Civil process services

Fees and deposits are due when you request services. Fees are nonrefundable.

• Affidavit of postponement: $50
• Deputy time and civil standby: $100 per hour
• Document review fee: $150
• Execution commission: 5%
• Execution sale: $110
• Filing of notice of intent to redeem: $100
• Judgment and decree sale: $110
• Judgment sale: deposit of $300
• Levy: $10
• Lien / UCC Sale: $85
• Mortgage foreclosure sale: $75
• Notification of wage levy: $10
• Outside bidder fee: $200
• Redemption: $250
• Redemption document(s): $20
• Report of sale: $20
• Service of process: $80
• Vehicle seizures: deposit of $1,000
• Writ of execution: deposit of $100 for each action
• Writ of recovery (eviction): $125

A district court issues a writ of execution directing the sheriff to satisfy a judgment:

• The creditor must identify and locate the debtor's assets. The sheriff can levy upon or seize those assets to satisfy the judgment.
• The Hennepin County sheriff can only collect on assets located in Hennepin County.
• A writ is valid for 180 days from the date of issue. The creditor or the creditor’s attorney must sign the writ.

Creditors: if the debtor tries to pay you directly while the writ is in the sheriff’s possession:

• Refer the debtor to make payment to the sheriff instead.
• Call our office for questions.

Wage levies

The creditor must provide a writ of execution, a $100 deposit, and a check or money order for $15 payable to the debtor’s employer:

• The creditor must serve the debtor an earnings exemption notice. This notice must be served at least 10 days before presenting the writ of execution to the sheriff’s office for service. The notice must be served personally or by first-class mail. The writ of execution instructions must include the date the creditor gave notice.

Execution exemption notice (PDF) View
Writs of execution instructions (PDF) View

• Fully satisfied judgment: The creditor receives the writ amount plus interest. They also get reimbursed the $15 legal fee and a refund of the $100 deposit.
• Partially satisfied judgment: Sheriff's fees, including 5% commission, are deducted from the amount collected. The creditor receives the remainder and a refund of the $100 deposit.
• Unsatisfied judgment: If no money is collected, sheriff’s fees will be paid from the deposit.

The sheriff will return the writ of execution to court. If the judgment was not satisfied, the creditor may get an updated writ of execution from district court to begin the process again.

Financial institution (bank) levies

The creditor must provide a writ of execution and pay a $100 deposit to the sheriff. They must also provide a $15 check or money order payable to the financial institution to be served.

• Fully satisfied judgment: The creditor receives the writ amount plus interest. They also get reimbursed the $15 legal fee and a refund of the $100 deposit.
• Partially satisfied judgment: Sheriff's fees, including 5% commission, are deducted from the amount collected. The creditor receives the remainder and a refund of the $100 deposit.
• Unsatisfied judgment: If no money is collected, sheriff’s fees will be paid from the deposit.

The sheriff will return the writ of execution to court. If the judgment was not satisfied, the creditor may get an updated writ of execution from district court to begin the process again.

Other types of levies

Items such as vehicles, other personal property and real property can be levied upon and sold. These procedures can be complex. Consult an attorney with any legal questions.

State law regarding writs of execution

Minnesota Statute 550

Eviction

An unlawful detainer action is required to evict an occupant. Eviction actions are regulated by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B.

The Minnesota court system provides instructions for an eviction action. Eviction action instructions (PDF) View.

The property owner (plaintiff) must file an eviction action complaint in housing court. The court will establish a court hearing date and issue a summons. The summons and complaint must be served by a neutral person at least 7 days before the court date.

To have us serve the eviction summons and complaint, bring the original documents and a copy for each person named in the complaint. The sheriff’s office will not make copies for you. You must pay the $80 fee when you request this service.

After service, or posting if unable to serve after 2 attempts, the sheriff’s office will:

• Complete the appropriate affidavits
• E-file the documents with the court

Writ of recovery

If the court finds for the plaintiff, it will issue a writ of recovery of premises and order to vacate.

Bring that writ to the sheriff’s office and pay the $125 service fee. A deputy will serve or post the writ. The writ notifies the occupant(s) to vacate and remove their property within 24 hours. Three days after presenting the writ to the sheriff’s office, you may call us to schedule an eviction.

When scheduling an eviction with the sheriff’s office, you must tell us:

• The name and phone number of the representative attending the eviction on behalf of the plaintiff
• Whether you will do on-site storage or use a licensed and bonded mover. It's your responsibility to follow the laws regarding property storage and the movement of property.

If the property owner or representative fails to appear at a scheduled eviction

You must pay an additional $100 fee before we will schedule another eviction time.