1. PART FOUR COLLECTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS

2.  A Judgment is an order from the court saying that you owe the plaintiff money.  If you have money/assets, the creditor has the right to collect from you.  If you have no money, no bank account, no income, no house, no investments and no valuables, there is probably nothing the creditor can take from you. 6/9/20162

3.  Wage Garnishment (up to 25% of monthly net)  Bank Account Levy: take the money out of some kinds of accounts.  Lien on house/land/building, if debtor owns real estate. 6/9/20163

4.  Abstract of Judgment ◦ Record with the County  Wage Garnishment ◦ Employer’s Name & Address  Bank Account Levy Central Levy Department  Sheriff’s Keeper  Rent Levy  Other (Less Practical) Methods

5.  Amount Needed to Support Debtor & Family  Social Security direct deposit accounts  Public benefits  SSI and SSP  75% of wages  Many pensions ◦ If you earn more than $2,250/month in social security retirement benefits, some of that may be available for garnishment. 6/9/20165

6.  Exemptions http://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/ej155.pdf  Current Dollar Amounts of Exemptions http://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/ej156.pdf

7. Staff Attorney (Civil & Small Claims Advisor) Santa Cruz Superior Court Self Help Center 1 Second Street, Room 301 Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 786-7362