Writ of Execution

A writ of execution is a court order directing the Sheriff to take an action to enforce a judgement.

How to Request Enforcement

In order to have a Writ of Execution enforced, you must download and complete a “writ packet” (linked below) and pay all designated fees. Only attorney’s checks, cashier checks, certified checks, or money orders will be accepted and must be made out to the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office. Three (3) copies of the completed writ packet and appropriate fees should be filed at the main desk of the Sheriff’s Office located at 100 South Broad Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19110 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.

When filing the writ packet, you must also include a self addressed business envelope with first class postage with the plaintiff or attorney information, and a letter sized envelope with first class postage to the defendant. These envelopes will be used to notify all parties of the final status of the enforcement.

A Writ of Execution must be made payable to: Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.

Fees for Service

You easily calculate all fees to serve any court order using the Sheriff’s Office Fee Calculator.

The fee to serve a writ of execution ordered by the Municipal Court is determinded by a number of factors.  The most common type of writ (which includes one defendant served at one address) will cost $133.  The fee is calculated as follows:

  • $90 Sheriff’s fee (regardless of the number of defendants)
  • An additional $150 for each interrogatory (if any)
  • A $25 mileage charge for each address the writ must be served to
  • A State fee of $25 for each address the writ must be served to

The fees to serve a writ of execution ordered by the Court of Common Pleas is determinded by a number of factors.  The most common type of writ (which includes one defendant served at one address) will cost $175.  The fee is calculated as follows:

  • $150 Sheriff’s fee (regardless of the number of defendants)
  • An additional $150 for each interrogatory (if any)
  • A $25 mileage charge for each address the writ must be served to

Other Useful Information

  • Once granted, a Writ of Execution is good for 90 days.
  • Deputy Sheriffs attempt service of the writ only during working hours, which are 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.
  • Deputy Sheriffs make numerous attempts to serve the writ and continue to make attempts for the full 90 days until expiration of the writ.
  • Once the writ is served, a Deputy Sheriff will send you a notice in the self addressed stamp envelope that was provided.
  • If you do not hear from the Sheriff’s office in 45 days, please call our Civil Division at 215-686-3542 to check status.
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