Multi-valent metals, such as mercury, may be removed from a liquid hydrocarbon stream, such as crude oil, by optionally blending the liquid hydrocarbon stream with water or alternatively utilizing the water existing in the hydrocarbon as received, to give a homogeneous blend, and adding at least one demulsifier to the liquid hydrocarbon, water and/or homogeneous blend. Water is then extracted leaving a treated liquid hydrocarbon, and the treated liquid hydrocarbon is passed through at least one particle filter and optionally a series of filters of sequentially decreasing pore size. The resulting at least partially demetallized liquid hydrocarbon (e.g. crude oil) having reduced metal content will cause fewer problems for production, transportation, downstream refinery operations, and the environment.