If your wages are garnished, you may file a Claim of Exemption (Wage Garnishment), 982.5(5) (PDF) PDF . Your claim of exemption may be filed with the Sheriff at any time during the wage garnishment period. Submit one original signed claim form and two copies, and one original signed financial statement, EJ-165 (PDF) PDF and two copies.
Other Exemptions
For all other enforcement of judgment actions, i.e., bank levy, automobile levy, property seizure; use the Claim of Exemption (Enforcement of Judgment), EJ-160 (PDF) .
Filing
Your claim of exemption must be filed with the Sheriff within 15 days of the date the levy was mailed to you. If the levy was personally served on you, you have ten days from the date of service to file a claim of exemption with the Sheriff. Submit one original signed claim form and two copies, with or without the financial form and copies.
A claim of exemption for a levy under a Writ of Attachment must be filed with the court pursuant to CCP §482.100(c).