The office of the Sheriff is required to serve all civil process in the manner prescribed by law. The majority of procedures and laws governing the service and execution of civil process are covered in the California Code of Civil Procedure. All forms, guidelines and fees are primarily set by the legislature and written into California Codes.

The Civil Division’s primary focus is to work in conjunction with the Civil Courts in Madera County. The Civil Division serves legal process and enforces court judgments. The Civil Division WILL NOT and is prohibited from providing any type of legal advice. Please be aware that only an attorney is allowed to give legal advice, not the Sheriff. The Civil Division cannot recommend attorneys or attorney services.

Effective January 1, 2024: The Civil Division requires an original Letter of instructions which is a mandatory judicial counsel form number SER-001 complete with physical address where service is to be made and signed by the Plaintiff or his/her Attorney, the appropriate amount of copies of the documents to be served and fees for service. If the requested service has a writ issued by the court associated with the service then the mandatory attached SER-001A  is also required. A copy of a court ordered fee waiver will be accepted in lieu of fees. New Fee Schedule 1-1-2024

It is difficult to accurately answer questions or requests as to when a document will be served or if it has been served until the information is updated and available. There are many variables to consider when service of process is being attempted on a subject; these variables may delay service depending on the amount of attempts that are made in order to affect service. If the Sheriff’s Deputy is unable to serve the subject an “Affidavit of Attempts” will be mailed showing the attempts made. It is suggested that upon receiving this Affidavit of Attempts the Plaintiff/Attorney file this with the court and inquire what next step(s) should be taken to serve the subject.

In normal instances, the Sheriff’s Deputies will make at least three attempts on different days; one morning, one midday, one late afternoon. The Sheriff Civil Division serves civil processes Monday-Friday from 7 am – 6 pm. If the subject being served is evading service or is only available during unusual hours, it may be advantageous to enlist the services of a private/registered process server or private investigator.

Business Hours for the Sheriff Civil Division Office are Monday through Friday: 8 am – 5 pm.

The address of the Sheriff Civil Division is 2725 Falcon Drive, Madera, CA 93637

 The direct line to reach the Sheriff Civil Division Office is 559-675-7737 (Fax 559-675-8413).

Below you will find website reference sources that may provide helpful information and guidance. Under no circumstances does the Sheriff Civil Division give legal advice. If you have a legal question and need legal advice, please contact an Attorney.

Helpful Links

• Madera County Superior Court Website: www.madera.courts.ca.gov
• California Courts Self-Help Center: www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/
• California Courts Online Forms: www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms
• California Rural Legal Assistance: www.crla.org
• California Landlord Tenant Handbook: http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/catenant.pdf

 Documents

• Eviction Process Overview
• Application for Earnings Withholding Order
• Blank Financial Form
• Claim of Exemption Form Enforcement of Judgment
• Claim of Exemption Form Wage Garnishment
• Claim of Exemption Process
• Instructions for Real Property Levies
• Letter of Instruction SER-001
• Letter of Instruction with writ
• NEW Fee Schedule 1/1/2024

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