The three-person 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, subpoenas, domestic violence protection orders, court orders for evictions and Sheriff sales of real or personal property.  On occasion the division is called upon to enforce court orders as well.

Commander Steve Caughey oversees the Civil Division. Civil Clerk Shelly Olson arranges all Sheriff's Sales for real  and personal property sales, as well as Writs of Attachment and Replevin.  Civil Clerks Shelly Olson and Dianne McCants prepares paperwork for service, prepares all returns of service and does the billing for the division.  Detective Alison Moore is responsible for the majority of paper service throughout Benton County and enforcement of court orders to include Writs of Restitution and Writs of Habeas Corpus.

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 Bar Association.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office Tenant Information Worksheet must be fully completed prior to any eviction being scheduled by our Civil Division.  The Civil Process Information Sheet must be fully completed and accompany all other papers to be served.

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.