeper/Till Tap

The Sheriff’s Office requires the following-

Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers (SER-001)

Special Instructions for Writs(SER-001A)

The original Writ (EJ-130), plus three copies

Declaration of Address Verification (WG-015/EJ-135)

Fees:

8-hour keeper: $300.00

12-hour keeper: $400.00

24-hour keeper: $700.00

Till tap fee: $125.00

Keepers and Till Taps are processed and assigned to staff for scheduling. We are unable to provide advanced notice of when they will occur.

Bank Levy

To process a Bank Levy, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office requires:

Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers (SER-001)

Special Instructions for Writs (SER-001A)

Original Writ (EJ-130), plus three copies

Declaration of Address Verification (WG-015/EJ-135)

Electronic Writs

If you are submitting an electronically issued writ, you must include a completed Yolo Electronic Writ Declaration.

Fees

$50.00 per service

Processing Timeline

All Bank Levies are processed in the order they are received. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing before contacting the Sheriff's Office for updates on service.

Disbursement of Funds

The Sheriff's Office holds all collected funds for a minimum of 21 days to allow time for processing, verification, and any potential claims or adjustments.

After this period, funds are disbursed according to the court order or applicable legal requirements.

Pursuant to California Government Code 26746, the Sheriff is authorized to collect a processing assessment fee of $15.00 for each disbursement of money collected under a writ of attachment, execution, possession, or sale. This fee is in addition to other fees required by law and is collected from the judgment debtor along with the disbursement.

Safe Deposit Boxes

Fee: $175 (this fee does not include the charge to drill the lock)

If a levy places a hold on a safe deposit box, a deposit for drilling the box is required.

Drilling is optional

If the deposit is not received within 3 days (plus mailing time, per CCP 1013), the safe deposit box will be released.

Contact & Status Checks

Visit the Portal

Call (530) 668-5275

Email civil@yolocounty.gov

Complex Levies

The Sheriff’s Office Requires:

Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers (SER-001)

Special Instructions for Writs (SER-001A)

The original Writ (EJ-130), plus three copies

Declaration of Address Verification (WG-015/EJ-135)

See below for any additional requirements based on the type of service:

Writ of Execution – Money Judgement or Writ of Sale

$2,000 deposit

Clear copy of legal description on a separate page

If a property has no common street address, a copy of an assessor’s map with the parcel highlighted

Writ of Execution – Personal Property Sale

Auto – $1,500 deposit (must have DMV printout)

Writ of Possession – Claim & Delivery

Auto-$1,500 deposti

Real Property Levy call for a quote

$2,000

Property Description

List any additional debtors

Names/addresses of any third person having an interest in the real property

To inquire regarding any of the above levies, you may email civil@yolocounty.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE YOUR SERVICE FEES?Collapse

Civil Fee Schedule

WHAT DO YOU ACCEPT FOR PAYMENT OF FEES?Expand

We accept cash, check, and credit/debit card payments. Please note that cash payments must be made with the exact payment amount, as we are unable to provide change.

WHO DO I MAKE MY CHECK/MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO?Expand

Yolo County Sheriff’s Office

IS THERE A CHARGE FOR SERVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS?Expand

No, there is no fee for serving these documents.

WHEN DO YOU MAKE YOUR SERVICE ATTEMPTS?Expand

We attempt service between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday, excepting holidays. We will make, unless we have a valid reason to stop or not enough time, no less than three (3) attempts to serve your documents. Due diligence is generally defined as three attempts at three different times of the day (morning, afternoon, early evening).

IF THE TIME I NEED YOU TO ATTEMPT SERVICE IS BEFORE 8AM OR AFTER 6PM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?Expand

Not all documents must be served by the Sheriff. You can contact a Registered Process Server, listed in the phone book under “Process Servers", or have anyone who is 18 years of age or older and not a party to the action serve the papers. The court requires that whoever completes the service fill out a Proof of Service form and submit it to the court, usually no less than five (5) days prior to the hearing date, if one has been set.

