Civil Accounting FAQs

1. What payment method does the Sheriff’s Office accept?
   
   The Sheriff’s Office will only accept business checks, cashier checks, money orders, or cash.

2. How long does it take for payments (for example, wage garnishment) to be processed by the Sheriff’s Office?
   
   It could take up to 10 days or more for payments to be received and posted to the case by the Sheriff’s Office.

3. I am a judgment creditor. When will I receive a payout from the Sheriff’s Office, and for how much?
   
   Payments received at the Sheriff’s Office will be held for at least 21 days before disbursement. The payout amount will be the amount received minus a $15 fee.

4. I am a judgment debtor. When will I receive my requested refund for overpayment?
   
   Overpayments will be held for at least 21 days prior to issuing a refund.

5. When will the Sheriff’s Office send out a release notice?
   
   When a case is fully satisfied and all funds on the case have been disbursed, the Sheriff’s Office will mail out a release notice to the employer(s) and debtor.

6. Is there a returned check fee (bounced check)?
   
   Yes, a $50 fee will be assessed for every returned check. A letter will be mailed out to the payor with instructions on how to resolve the issue.

7. Why does my employer continue to garnish my wages even after the balance has been paid off?
   
   Multiple factors could result in wages being garnished after a judgment balance has been paid off. First, please reach out to your employer to see if a release notice has been received by your employer.

For further questions, please contact Civil Accounting via email [email protected] or phone (408) 808-4955.