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EJ-140-INFOMandatory

Information on Debtor's Examinations Regarding Consumer Debt

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2026

This information sheet explains the process for a person who won a case (the judgment creditor) to ask the court to examine the finances of the person who owes the money (the judgment debtor) when the debt is for personal or household needs. It also tells the person who owes the money how to respond by providing written financial details instead of going to court.

The court describes it as: Explains how the judgment creditor (the person or business that won the case and is owed money) can ask for a debtor’s examination in a case where the judgment concerns consumer debt, and explains how the judgment debtor (the person or business that owes the money) can respond to that request by providing written information instead of going to court.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This information is used when a court judgment, awarded on or after January 1, 2025, involves consumer debt. The judgment creditor uses this guide to understand how to request an examination, and the judgment debtor uses it to understand how to respond with written information.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What kind of debt is considered 'consumer debt' for this form?
Consumer debt means money owed for things like personal, family, or household needs. It does not include debt for rent, unpaid wages, or debts from fraud. Greatly care must be taken to check the judgment to see if it is for consumer debt. Greatly care must be taken to check the judgment to see if it is for consumer debt.
If I am the person who won the case, what does this sheet tell me?
If you are the judgment creditor, this sheet explains how you can ask the court to order a debtor’s examination. It also explains how to respond if the debtor gives their financial information in writing.

Revision history

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

Related forms

  • EJ-141

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