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WG-006Optional

Claim of Exemption

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

This form is used to ask a levying officer to lower or stop taking money from wages because the person filing believes the garnishment prevents them from affording basic necessities. The form must be given to the levying officer, not filed with the court.

The court describes it as: Asks the sheriff, marshal, or constable to reduce or stop garnishing wages because you cannot afford the basic necessities of life with the garnishment. If a claim of exemption is opposed, this form is forwarded by the sheriff, marshal, or constable to the court

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This form is used when someone is being have their wages garnished and they believe the amount being taken is too much for them to live on.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

Who should file this form?
The form is for the person making the claim of exemption. You must give the completed original form and one copy to the levying officer.
Do I file this form with the court?
No, you must not file this form with the court; you must give it to the levying officer.
Do I need to attach other forms?
If you check box 3b or 3c, you must attach a completed Financial Statement (form EJ-165). If you check box 3a, you do not need to complete form EJ-165.

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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