Oppose a levy

A levy is a legal action to take your funds or property and use them to pay off a debt to a creditor.

If your money or property are levied, you should seek legal help. You may file a claim of exemption with the Sheriff’s Office.

Review the exemptions from enforcement of judgments list to determine if your funds or property are exempt
Complete the claim of exemption and financial statement forms
File the original set of documents plus two copies with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office
If your creditor opposes your claim of exemption, you will receive a notice to appear in court
While your claim is pending, the Sheriff will not send your withholding amount to your creditor
Your creditor may accept your claim of exemption, or you will receive a decision from the court

Definitions

Creditor

Person or business that is owed money

Debtor

Person or business that owes money to a creditor

Judgment debt

A court-issued judgment that specifies the amount of money a debtor owes to a creditor

Levy

A collection enforcement tool that creditors use to collect on a debt

Memorandum of garnishee

Written report of judgment debtor’s accounts, obligations and personal property that are under third party’s control (i.e. bank) and possession

Personal property

Anything you own that can be moved, like vehicles, or other valuable items

Real property

Anything you own that cannot be moved, like your home, land, or other buildings

Writ

Court-issued document that begins the transfer of assets

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Department cannot provide legal advice. If your money or property are levied, we suggest contacting an attorney.

CA Business & Professions Code Section 6125

Government Code 24004