Lieutenant Doug Stuart
(919) 545-8189

The Chatham County Sheriff's Office shares criminal processes with other law enforcement agencies within the county, such as the Siler City and Pittsboro Police Departments. But as stated in North Carolina General Statute 1A-1, Rule 4, civil process for the entire county is the responsibility of the sheriff. No other law enforcement agency can do this. The sheriff and his deputies are the only law enforcement officers in the county that have the authority to serve a court-issued paper. Civil Process is the final leg of operations that the sheriff is required by law to have.

The Civil Process Division serves civil processes issued by the court system. Civil refers to such things as lawsuits, divorces, subpoenas for court, child support, judgments, Small Claims court, etc. Most often the court issues a paper, and civil process deputies serve the paper to the named person(s). The paper often tells the named person(s) a court date or an action that must be taken.

Civil Process Job Descriptions

One Sergeant: The Sergeant oversees any problems that arise in day-to-day operations, and reports to the Lieutenant.

One Child Support Deputy: The deputy work in harmony with the Chatham County Child Support Agency in serving various child support papers, and report any problems to the Sergeant.

One Execution Deputy: The execution deputies work exclusively on executions, attachments, and claim and deliveries, and report any problems to the Sergeant.

Civil Paper Examples: Subpoenas, Writs, Executions, Show Cause Orders, Ex-parte Orders, Civil Orders for Arrest, Child Custody Orders

The Civil Process Division works with the court system in carrying out civil orders. The Sheriff is exclusive to this responsibility. Any questions pertaining to a civil matter can be directed to the Civil Process Division, Sgt. Chris Perry at (919) 545-8110. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 0830 to 1700 hours, excluding holidays.