Civil processes

NOTICE: Effective January 1, 2025 (pursuant to AB 2837):

The law now requires the judgment creditor to provide a declaration of address verification to the levying officer when submitting a writ, order, notice or other paper on any person. The levying officer shall not accept or serve any writ, order, notice or other paper on any person if the judgment creditor fails to provide a declaration pursuant to CCP 684.130.

If the levying officer is required by any provision of this title to serve any writ, order, notice, or other paper on any person, the judgment creditor shall include in the instructions to the levying officer the correct name and address of the person. The judgment creditor shall use reasonable diligence to ascertain the correct name and address of the person.

Also, please remember to give an adequate description of any property to be levied upon pursuant to CCP 687.010.

Find our new fee schedule below or by clicking here. The San Francisco Sheriff's Office Civil Section is a full-service county. Many answers to questions about civil processes may be found in the content below. We do not handle civil disputes, civil crimes or give any legal advice. All civil disputes or civil crimes should be directed to the San Francisco Police Department. For assistance with a lawsuit, an eviction, a restraining order, or any legal advice, please contact California Superior court or an attorney.

Pursuant to CCP §262, all requests for service or levy must include a signed letter of instruction to the Sheriff. The San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office Civil Section can only serve documents in accordance with (AB2791 2022/2023) Gov §26666.2 & 26666.10.

Effective 1/1/2024 the public must use the judicial council letter of instruction SER-001 “Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers” to request services excluding wage garnishments and other levies.

Effective 1/1/2024 the public must use the judicial council letter of instruction SER-001A “Special Instructions for Writs and Levies-Attachment” to enforce a writ.

These forms are mandated by law. Again, the Sheriff’s Office is not allowed to give any legal advice or help with completion of the form. If you need assistance with completing the form, contact an attorney or the courts self-help.