ARTICLE 2. Creditor’s Suit [491.310. - 491.370.]

Cal. Code of Civil Procedure - CCP 2.
in effect

Cal. Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 491.310. Section 491.310.

If a third person has possession or control of property in which the defendant has an interest or is indebted to the defendant and the property or debt has been subjected to an attachment lien, the plaintiff may bring an action against the third person to enforce the third person’s liability under this title.

Cal. Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 491.320. Section 491.320.

The defendant shall be joined in an action brought pursuant to this article but is not an indispensable party. The residence of the defendant may not be considered in the determination of proper venue unless otherwise provided by contract between the defendant and the third person.

Cal. Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 491.330. Section 491.330.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), an action shall be commenced pursuant to this article before the expiration of the later of the following times: (1) The time when the defendant may bring an action against the third person concerning the property or debt. (2) One year after creation of an attachment lien on the property or debt pursuant to this title if the lien is created at the time when the defendant may bring an action against the third person concerning the property or debt. (b) An action may not be commenced pursuant to this article if the attachment lien is not in effect. (c) If an action is commenced pursuant to this article within the time permitted in this section, the action may be prosecuted to judgment so long as the attachment lien or a lien of the plaintiff on the same property pursuant to Title 9 (commencing with Section 680.010) is in effect.

Cal. Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 491.340. Section 491.340.

The plaintiff may apply to the court in which an action under this article is pending for either or both of the following: (a) An order restraining the third person from transferring the attached property to the defendant or from paying the attached debt to the defendant. The order shall be made on noticed motion if the court so directs or a court rule so requires. Otherwise, the order may be made on ex parte application. The order shall remain in effect until judgment is entered in the action or until such earlier time as the court may provide in the order. An undertaking may be required in the discretion of the court. The court may modify or vacate the order at any time with or without a hearing on such terms as are just. (b) A temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction or both, restraining the third person from transferring to any person or otherwise disposing of the attached property, pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7, and the court may make, dissolve, and modify such orders as provided therein.

Cal. Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 491.360. Section 491.360.

If the plaintiff establishes the liability of the third person, the court shall render judgment accordingly. The judgment may be enforced in the same manner as it could be enforced if it had been obtained by the defendant against the third party; but, prior to entry of judgment in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant, any money or property obtained in enforcing the judgment against the third party shall be paid or delivered into court to abide the judgment in the action of the plaintiff against the defendant or shall be held by a levying officer, or otherwise held, as ordered by the court.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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