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Debtor examination · Checked October 23, 2026

Debtor examination: make them say where they work and bank

General information, not legal advice. Ask a lawyer before you act on it.

A debtor examination, or order of examination, is a court date where the other side has to answer your questions about what they earn and own. In California you file form SC-134 ($60) and have it served at least 30 days before the date; you can't serve it yourself.

California form
SC-134, $60
Serve it
30+ days before the date
Who serves
A sheriff or process server

Work out your dates

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The steps

  1. Check whether they sent SC-133. SC-133EJ-125

    In California they must send you a Judgment Debtor's Statement of Assets within 30 days if they don't appeal, ask to cancel or pay. If they did, use EJ-125 instead; it only makes them appear. Source

  2. File SC-134. SC-134$60

    The Order to Produce Statement of Assets and to Appear for Examination. The filing fee is $60, which you can ask to have repaid. Source

  3. Ask for papers too. SC-107

    A small claims subpoena, SC-107, makes them bring pay stubs or bank statements. The clerk issues it before you fill it in. Source

  4. Have it served 30 days ahead. About $40

    By a sheriff (usually around $40) or a process server. Give them the names, address, best time and a description of the person. Source

  5. Mind the 150 miles. EJ-001

    If they live or work more than 150 miles from the court, file EJ-001 and EJ-125 in their county; that court holds only the exam. Source

A worked example

For an exam set for December 10, 2026, the papers must be served by November 10, 2026. Budget $60 to file and about $40 for the sheriff, and ask for both to be added back. Bring the bank and employer names you learn straight to a writ of execution.

Fees and forms change, and your court's clerk has the current ones. General information, not legal advice. Ask a lawyer before you act on it.

Ask once, in writing

Before the court steps, most winners send a letter asking for payment by a date. Fill one in and print it; nothing you type leaves this page.

Make the payment letter

Questions people ask next

What do other states use?

Texas uses post-judgment discovery: questions that need no court approval, with at least 30 days to answer. Florida's clerk suggests asking the court to order a Fact Information Sheet.

Can I serve the order myself?

No. In California a sheriff or a professional process server delivers it.

What should I ask?

Where they work, where they bank, what vehicles and real estate they own, and who owes them money. The answers feed the writ.

Your state's full steps

California Texas Florida

Related guides

Fact Information Sheet in Florida Small Claims Writ of Execution in California Small Claims Garnish a Bank Account With a Small Claims Judgment

Sources

Checked on October 23, 2026 against these pages.