CAN I CALL TO GET STATUS ON THE SERVICE OF MY DOCUMENTS?Expand

Please wait until one week prior to your court date before calling for status. Your proof of service or list of diligence will be mailed to you promptly following successful/unsuccessful service of your documents. If we were unable to serve your documents, please take our list of diligence and your returned documents back to the court for further instruction.

WHERE DO I SEND MY DOCUMENTS TO BE SERVED?Expand

Yolo County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division

140 Tony Diaz Drive

Woodland, CA 95776

WHAT DO I ENCLOSE?Expand

The documents you wish to have served along with a Letter of Instructions directed to the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and a check for the fees. (exception— Earnings Withholding Orders) For more details return to our Civil Home Page and click on specific service type. If you have a court date, please be sure we have sufficient time to process your papers and make attempts to serve within the time limit.

WHAT IS A LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS?Expand

This is a required letter you write, telling us who and where to serve your document(s). You may type it on plain paper or your letterhead. Please be sure to sign it and include your mailing address and daytime phone. (This letter is not needed for Earnings Withholding Orders, please furnish all pertinent information on the Application for E.W.O.)

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?Expand

We are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, except court holidays. Service attempts are made 8:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except holidays.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU SERVE MY PAPERS?Expand

We will mail your Proof of Service directly to you at the address you provide in your letter of instructions. You will need to take it to the court before your court date—you may wish to keep a copy for yourself.

WHAT IF THE BEST TIME FOR SERVICE IS BEFORE 8 AM OR AFTER 5 PM?Expand

You may hire a private process server (located under Process Serving in the Yellow Pages) or have any adult over the age of 18 NOT associated with your action serve the paper.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CANNOT SERVE MY PAPERS?Expand

We will return your service documents with a declaration of diligence. The fee for service is non-refundable

DO YOU ACCEPT THE WAIVER OF COURT COSTS I WAS GRANTED BY THE COURT?Expand

Yes, please be sure to include a certified copy of the waiver

I WANT TO EVICT A TENANT, CAN YOU HELP ME?Expand

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide legal advice. If you are unfamiliar with eviction procedures, you may hire an eviction service.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOUR OFFICE TO PROCESS AN EVICTION?Expand

The lockout date is usually 10-14 days from when we receive your paperwork. You will receive a phone call prior to lockout date with instructions and time to meet our deputies to complete the eviction.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A BALANCE DUE ON A GARNISHMENT?Expand

The lockout date is usually 10-14 days from when we receive your paperwork. You will receive a phone call prior to lockout date with instructions and time to meet our deputies to complete the eviction.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A BALANCE DUE ON A GARNISHMENT?Expand

Please email civil@yolocounty.org or call (530) 668-5275. We will need the Levying Officer File number or the court case number.

CAN I GET A STATUS ON MY GARNISHMENT?Expand

Please wait at least 6-8 weeks before contacting us.

HELP! MY WAGES ARE BEING GARNISHED AND I CAN’T PAY MY RENT!Expand

The law allows you to file what is called a Claim of Exemption. This is a way to ask for a smaller amount to be withheld per pay period. Go to our FORMS page - you will need to print out the Claim of Exemption (Wage) and the Financial Statement forms. Submit an original plus two copies of each form to us.

I HAVE FILED BANKRUPTCY – HOW DO I STOP MY WAGE GARNISHMENT?Expand

We need a copy of the face sheet of your bankruptcy after you have filed it. You may fax it, mail it or hand carry it to us. Be sure to take it to the correct office – that information is on your copy of the garnishment in the top right-hand corner. We will need the Levying Officer File number in order to process your release. If you know the fax number for your payroll, provide that also, and we will fax your release to them.

I Want to...

Check Status of a Service

File a Complaint

Find Sex Offenders

Leave an Anonymous Crime Tip

Prevent Crime

Ride Along with a Deputy

See Who's Been Booked in Jail

Send Money to an Inmate

Set Up a Vacation Check

Contact Us

Yolo County Sheriff's Office

140 Tony Diaz Drive

Woodland, CA 95776

Get Directions

Phone Numbers

Emergency: 911

Non-Emergency: 530-666-8282

Administration: 530-668-5280

Administration Fax: 530-668-5238

Detention (Main Jail): 530-668-JAIL

CLICK FOR OTHER DIVISIONS