Kern County Court Records
What Is Kern County Court Records
Court records in Kern County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550(b)(1), court records include "all documents, papers, exhibits, transcripts, and other materials that are filed in a case." These records serve as the official documentation of judicial proceedings and decisions.
Kern County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets listing chronological case events
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
- Probate inventories and accountings
- Family law filings including divorce decrees and custody orders
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Kern County, such as property records (deeds, liens, assessments), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and business records (licenses, permits). While these other records may be referenced in court proceedings, they are maintained by different county departments.
The Superior Court of California, County of Kern maintains records for all cases filed within its jurisdiction. As California's unified court system eliminated municipal courts in 2001, the Superior Court now handles all trial court matters including civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases.
Are Court Records Public In Kern County
Court records in Kern County are presumptively open to public inspection under both the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250) and the common law right of access to judicial records. Additionally, the California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b) establishes a constitutional right of access to information concerning the conduct of public business.
The California Rules of Court further define public access rights to court records. Rule 2.550 establishes that court records are presumed to be open unless confidentiality is required by law. Members of the public may access:
- Most civil case files, including complaints, answers, motions, and judgments
- Criminal case files after charges have been filed
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Judgments and liens
However, certain records are restricted from public access under various California statutes and court rules. These include:
- Juvenile court records (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Sealed records pursuant to court order
- Confidential family court services reports
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Juror identifying information
- Search warrant affidavits prior to execution
- Records where disclosure would create a substantial probability of harm
The Kern County Superior Court maintains policies for public access to records in accordance with state law and the California Rules of Court.
How To Find Court Records in Kern County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Kern County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of Kern provides multiple access options:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse division where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for record identification
- Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.50 per page)
- Allow processing time for record retrieval
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Judicial Records Request form
- Include case information and specific documents requested
- Enclose payment by check made payable to "Kern County Superior Court"
- Mail to the appropriate courthouse division
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Online Access:
- Access the Case Information Search portal
- Register for an account if required
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View basic case information and register of actions
- Note that full document images are not available online
Electronic Document Requests:
- Use the Request Case Documents service
- Provide case number and document information
- Submit payment for document copies
- Receive documents via email or mail as specified
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement on their request form and pay additional certification fees. Under current court policy, certified copies are $25.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
How To Look Up Court Records in Kern County Online?
Kern County provides limited online access to court records through several electronic portals. The primary online resource is the Case Information Search system maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern. This system allows users to:
- Search for case information by case number, party name, or filing date
- View basic case details including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Case type and status
- Register of actions (chronological list of case events)
- Future hearing dates
- Case disposition information
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Case Information Search portal
- Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (minimum of 3 characters for name searches)
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- View the register of actions showing case history
Important limitations of the online system include:
- Full document images are not available online
- Certain case types may have restricted online access
- Historical cases may not be included in the electronic system
- The online information does not constitute the official court record
For criminal case information, users may also access the California Courts Self Help Guide which provides additional guidance on accessing court records statewide.
The Judicial Records Request system allows users to request specific documents electronically, though the documents themselves will be delivered by mail or email rather than viewed online.
How To Search Kern County Court Records for Free?
California law guarantees the public's right to inspect judicial records without charge. Pursuant to Government Code § 68150(l), "Unless access is otherwise restricted by law, court records created, maintained, preserved, or reproduced under this section shall be made reasonably accessible to all members of the public for viewing and duplication as the paper records would have been accessible."
In Kern County, the following free access options are available:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse division during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for file retrieval
- Review records at designated public viewing areas
- No fee is charged for inspection (only for copies)
Online Case Information:
- The Case Information Search portal is free to access
- Basic case information and register of actions are available without charge
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date at no cost
- View future hearing dates and case status information
Public Access Terminals:
- Computer terminals are available at courthouse locations
- These provide free access to electronic case information
- May offer more comprehensive access than the public website
- Available during regular court business hours
While inspection of records is free, fees apply for copies of documents ($0.50 per page), certified copies ($25.00 for first page, $0.50 each additional page), and complex record searches requiring extensive staff time. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals under Government Code § 68631.
