A writ of possession is the final court order in the eviction process — issued after the new owner wins the unlawful detainer lawsuit. The writ commands the sheriff to physically remove you and your belongings from the property and restore possession to the new owner. This is the end of the road — once the writ is issued, you have typically 5-7 days before the sheriff executes the lockout. At Dream Financial Management, we help former homeowners negotiate cash for keys before the writ stage — but we can also help at this late stage nationwide since 1994.
The writ of possession is the last document before physical removal. Once the sheriff posts the 5-day notice, you have days — not weeks. Cash for keys may still be possible if you contact the new owner immediately. Even at this late stage, we have negotiated move-out payments in exchange for leaving the property clean and on schedule.
After judgment for the new owner (plaintiff), the court issues the writ of possession directing the sheriff to remove occupants. New owner delivers the writ to the sheriff's department with a fee (typically $150-$500).
Sheriff posts a 5-day "Notice to Vacate" on the door. This is your final warning. The notice states the exact date and time the sheriff will return to physically remove you. In most states: 5 calendar days.
On the specified date, the sheriff arrives and removes all occupants. Belongings may be placed at the curb (some states) or stored at your expense. The locks are changed. You lose access immediately and permanently. An eviction judgment is now on your public record.
Even at the writ stage, Dream Financial Management negotiates with the new owner for a cash-for-keys agreement — avoiding a formal eviction on your record. Since 1994. Free consultation.