Special Functions

Additional County Clerk Functions

Specific functions of the County Clerk include:

Administrator of Court Records and Exhibits - The clerk receives, processes, and preserves forever all documents presented in a Superior Court cause of action.
Financial Officer for the Courts - As the court's agent, the clerk collects statutory fees, fines, restitution, and trust funds; maintains a trust account for monies received; and disburses monies as ordered by the court.
Quasi-Judicial Officer - The clerk serves a quasi-judicial function. In this function, the clerk must review court documents for possible errors, perform acts required by law, issue letters testamentary, orders of sale, writs of execution, garnishment, attachments, restitution, and set up judgments.
Ex-Officio Clerk of the Court - Under the Constitution of the State of Washington the clerk has the title of "ex-officio clerk of the court." This requires the clerk's presence at court sessions for the purpose of establishing an independent record of each hearing called minutes, which are available to the public. The clerk must also be present at every court hearing or trial to receive and keep a record of all exhibits (evidence) entered by the parties.
Departmental Administrator -As the administrator of a county department, the clerk has the responsibility to establish office policies and procedures, oversee the budget, and maintain the established guidelines and policies of the Board of County Commissioners. Accuracy and efficiency are critical in the clerk's office.

If you have any questions, please review staff restrictions and then contact the clerk's office at (509) 382-4321.