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KEEPER CASH-ONLY (WRIT OF ATTACHMENT)
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Court Document required Original Writ of Attachment (form AT 135) plus three copies; three copies of the Order for Issuance of Writ of Attachment (form AT 125 or AT 130.); two copies of the summons and complaint (form 982a16), if not already served.
Purpose of Process A writ of attachment authorizes the Sheriff to seize inventory (not equipment) in the defendant’s business by placing a keeper (custodian) in the business to collect sale proceeds (or the equivalent of cash) for an 8-hour period.
Sheriff's Instructions Specify the name and address of the business. If the writ was issued ex parte, state whether the defendant has appeared in the action. Also provide the name and address of the defendant’s attorney, if any. The plaintiff’s attorney or the plaintiff (if the plaintiff doesn’t have an attorney) must sign and date the Sheriff’s instructions.
Time for Service The Writ of Attachment expires 60 days after receipt by the Sheriff.
Manner of Levy The method of levy is seizure by placing a Sheriff’s keeper in the defendant’s business to collect sales proceeds.
Fee Deposit $300
Fee $240 if served, $95 if Not Found, and $40 if canceled.
Proof of Service A proof of service is not issued. Instead, a return detailing the Sheriff’s actions is prepared which accompanies the writ when it is returned to the court. The Sheriff telephonically notifies the creditor when the keeper is placed.
Information Guide
Checklist
Sheriff's Instructions
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Information Guide

Seizure is the method of levy for personal property in a defendant’s going concern (business). Property levied under a writ of attachment is held by the Sheriff until the lawsuit is adjudicated. Ordinarily, the defendant has the opportunity to attend a hearing to oppose the issuance of a writ of attachment. However, the court may issue a writ of attachment ex parte without notice to the defendant under certain circumstances. A deputy sheriff performs the levy by placing a keeper (custodian) in the debtor’s business for an 8-hour period. During that time, the keeper seizes incoming cash and checks from the sale of merchandise. The Sheriff holds all monies and property pending the outcome of the lawsuit.

The Sheriff must serve a copy of the writ of attachment, order for issuance of the writ and notice of attachment on the defendant. If the defendant has an attorney of record, service must be made on the attorney rather than the defendant. If the writ of attachment was issued ex parte and the defendant did not appear in the action, e.g., defendant did not file a response with the court, the service must be made in the same manner as a summons. Otherwise, service may be made by mail. Consequently, the instructions to the Sheriff must provide the name and address of the defendant’s attorney, if any, and indicate whether the defendant has appeared in the action (if the writ was issued ex parte.)

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Checklist
  • $300 fee deposit
  • Original Writ of Attachment (form AT 135) plus three copies
  • Three copies of the Order for Issuance of Writ of Attachment (form AT 125 or AT 130.)
  • Two copies of the summons and complaint (form 982a16), if not already served.
  • Sheriff's Instructions

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