Clerk's Office

The Benton County Clerk's Office plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the county's judicial system. This article will delve into the services provided by the Benton County WA Clerk's Office, highlighting its key responsibilities and offering a thorough explanation of the various functions it serves for the public. Whether you're a resident of Benton County, a legal professional, or someone seeking services related to court proceedings, this guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge.

What is the Benton County Clerk's Office?

The Benton County Clerk's Office is a government department responsible for supporting the county's judicial system. The office handles a broad range of duties, including the management of court documents, maintaining records, and providing essential services to the community. The Clerk’s Office also oversees important functions such as jury services, passport applications, and financial obligations related to legal cases.

Key Responsibilities of the Benton County Clerk's Office

Court Document Management: One of the primary responsibilities of the Benton County Clerk's Office is to manage all court documents. This includes filing and safekeeping of legal records, such as civil, criminal, and family law cases.

Issuance of Writs and Warrants: The Clerk's Office handles the issuance of writs, bench warrants, and other legal orders issued by the court.

Trust Fund Management: The office is also responsible for managing trust funds that are held by order of the court.

Jury System Administration: The Clerk’s Office manages the jury system for both Superior and District Courts. This includes the scheduling of jury service and maintaining records related to jury duty.

Services Provided by the Benton County Clerk's Office

Court Dockets and Calendars

The Clerk's Office provides access to court dockets and calendars for hearings and trials. These documents are crucial for individuals involved in legal proceedings, as they provide a detailed schedule of when cases will be heard. The Court Dockets are updated regularly to ensure that the public is informed about upcoming hearings.

Civil Protection Orders

If you're seeking protection from someone due to harassment, domestic violence, or sexual assault, the Benton County Clerk's Office is where you can file for a Civil Protection Order. This includes options for domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault protection. The process for filing a protection order is straightforward, and forms are available online or in person at the Clerk's Office.

Passport Services

The Clerk's Office in Benton County also processes passport applications for the U.S. Passport Agency. Whether you need a new passport or need to renew an existing one, you can submit your application through the Clerk’s Office. Be sure to check the office hours and submission deadlines to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

E-Filing for Court Documents

For convenience, Benton County offers E-Filing services through TrueFiling. This allows legal professionals and individuals to submit their documents electronically to the Clerk's Office. While there are fees associated with using this service, it offers a more efficient way to file documents without needing to visit in person.

Payment Options for Legal Financial Obligations

If you have been assessed fines, restitution, or other financial obligations as part of a court order, you can pay online through the Pay Online service. This system allows for easy payment using credit or debit cards. It’s important to note that payments should be carefully monitored, and the nCourt service provides a platform for paying criminal fines and restitution securely.

Understanding the Process: How to File for a Civil Protection Order

Filing for a civil protection order in Benton County is a process that provides relief for those seeking protection from an abusive or threatening individual. To file for a Civil Protection Order, you will need to complete several forms, including a petition for protection and any supporting documents that detail the circumstances of your case. These forms can be picked up at the Clerk’s Office or downloaded from the Washington State Court’s website.

Once your forms are ready, you can submit them either in person or through E-Submission. If you choose to submit your documents in person, you will need to appear at the office for the review by the court. If using the E-Submission service, your documents will be reviewed online, and you will receive confirmation of the court's decision via email.

Jury Duty: How the Clerk's Office Manages the Jury System

The Benton County Clerk's Office is responsible for administering the jury system, including the scheduling and record-keeping of jury service. If you are selected for jury duty, you will receive a summons from the Clerk’s Office. It is important to respond to the summons and follow any instructions carefully. If you need more information about your jury service, such as the Jury Reporting Schedule, the Clerk’s Office provides these details to help you prepare.

Key Contacts at the Benton County Clerk's Office

For individuals seeking specific services or who need to speak with staff members directly, here is the contact information for the Benton County Clerk's Office:

Josie Delvin, Benton County Clerk
Phone (Kennewick Office): 509-735-8388
Phone (Prosser Office): 509-786-5624
Mailing Address:
7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A210, Kennewick, WA 99336
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Passport applications accepted until 4:00 p.m. (Kennewick)
Passport applications accepted until 3:30 p.m. (Prosser)

This contact information will be useful for those needing assistance with filing, making payments, or addressing any other concerns related to court cases, jury service, or passport applications.

By understanding the responsibilities and services of the Benton County WA Clerk's Office, you will be better prepared to navigate the legal processes in the county. Whether you need to file court documents, pay fines, or submit a passport application, the Clerk’s Office is an essential resource for the community. Always ensure you’re aware of office hours, required documentation, and filing procedures to ensure that your case or service request is processed without delay.

Benton County Clerk's Office FAQs

How Can I File a Civil Protection Order in Benton County?

Filing a Civil Protection Order in Benton County involves completing necessary forms like the Petition for Protection and the Law Enforcement Confidential Information Sheet (LECIF). These forms are available online or in person at the Benton County Clerk’s Office. Depending on your situation, you may need to select the type of protection order, such as Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking. Once completed, you can submit your forms in person or through E-Submission. If filed in person, the court will review the documents during the 1:30 pm Ex Parte docket. If granted, you will receive a copy of the Temporary Protection Order.

What Are the Payment Options for Legal Financial Obligations?

Benton County Clerk's Office offers various ways to settle legal financial obligations, such as court fines or restitution. Payments can be made online through services like nCourt, by phone, or in person. For credit or debit card payments, users must follow the process through nCourt, where a convenience fee applies. Note that payments made after hours will not be processed until the following business day. For additional payment information and procedures, visit the Clerk's official Pay Online page.

How Do I Submit Court Documents Electronically?

The Benton County Clerk’s Office supports electronic filing (E-Filing) through TrueFiling. This system is designed for submitting legal documents such as petitions and motions. While there is a fee for using TrueFiling, this method offers convenience for attorneys and individuals wishing to avoid in-person visits. All documents must be submitted in a specific format, including case information coversheets. If you encounter any issues with uploading documents, you can contact the Clerk's Office or refer to the TrueFiling Portal for assistance.

Can I Apply for a Passport at Benton County Clerk’s Office?

Yes, the Benton County Clerk's Office processes passport applications for the U.S. Passport Agency. You can apply for a new passport or renew an existing one at the Clerk’s Office, but be mindful of submission deadlines and office hours. Passport services are available until 4:00 p.m. at the Kennewick office and until 3:30 p.m. at the Prosser office. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Clerk's Passport Services page.

How Can I Access Court Dockets and Calendars?

The Benton County Clerk's Office provides access to court dockets and calendars that outline upcoming hearings and trial schedules. These documents are critical for individuals involved in legal proceedings to stay informed. You can find the most current court schedules and dockets on the Clerk's Court Dockets page, where updates are regularly posted.