Civil Unit

Deputy C. Cardoza The Civil Unit is part of the Support Services Division and is charged with the processing of civil process as prescribed by law. It is the goal of the Civil Unit to serve all received process in a reasonable and timely manner while maintaining an impartial stance between all parties involved or having an interest in a case. The civil process includes summons and complaints, small claims documents for a civil lawsuit, restraining orders, and any other notice or order from the courts. The civil unit is also charged with placing a levy on bank accounts, wages, vehicles, or any asset of the judgment debtor. All documents submitted must include a letter of instruction(s) to the Sheriff and a fee for the service (Per CCP 262).

Hours of Operation

The normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you need your documents served in the evening or on weekends, we recommend that you contact a private process server. We will however, attempt service on restraining orders brought in during normal business hours.

General Service Information

All documents must be accompanied by a letter of instruction(s), signed and dated by the attorney of record or the plaintiff if there is no attorney. The instructions must include the name of the person to serve and the address where service is to be made. You may give more than 1 address as long as all addresses are within Sutter County. A wage levy requires an application for earnings withholding order instead of a letter of instruction. The applications are available in our office.

We require a copy of the document, front and back, for each person to be served plus an additional copy for our file. For levies and evictions we require the original writ of execution plus 3 copies, front and back. Please include more copies if you have more than 1 levy. All documents must be accompanied by the appropriate fee or an order waiving the fees signed by a judge.

All fees are per service. Two defendants equal two services even if they are at the same address; therefore, you would be charged for each service.

Types of Services and Levies

View the current fee schedule for services.

For information and assistance with the legal process visit the CA Courts Self-Help Center.