This is an Official form adopted by the California Judicial Council for use in California Courts.
Sunnyvale, California offers several types of exemptions from the enforcement of judgments, each with specific dollar amounts. These exemptions ensure that certain assets or income sources are protected from being seized to satisfy a judgment. Here is a detailed description of the various exemptions available in Sunnyvale, California: 1. Homestead Exemption: The homestead exemption allows homeowners to protect a portion of the equity in their primary residence from seizure by creditors. In Sunnyvale, the current dollar amount of the homestead exemption is $300,000 for individuals and $600,000 for married couples or those filing jointly. 2. Motor Vehicle Exemption: Sunnyvale residents can exempt a certain amount of equity in their motor vehicle(s) from enforcement of judgments. The current exemption amount for motor vehicles is $4,800 per single debtor or $9,600 for married couples. 3. Personal Property Exemption: This exemption protects certain essential personal property from seizure. In Sunnyvale, the current dollar amount for the personal property exemption is $6,075 for individuals and $12,150 for married couples or those filing jointly. It covers items such as clothing, household goods, appliances, and furniture. 4. Tools of Trade Exemption: The tools of trade exemption allows individuals to protect tools, equipment, and materials necessary for their occupation. The current exemption amount for tools of trade is $8,725. 5. Jewelry and Art Exemption: This exemption safeguards personal jewelry and art pieces from enforcement of judgments. In Sunnyvale, the current exemption for jewelry and art is $8,725. 6. Wage Exemption: A portion of a debtor's wages is typically exempt from enforcement of judgments to ensure they have a minimum income to cover essential living expenses. In Sunnyvale, the current wage exemption is 75% of disposable earnings or 40 times the state minimum wage, whichever is higher. 7. Retirement Accounts Exemption: Certain retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and pension plans, are exempt from the enforcement of judgments. In Sunnyvale, these retirement accounts are fully protected, without any specific dollar amount limit. It is important to note that these dollar amounts are subject to change, as they can be periodically adjusted to account for changes in the cost of living or other factors. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney or the court to obtain the most up-to-date information on Sunnyvale, California's current dollar amounts of exemptions from enforcement of judgments.
