Can the insurer send payment to the claimant’s attorney to resolve the lien?

No. The insurance company is the asset holder. DCS requires the payment to come directly from the asset holder, payable to DCS/Washington State Support Registry.

Washington defines insurance companies as financial institutions per RCW 74.20A.020(14)(d). DCS is entitled to send a levy, an order to withhold property or a notice of lien to any entity that possesses property that is or will become due, or belongs to a debtor. The recipient of the order or lien must seize the property and surrender it to DCS (see RCW 74.20A.080). The withholding order or lien has priority over any other assignment, garnishment, attachment or other legal process (see RCW 74.20A.080(14)). A recipient of an order or notice of lien who fails to surrender the property demanded may be held liable (see RCW 74.20A.100).

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Information for insurance companies and adjustors