An attachment levy creates a levy lien which expires three years from the date of issuance of the writ of attachment. (CCP 488.500) The lien period may be extended in one year increments for a total of not more than eight years after issuance of the writ. (CCP 488.510)
The time limitation for a levy under a writ of attachment does not apply where the attachment levy is against the interest of a defendant in personal property in the estate of a decedent. (Estate of Troy, 1 CA 2d 732) An attachment lien terminates by operation of law when an execution levy is made in the same case. (Durkin v. Durkin, 133 CA 2d 283)
In any case where property has been levied upon and, pursuant to a levy, a copy of the writ of attachment and a notice of attachment are required by statute to be posted or to be served on or mailed to the defendant or other person, failure to post, serve, or mail the copy of the writ and the notice does not affect the attachment lien created by the levy. (CCP 488.120)