Civil Division
775-337-5700
The Civil Division is headed by Assistant District Attorney Nathan Edwards. The Civil Division provides legal representation to all elected and appointed officials of Washoe County, as well as to over 68 boards, agencies, and commissions through which services are provided to the public. Other units or divisions of the Office of the District Attorney included within the umbrella of the Civil Division are listed below.
Family Support Division
The Family Support Team is headed by Chief Deputy District Attorney Kathleen Baker, alongside Family Support Program Manager Marko Markovic. The division establishes and enforces the parental obligation to pay support for the children of Washoe County; provides child support enforcement services for parents outside of Washoe County when the non-payor resides in Washoe County; and enforces or modifies support decrees to assure adequate support payments and medical insurance coverage for children residing in Washoe County.
View Family Support application information
Child Protective Services
The Child Protective Services Team is run by Chief Deputy District Attorney Buffy Okuma. This unit consists of eight attorneys and four legal assistants handling sensitive and complex cases involving child abuse and neglect. The unit works primarily with the family court and coordinates, when necessary, with the criminal division of the District Attorney’s Office.
General Civil
The Civil Team is headed by Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Large. The team of 10 attorneys, one paralegal, and four assistants provides legal advice to county officials and departments, including the Board of County Commissioners, the Sheriff, and the Health District. Attorneys attend public meetings, advise on open meeting law requirements, and represent the County and its employees in civil actions.
Forfeiture Unit
This unit works with law enforcement agencies to seize assets through formal civil processes and to sell property suspected of being used for or purchased with funds generated from the illegal sale of narcotics.