Code of Civil Procedure section 706.051

(a)

For the purposes of this section, “family of the judgment debtor” includes the spouse or former spouse of the judgment debtor.

(b)

Except as provided in subdivision (c), the portion of the judgment debtor’s earnings that the judgment debtor proves is necessary for the support of the judgment debtor or the judgment debtor’s family supported in whole or in part by the judgment debtor is exempt from levy under this chapter.

(c)

The exemption provided in subdivision (b) is not available if any of the following exceptions applies:

(1)

The debt was incurred pursuant to an order or award for the payment of attorney’s fees under Section 2030, 3121, or 3557 of the Family Code.

(2)

The debt was incurred for personal services rendered by an employee or former employee of the judgment debtor.

(3)

The order is a withholding order for support under Section 706.030.

(4)

The order is one governed by Article 4 (commencing with Section 706.070) (state tax order).

Source: Section 706.051, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=706.­051.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2012; accessed Nov. 10, 2025).

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Nov. 10, 2025

§ 706.051's source at ca​.gov