Duties and Responsibilities

Represent the interests of Whatcom County as legal counsel to the:

• Whatcom County Council
• County Executive
• Department Heads and other Elected Officials

Acts as counsel for the county in: 

• Litigation involving claims and actions in Tort and contracts

Represents the County’s interests:  

• At administrative or quasi-judicial hearings and involuntary commitment hearings

Represents the interest of the State and child: 

• In legal actions brought under RCW 26 (Uniform Parentage Act), which include the establishment of paternity and/or enforcement of the payment of child support.  Note: paternity cases consist only of matters referred to this office by the Division of Children’s Services when the custodial parent or guardian is receiving State financial assistance. 

Purpose and Benefit of Service:

• To provide legal representation, as defined above, in order to limit the County’s exposure to legal liabilities and assist in ensuring County operations comport with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• The goal for actions filed under RCW 26 is to secure financial support from both parents for their children in an effort to recoup or reduce the amount of money the State spends on public assistance.