California Codes, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP, Part 2 — Of Civil Actions, Title 9 — Enforcement of Judgments, Division 2 — Enforcement of Money Judgments, Chapter 4 — Exemptions, Article 4 — Homestead Exemption, Section 704.790

(a) This section applies in any case where the court makes an order for sale of the dwelling upon a hearing at which none of the following appeared:

(1) The judgment debtor.

(2) The judgment debtor’s spouse.

(3) The attorney for the judgment debtor.

(4) The attorney for the judgment debtor’s spouse.

(b) Not later than 10 days after the date of the order for sale, the judgment creditor shall serve a copy of the order and a notice of the order in the form prescribed by the Judicial Council:

(1) Personally or by mail on the judgment debtor and the judgment debtor’s spouse.

(2) Personally on an occupant of the dwelling or, if there is no occupant present at the time service is attempted, post a copy of the order and notice in a conspicuous place at the dwelling.

(c) Proof of service and of any posting shall be filed with the court and with the levying officer. If the judgment creditor fails to comply with this subdivision and with subdivision (b) in any case where this section applies, the dwelling may not be sold under the order for sale.

(d) If, within 10 days after service of notice of the order, the judgment debtor or the judgment debtor’s spouse files with the levying officer a declaration that the absence of the judgment debtor and the judgment debtor’s spouse or the attorney for the judgment debtor or the judgment debtor’s spouse from the hearing was due to mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect and that the judgment debtor or spouse of the judgment debtor wishes to assert the homestead exemption, the levying officer shall transmit the declaration forthwith to the court. Upon receipt of the declaration, the court shall set a time and place for hearing to determine whether the determinations of the court should be modified. The time set for hearing shall be not later than 20 days after receipt of the declaration. The court clerk shall cause notice of the hearing promptly to be given to the parties.