Source: https://www.lawadvocategroup.com/writ-of-attachment-in-california/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 04:42:51+00:00

Document:
Writ of attachment is a pre-judgment provisional remedy that in some circumstances could ensure availability of sufficient assets to satisfy a judgment obtained against the defendant. There are specific requirements for plaintiff or cross-defendants to be able to take advantage of this writ. In this article, we explore to some extent such requirements and pros and cons of Writ of Attachment in California.
Plaintiff’s total amount of claim or claims is a fixed or readily ascertainable amount not less than five hundred dollars ($500) exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney’s fees. (CA Code of Civil Procedure Section 483. 010(a)).
Note that Uncertainty about the specific amount of ultimate damages is not a basis to deny attachment. As long as there is a clear and definite formula for the computation of damages, an order of attachment is proper. CIT Group/Equip. Fin., Inc. v Super DVD, Inc. (2004) 115 CA4th 537, 540.
The amount to be secured by the attachment is greater than zero.
Must be based on an obligation arising from defendant’s conduct of trade, business, or profession (CCP §483.010(c); Kadison, Pfaelzer, Woodard, Quinn & Rossi v Wilson (1987) 197 CA3d 1).
Must not be based on sale or lease of property, license to use property, the furnishing of services, or loan of money when property, services, or money was used by defendant for personal, family, or household purposes. CCP §483.010(c).
Homestead exemption (regardless of whether and when it is recorded).
Accounts receivable, chattel paper, and general intangibles arising out of conduct by the defendant of trade, business, or profession except claims with a principal balance of less than $150 (CCP §487.010(c)(2)).
Final money judgments arising out of defendant’s conduct of trade, business, or profession (CCP §487.010(c)(6)).
Money on premises where defendant conducts trade, business, or profession (CCP §487.010(c)(7)).
Except for the first $1000, money located elsewhere than on defendant’s business premises (CCP §487.010(c)(7)).
The claim does not need to arise from the trade, business, or profession. CCP §483.010(c).
b) Most probably, ensuring that any final judgment will be enforceable against the property with the attached lien.
b) Defendant faces additional financial burdens and worry more about loss.
Too “Small”: If the underlying claim is too small, then the cost of obtaining the writ might outweigh getting it.
Judgment Proof: If the Defendant already does not have enough assets or any assets are hard to locate.
Writ of attachment is a creature of statue and hence all statutory requirements must be strictly complied with.
This article NEITHER supplants NOR supplements the breadth or depth of such rarefied topic. In fact, this article ONLY provides a rudimentary analysis of such esoteric subject matter.
DORON EGHBALI is a Partner at the Beverly Hills Offices of Law Advocate Group, LLP. Doron Primarily Practices Business, Real Estate and Entertainment Law. Doron Can Be Reached at: 310-651-3065.

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