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AT-138Mandatory

Application and Order for Appearance and Examination

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective October 1, 2024

This form is used to ask the court for an order that a person who owes money (a judgment debtor) or a third person must appear in court. The purpose is to get information that can help collect money that was already decided is owed.

The court describes it as: Ask the court for a decision (order) that a judgment debtor (a person the court has decided owes you money) come to court to provide information to help you collect the money you are owed or that another person provide information about money or other property they have that belongs either to a judgment debtor or that you may have the right to attach. Also states the court’s decision (order) approving your request and to tell the judgment debtor or other person what can happen if they do not come to court when ordered.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when someone has already won a judgment and needs the court to force the debtor or a third party to show up and provide information about money or property.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

What is this form for?
This form asks the court for an order that a person who owes money or a third person must appear in court to give information about property or debts. This process is called an attachment.
Who needs to file this form?
The form is used by the judgment creditor, which is the person who won the money judgment.
What happens if the person does not show up?
The notices on the form state that if the person fails to appear, they may be subject to arrest and punishment for contempt of court.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect October 1, 2024.

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