Legal Definitions - Sheriff's sale

A sheriff's sale is a public auction that is conducted by the sheriff's office. The purpose of this auction is to sell off property or assets that have been seized by the sheriff's office to satisfy an unpaid debt or judgment.

For example, if a homeowner fails to pay their mortgage, the lender may obtain a judgment against them. If the homeowner still fails to pay, the lender can request that the sheriff's office seize the property and sell it at a sheriff's sale to recover the debt.

Another example is if a business owner fails to pay their taxes, the government may obtain a judgment against them. If the business owner still fails to pay, the government can request that the sheriff's office seize the business assets and sell them at a sheriff's sale to recover the debt.

These examples illustrate how a sheriff's sale is used to satisfy an unpaid debt or judgment by selling off property or assets. It is important to note that the proceeds from the sale are used to pay off the debt or judgment, and any remaining funds are returned to the owner of the property or assets.