Civil Service
The civil division serves civil process in the manner prescribed by law. Civil process includes summons and complaints, small claims documents for a civil lawsuit, restraining orders, bench warrants, evictions, and any other notices or orders from the courts. We also levy on wages, bank accounts, vehicles, or any assets of the judgment debtor. All requests for service or levies must include a signed letter of instructions(SER-001 & SER-001A, if applicable) to the sheriff and a fee for service or a fee waiver granted by the court. . All documents must be received in our office a minimum of 10 days prior to the last day for service.
Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
The Sheriff's Office provides a cost-effective and reliable service and is successful in serving most defendants. However, in civil matters, the Sheriff is unable to use criminal investigative methods, such as stakeouts or database inquiries (e.g., DMS or arrest records) to affect service. The party requesting service must provide a valid physical address within Yolo County at which the individual can be served. Please note the Sheriff cannot guarantee service.
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a short-term court order intended to provide immediate protection to a person who believes they are at risk of harm, harassment, or other threatening behavior. It is designed to maintain safety and stability until the court can hold a full hearing and determine whether longer-term protection is necessary. An individual may request a Temporary Restraining Order directly through the court or seek assistance from an attorney or local support agency, such as Empower Yolo, which can guide individuals through the process.
Requesting Service From the Sheriff’s Office
The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office can serve many types of restraining orders on your behalf. Service is often available at no cost, either through a fee waiver ordered by the court or when the law requires free service—such as in domestic violence matters.
Regardless of whether the judge approves or denies your request for a restraining order, the court may give you documents that must be formally served. The court will provide copies for both your records and for service. If you would like the Sheriff’s Office to attempt service, submit your paperwork to the Sheriff’s Civil Unit along with:
- A completed Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers (SER-001)
- Two complete sets of the court-issued documents that must be served
- $50.00 Per party served unless a court-ordered fee waiver (FW-003). This document must be certified and file-stamped by the issuing court.
The Sheriff’s Office will attempt service using the information you provide, but successful service cannot be guaranteed. If service is completed, the Sheriff will prepare a Proof of Service and file it with the court—and with the Sheriff’s Records Division when required.
If we are unsuccessful in serving your documents, we will send you a declaration of diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Link**Fee schedule