The civil division is comprised of a detective and two clerks.  The primary function of the civil division is to process and serve court papers, including, but not limited to small claims, child custody, parentage, summons and complaints, subpoenas, domestic violence protection orders, court orders for evictions and orders of sale of real and personal property.

Commander Steve Caughey oversees the civil division.  Civil Clerk Shelly Olson is responsible for all sheriff’s sales for real and personal property sales, as well as writs of attachment and replevins.  Civil Clerks Shelly Olson and Dianne McCants prepare papers for service, prepare returns to court and do the billing for the division.  Detective Alison Moore is responsible for the majority of the paper service throughout Benton County.

If you are needing court paperwork served within Benton County, please include the following:

• Completed Civil Process Information Sheet
• Court paper work to be served
• Money order or cashier’s check for a service deposit – see list of deposit fees

This is a deposit only, depending on how many attempts are made to the residence, mileage fees could accumulate. It’s possible that you could receive a refund or be billed for additional mileage fees.

• Deposit fees required:
  • Order/Writs of Sale – Real Property $350.00
  • Orders/Writs of Sale – Personal Property $200.00
  • Writ of Replevin $100.00
  • Writs of Habeas Corpus $150.00
  • Small Claims $50.00
  • Summons & Complaints $50.00
  • All other court documents:  $50.00
  • Out of state court documents $55.00

• Sheriff’s Civil Fees provide a detailed listing of all Benton County Sheriff’s Office fees.

For Writs of Restitution, please include the following: 

• Completed Civil Process Information Sheet
• Tenant Information Worksheet
• Deposit fee of $100.00

MAILING ADDRESS FOR SERVICE REQUESTS:
Benton County Sheriff’s Office
Attn:  Civil Division
7122 W Okanogan Pl, Bldg B
Kennewick WA 99336

Additional information or resources:

Your Rights as a Tenant in Washington State is a 30 page booklet provided by lawhelp.org.

Landlord Tenant Laws of Washington State can provide you with more specific information from the Washington State Attorney General.

An Introduction to Small Claims can provide you with information from the Washington Courts website.

Sheriff's Civil Fees provides a detailed listing of all Benton County Sheriff's Office Civil Division fees.