§ 716.020.Execution of Writ

Title 9. Enforcement of Judgments · Division 3 · Chapter 4. Judgment for Sale of Property · Enacted 1982 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026

In one sentenceSection 716.020 directs the levying officer to levy on the property under the writ of sale using ordinary execution-levy procedures, give notice of sale and sell the property under ordinary execution-sale procedures unless the court orders otherwise, and apply the proceeds according to the judgment for sale.

Full Text of § 716.020

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c)

To execute the writ of sale, the levying officer shall:

(a) Levy upon the property described in the writ of sale in the manner prescribed by Article 4 (commencing with Section 700.010) of Chapter 3 of Division 2 for levy under a writ of execution.

(b) Except as otherwise ordered by the court, give notice of sale and sell the property described in the writ of sale in the manner prescribed by Article 6 (commencing with Section 701.510) of Chapter 3 of Division 2 for giving notice and selling under a writ of execution.

Plain-English Summary

Executing a writ of sale borrows heavily from the ordinary execution process. The levying officer levies on the described property the same way a levy under a writ of execution works, following Article 4 (§ 700.010) of Chapter 3. From there, the officer gives notice of sale and sells the property the way Article 6 (§ 701.510) of that same chapter prescribes — again, unless the court has ordered a different approach for this particular sale.

Once the sale happens, the proceeds don't go through any special formula; the officer applies them in conformity with whatever the judgment for sale itself specifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What procedure governs levying on property under a writ of sale?

The same procedure used for a levy under a writ of execution, under Article 4 (commencing with § 700.010) of Chapter 3 of Division 2.

Does the property get sold the same way as an execution sale?

Yes, following Article 6 (commencing with § 701.510) of Chapter 3, unless the court orders otherwise for this sale.

How are the sale proceeds distributed?

In conformity with the judgment for sale.

Amendment History

Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1364, Sec. 2. Operative July 1, 1983, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 1364.

Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature. Last verified July 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: execution of writ of sale california