Back to Top
Ocean County Government
Board of CommissionersDropdown arrow

Sheriff's Office

Civil Process Unit


The Office of the Sheriff consists of 4 sections responsible for the processing of all Civil documents that originate from the Court system. The four sections are Summons and Complaints, General Writs of Execution, Garnishments and Foreclosures. Documents are not only received from attorneys in New Jersey, but throughout the United States.


Mileage Chart Foreclosures
The Summons and Complaint section is responsible for the processing of Summonses, Complaints, Subpoenas, Writs of Possession, Writs of Replevin and Orders for Arrest/Warrants in order to prepare them for service.

Summons and Complaint service requirements
Any documents being forwarded for service MUST have a cover letter with instructions attached including the name and address of both the plaintiff and defendant, along with a self addressed stamped envelope.

Basic Summons and Complaint:
  • The original summons PLUS two (2) copies for each defendant
  • One (1) copy of the complaint for each defendant being served

Out of State Papers:
  • ONLY provide papers needed to be served
  • Unless needed to process, do NOT send additional papers
  • Include any specific instructions for completing paperwork or service
  • Indicate the affidavit or court date in your cover letter and any special instructions
  • $75 retainer

Notice of Motion
  • The original notice PLUS two (2) copies for each defendant being served

Subpoena
  • The original subpoena PLUS two (2) copies for each defendant being served

Writ of Replevin
  • The original Writ with the seal, PLUS two (2) copies

Writ of Possession
  • The original Writ with the seal, PLUS two (2) copies, UNLESS it is electronically filed

Civil Warrants
  • The original Warrant for Arrest with the seal
  • A copy of the Order for Arrest/Certification in Support of Warrant
  • A description of the subject and his/her location
  • A date of birth and/or social security number
  • As many physical identifiers as possible on the defendant

Summons and Complaint Service Attempts


A Sheriff’s Officer will make four (4) attempts to execute the document(s), unless otherwise instructed, at which time the paperwork will be returned to the requestor. It should be noted that additional mileage will be charged regardless of the success of the service.

Summons and Complaint Request for Re-Service


To request a document to be re-served, please forward the same documents in the same quantity as specified above with a cover letter. Re-submit payment for processing fees and mileage.

Summons and Complaint fees


PAPER TYPESERVICE FEERETURN FEE + MILEAGE
Basic Summons (First Defendant)$22 $2 + mileage
Second Defendant $20mileage
Each additional Defendant$16mileage


* No additional mileage charged if all parties reside at the same address.

PAPER TYPESERVICE FEERETURN FEE + MILEAGE
Husband and Wife at same address$22 $2 + mileage


* No second defendant fee unless they are living seperate and apart from each other.

PAPER TYPESERVICE FEERETURN FEE + MILEAGE
Out of State Papers$75
*any unused monies will be refunded*
None
Writ of Replevin$48$2 + mileage
Writ of Possession$48$2 + mileage
Civil Warrants$48$2 + mileage
Pro Se Papers (without counsel)$22$2 + 4x mileage for each defendant
Notary Fee $3


* Checks are to be made payable to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.

GENERAL WRITS OF EXECUTION


The General Writ section is responsible for the processing of court ordered levies against bank accounts, personal properties, assets, monies due, stocks, motor vehicles, cash on hand, rent, and real estate for both individuals and businesses.

Writs of Execution service requirements

Bank Levy, Rent and Monies Due:
  • The original Writ with seal PLUS two (2) copies
  • If the defendant is an individual -
         The defendant’s last known address, Social Security number and account number
  • If the defendant is a business -
         The account number or identifiers and address
         The name and address of the bank where the account is located (both business and
          individual)

Asset Levy, Personal Property, Rent, Motor Vehicles and Stocks:
  • The original Writ with seal, if not already received by this office, PLUS two (2) copies
  • A self addressed, stamped envelope
  • Specific detailed list of assets to be levied upon
  • Motor vehicle VIN number
  • Must have the defendants address

Real Estate
  • The original Writ with seal PLUS two (2) copies
  • Letter on non personalty

Writs of Execution Request for Re-Service


To request a Writ be re-served, please forward an additional Xerox copy with a cover letter of instruction as to what type of service is needed. Only additional mileage fee payment is required.

Special Note on Writs of Execution



Certain property is exempt from execution by federal and state law. This includes but not limited to clothing, welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, SSI benefits, veteran’s benefits, unemployment benefits, workers compensation benefits and child support benefits. Additionally, the defendant may apply to the court for a $1,000.00 exemption of personal property in writing.

General Writ of Execution fees


PAPER TYPESERVICE FEERETURN FEE + MILEAGE
Basic Writ of Execution$48$2 + Mileage
Appraisal$5None
Bank Turnover$12Mileage
Motor Vehicle Sale$450None
Personal Property Sale$75None
Asset Sale$75None


* Certain types of service specified with Writs of Execution require an additional fee in the form of Commission.

* Checks are to be made payable to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
The Garnishment Section is responsible for processing Writs of Execution against wages in order to prepare them for service.

Wage Garnishment service requirements


Wage Execution
  • The original Writ with seal PLUS two (2) copies
  • The employer’s correct address
  • The defendant’s social security number
  • The last known address of the defendant
  • Copy of the Order of Wage Execution
  • Checks are to be made payable to: Ocean County Sheriff’s Office


Wage Garnishment fees


PAPER TYPESERVICE FEERETURN FEE + MILEAGE
Writ of Execution Against Wages$48 $2 + mileage


EXECUTION AGAINST WAGES COMMISSIONS AND SALARIESCOMMISSION
On sums not exceeding $5,0006%
On sums exceeding $5,0004%