Kern County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Kern County are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern. The court is located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield, CA 93301. Kern Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases over $35,000, limited civil matters between $10,000 and $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. The court provides an online portal for case information, though access to full case files is not available via the internet. Public access to detailed records requires visiting the courthouse in person or submitting written requests. Kern County is located in Central California and includes Bakersfield, the county seat and largest city.

Online Case Portal

Kern Superior Court provides an online portal at portal.kern.courts.ca.gov for basic case information. The portal allows you to search for cases by case number or party name. You can view limited case information including party names, filing dates, and basic case status.

Access to case files is not available via the internet. The court notes on its website that full case records must be accessed in person at the courthouse. You cannot download documents or view complete case files through the online system. The portal serves as a basic case lookup tool but does not replace visiting the courthouse for detailed records.

The online system updates regularly with new case filings and basic status changes. While limited, the portal helps you verify case numbers, check filing dates, and confirm party names before you visit the courthouse or submit a records request.

Kern Superior Court

The main courthouse is at 1415 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield, California 93301. This location handles most civil cases filed in Kern County. The courthouse is open on weekdays during business hours. Bring photo ID when you visit. Security staff check identification at the entrance.

The Civil Division handles all civil litigation including unlimited civil cases, limited civil matters, and small claims. Court staff can assist with filing documents and accessing case files. Clerks provide procedural information but cannot give legal advice about your case.

Kern County has other court locations throughout the county for different case types and geographic areas. Contact the main courthouse to find out which location handles your specific case. Different divisions may have different hours and services.

Accessing Court Records

To access complete civil court records in Kern County, you must visit the courthouse in person. Go to the Civil Division and request to view the case file. Provide the case number or the names of the parties. Court staff will locate the file for you. You can review the file at the courthouse and request copies of specific documents.

Copy fees are $0.50 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost an additional $40.00 certification fee. Certified copies of marriage or domestic partnership dissolution judgments cost $15.00. Certification verifies the document is a true copy of the court record. You need certified copies for appeals, government applications, and other official purposes.

Written requests for copies can be submitted by mail. Write to Kern Superior Court at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Include the case number, the documents you want, and your return address. Send a check for the estimated costs. The court will process your request and mail the copies. Processing times vary based on workload. Allow several weeks for mail requests.

If you need to search for records without a case number, a research fee may apply. The court charges $15.00 for searching that takes longer than 10 minutes. Having the case number from the online portal saves this fee. Look up the case number online before you visit or submit a request.

Civil Case Types

Kern Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases involving amounts over $35,000. These include personal injury lawsuits, business disputes, real estate litigation, employment claims, and professional malpractice actions. Unlimited civil cases follow formal procedures with extensive discovery. Trials can last days or weeks. Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation.

Limited civil cases cover disputes between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include contract disputes, property damage claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, and debt collection lawsuits. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil matters. Procedures are simpler than unlimited civil. Discovery is restricted. Cases typically resolve faster than unlimited civil cases.

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses. People use small claims for everyday problems like unpaid debts, security deposits, minor accidents, and consumer complaints. You don't need a lawyer in small claims court. Both sides present their case to the judge. The judge decides right away in most cases. Small claims provides a quick, affordable way to resolve disputes without hiring an attorney.

Filing Civil Cases

To file a civil case in Kern County, prepare a complaint that describes your legal claims. The complaint must name all parties, state the facts, and explain what you want the court to do. File the complaint at the courthouse. Bring the original and copies for all defendants. The clerk will review your paperwork and collect the filing fee.

Filing fees follow the statewide California schedule. Unlimited civil complaints cost $435.00. Limited civil complaints for amounts over $10,000 up to $35,000 cost $370.00. Complaints for amounts under $10,000 cost $225.00. Small claims fees vary based on the amount claimed. If you can't afford the filing fee, apply for a fee waiver. The clerk can provide a fee waiver application.

After filing, you must serve the defendants with copies of the complaint and summons. You cannot serve the papers yourself. Hire a process server, use the sheriff, or ask an adult friend who is not a party to serve the documents. The server fills out a proof of service form. File the proof of service with the court to show you completed service correctly.

The defendant has 30 days to respond after being served. If they don't respond, you can request a default judgment. If they file an answer, the case proceeds with discovery and moves toward trial or settlement. The court clerk provides basic procedural information but cannot give legal advice.

Note: Electronic filing may be available for certain case types. Check with the court about e-filing options and requirements.

Court Services and Help

Kern Superior Court provides self-help services for people representing themselves in civil cases. Self-help staff can explain court procedures and help you fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to say in court. Self-help services are free and available at the courthouse during business hours.

The court website has forms, local rules, and information about court procedures. Local rules explain specific requirements for Kern Superior Court that may differ from statewide rules. Read the local rules before filing to make sure you follow the correct procedures. The website also has calendars and information about upcoming hearings.

Legal aid organizations in Kern County provide free or low-cost legal assistance to people who qualify based on income. These organizations can help with certain types of civil cases. Contact a legal aid office to see if you qualify for their services. The court website has a list of legal resources in the area.

Major Cities in Kern County

Kern County includes several cities in Central California. All civil cases from these cities are filed in Kern Superior Court.

Nearby California Counties

Kern County borders several other Central California counties. Each has its own Superior Court system.