Civil Division
About Our Unit
The Monterey County Sheriff's Civil Unit is responsible for serving legal documents upon individuals and businesses in Monterey County. The unit enforces court-ordered money judgments via levies upon wages, bank accounts, and real and personal property. The unit also enforces court-ordered evictions and serves civil bench warrants.
Our department's hours of operations are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our office line is also active during active hours of operation.
Holiday Schedule
Our department follows Monterey County's holiday schedule. Please see the list of observed holidays, our department will be closed during any observed holidays. If you have any question, please reach out to our office line.
Our Department's Contact Information
Office line: 831-755-3712 (This office line is a non-emergency line. If you're having an emergency, please stop and dial 911.)
Office email: socivil@co.monterey.ca.us
Our Department's Mailing Address
Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Civil Division
1414 Natividad Road
Salinas CA, 93906
When using Google Maps, you'll arrive at the front lobby for the Records and Fiscal units. The Civil Unit is located on the other side of the building from where Google Maps directs you.
- SER-001 - Instructions to the Office of the Sheriff Civil process
- SER-001A - Special Instructions for Writs and Levies (Sent in conjunction with SER-001)
- Electronic Writ Declaration
These forms are also listed on our Forms page.
The address to send/deliver these to is:
Monterey County Sheriff, Civil Division
1414 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906
For the Sheriff's Office to serve your documents, we require that the service requested be mailed or hand-delivered with proper fees and original instructions (not faxed) signed by the plaintiff/litigant or their attorney. Many types of services require one or more additional copies. All forms, guidelines and fees are primarily set by the legislature and written into California codes. The Civil Unit is prohibited by law from providing any legal advice and suggests you contact an attorney for any legal questions. Please contact our office for further information.
Services
| Services | Fee / Deposit |
|---|---|
| Summons and Complaint, Summons and Petition | $50.00 |
| Summons and Complaint with Prejudgment Claim of Right to Possession | $50.00 |
| Small Claims, Order of Exam, Order to how Cause, Miscellaneous Papers | $50.00 |
| Civil Bench Warrant – Issued pursuant to CCP491.160 (a)(1)(A) or 708.170(a)(1)(A) (GC26744) | $50.00 |
| Civil Bench Warrant – Issued pursuant to CCP1993 or 491.160(a)(1)(b) or 708.170(a)(1)(B) (GC26744.5) | $175.00 |
| Civil Bench Warrant – Contempt initiated by a Judicial Officer (CCP1209) | $0.00 |
| Civil Subpoena | $50.00 |
| Notary Fee | $15.00 |
| Photo Copies Per Single Side Page | $1.25 |
| Multiple Attempts at Multiple Addresses Per Address Fee | $50.00 |
Levies
| Levies | Fee / Deposit |
|---|---|
| Bank Levy, Book Levy, Third party (Monies Due) | $50.00 |
| Safe Deposit Box (Does not include cost to drill box if necessary) | $170.00 |
| 8 Hour Keeper | $300.00 |
| 12 Hour Keeper | $475.00 |
| 24 Hour Keeper | $650.00 |
| 48 Hour Keeper | $1225.00 |
| Levy and Sell of Real Property (Includes Attachment) | $2000.00 |
| Levy and Sell of Personal Property (Includes Attachment) | $1260.00 |
| Levy on Personal Property Claim and Delivery | $1260.00 |
| Levy on Personal Property Turn Over | $125.00 |
| Till Tap | $125.00 |
| Earnings Withholding Order (Wage Garnishment) Personal Service or First Class Mai | $45.00 |
| Earnings Withholding Order (Wage Garnishment) Personal Service or Certified Mail | $60.00 |
Evictions
| Evictions | Fee / Deposit |
|---|---|
| Eviction ($105.00 Posting plus $75.00 Notice of Restoration) | $180.00 |
Cancellations
| Cancellations | Fee / Deposit |
|---|---|
| Services - All Cancellations prior to completion of attempts | $50.00 |
| Services – All Not Found at address provided | $50.00 |
| Levies – Bank, Book, Keeper, Till Tap, Third Party | $50.00 |
| Levies – Earnings Withholding Order | $45.00 |
| Evictions – Prior to Posting and Lockout ($50.00 each service) | $100.00 |
| Keeper Show Up | $75.00 |
Under the California Government Code 26746:
“In addition to any other fees required by law, a processing fee of twelve dollars ($12.00) shall be assessed for each disbursement of money collected under a writ of attachment, execution, possession, or sale, but excluding any action by the district attorney’s office for the establishment or enforcement of a child support obligation. The fee shall be collected from the judgment debtor…”
Government Code 26736:
“The fee for cancellation of the service or execution of any process or notice prior to its completion shall be forty dollars ($40.00)…”
For any information not listed, please call our office line at 831-755-3712.