Nebel v. Sulak

Opinion

GAUT, J

1. Introduction

This appeal raises several questions of significance. First, to what extent may a disinterested third party observe a judgment debtor examination, and, *1366as a collateral issue, may a nonlawyer conduct a judgment debtor examination to enforce a small claims judgment?

We hold that a judgment debtor examination is a judicial proceeding open to the public. (Code Civ. Proc., §§ 124 and 708.110, subd. (a).)1 Additionally, the examination must be conducted by a judicial officer or a member of the State Bar of California. (§ 708.140, subd. (b).) In the present case, the…