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EJ-157-INFOOptional

Instructions for Ex Parte Application for Order on Deposit Account Exemption

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

This information sheet explains how to use forms EJ-157, EJ-158, and EJ-159 to ask the court for an order that protects certain money in a person's bank accounts when a judgment is being enforced.

The court describes it as: Instructions describing form EJ-157.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

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This information is used when someone needs a court order to decide how a protection amount, called an exemption, should be applied to a judgment debtor's bank accounts, especially if there are multiple accounts at different banks.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

What is this form for?
This sheet explains how to use forms EJ-157, EJ-158, and EJ-159 to ask the court to apply a deposit account exemption to bank accounts. This is related to enforcing a judgment.
What forms do I need to file?
You must complete and file form EJ-157, form EJ-158, and form EJ-159 with the court.

Revision history

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

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