civil unit

1st Floor, County City Building
930 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM (Except legal holidays)
(253) 798-7520

Civil Unit Duties

The Civil Unit of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department serves legal documents throughout the county, performs evictions and enforces the orders of the court.

Service Information

To more effectively assist you we will need to know information about the person(s) to be served such as possible addresses, description, phone numbers, any service requirements and the deadline for service. We cannot serve your papers unless you provide us with a physical address. Also note that the Civil Unit only serves Domestic Violence and Anti-harassment protection orders within unincorporated areas of the county as well as the city limits of South Prairie. For service of restraining orders within city limits please contact the appropriate city police agency.

Ft. Lewis Services

Our officers are allowed to serve process on Ft. Lewis every Wednesday at 9 am. The documents have to be in our office by the preceding Friday. Occasionally, the base is closed and the services delayed until the next open Wednesday. A social security number and/or date of birth for the person being served is required by Ft. Lewis.

Fees/Deposit Amounts

Forms of payment: Cash, attorney's checks, money orders, debit card with PIN (we can't accept payment over the phone).

Service of Process: $125.00 minimum fee deposit - see above for types of payment accepted. When the action is completed, we will total the actual fees and issue a refund check for the amount of the deposit not used or bill you for the balance due. The Civil Unit retains the original return of service until the balance due is paid.

Writs of Restitution: $60.00 per defendant plus mileage and $15.00 for Return on writ. For more information, go to 'Civil Forms' at left for our intake sheet on Writs of Restitution. Click for mileage fee.

Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Protection Order: No fee.

Anti-Harassment or Vulnerable Adult Protection Order: $50.00 plus mileage. Use link above to figure mileage fee. We will also honor the court's order waiving fees.

All other Actions: Click on 'Civil Forms' at left. Please call or contact us by e-mail with any questions about the services provided.

The fees charged by the Sheriff's Department are mandated by Pierce County Code Chapter 4.56. mountain