What's Included in a Kern County Court Record?
Kern County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions and supporting documentation
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Trial transcripts (if prepared)
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
- Arraignment minutes
- Bail or custody status information
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Verdict or finding
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal documentation
Family Law Records:
- Petition for dissolution, legal separation, or nullity
- Response to petition
- Financial disclosures (may be confidential)
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child and spousal support calculations and orders
- Property division agreements and orders
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Judgment documents
Probate Records:
- Petition for probate or conservatorship
- Inventories and appraisals of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Accounting reports
- Distribution plans
- Court investigator reports
- Court orders and final judgments
Case Management Information:
- Register of actions (chronological case history)
- Hearing dates and minutes
- Judge and department assignments
- Attorney appearances and contact information
- Filing dates and document tracking
The Superior Court of California, County of Kern maintains these records in accordance with state law and court rules.
How Long Does Kern County Keep Court Records?
Kern County Superior Court retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152. Retention periods vary by case type and document category:
Criminal Records:
- Capital felony cases with death penalty: Permanent
- Felony cases with life sentences: Permanent
- Other felony cases: 75 years
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case disposition
- Infractions: 3 years after case disposition
Civil Records:
- Unlimited civil cases (over $25,000): 10 years after final disposition
- Limited civil cases ($25,000 or less): 5 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases: 1 year if defendant prevails, 3 years if plaintiff prevails
Family Law Records:
- Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent
- Child custody, support, visitation: Until youngest child turns 28
- Domestic violence restraining orders: Same as duration of order
- Paternity actions: Permanent
Probate Records:
- Decedent estates: Permanent
- Conservatorships and guardianships: Permanent
- Trust matters: 10 years after case closure
Juvenile Records:
- Dependency cases: Until subject turns 28
- Delinquency cases (serious offenses): Until subject turns 38
- Delinquency cases (minor offenses): 5 years after jurisdiction terminates
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or, in some cases, transferred to archival storage. Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The court maintains a records management program to ensure compliance with state mandates while preserving historically significant materials.
Types of Courts In Kern County
Kern County's judicial system operates within California's unified court structure. The following courts serve county residents:
Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Metropolitan Division
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-5393
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Juvenile Justice Center
2100 College Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 868-4700
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Delano/North Kern Division
1122 Jefferson Street
Delano, CA 93215
(661) 720-5800
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Ridgecrest Division
132 East Coso Avenue
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 384-5900
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Mojave Division
1773 Highway 58
Mojave, CA 93501
(661) 824-7100
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Shafter/Wasco Division
325 Central Valley Highway
Shafter, CA 93263
(661) 746-7500
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Lamont Division
12022 Main Street
Lamont, CA 93241
(661) 868-5700
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The California court hierarchy consists of:
- Superior Courts (trial courts) - one in each county
- Courts of Appeal (6 appellate districts)
- California Supreme Court
Kern County is within the jurisdiction of the Fifth District Court of Appeal located in Fresno, which reviews appeals from Kern County Superior Court decisions.
What Types of Cases Do Kern County Courts Hear?
The Superior Court of California, County of Kern has jurisdiction over all case types filed within the county. Each division handles specific case categories:
Civil Cases:
- Unlimited civil matters (claims exceeding $25,000)
- Limited civil matters (claims of $25,000 or less)
- Small claims (disputes up to $10,000)
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
- Civil harassment restraining orders
- Name change petitions
- Elder abuse prevention
- Workplace violence prevention
- Civil appeals from small claims judgments
Criminal Cases:
- Felony prosecutions (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison)
- Misdemeanor prosecutions (less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail)
- Infractions (minor offenses typically punishable by fine)
- Criminal appeals from infraction cases
- Habeas corpus proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Criminal protective orders
Family Law Cases:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Legal separation
- Nullity of marriage (annulment)
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support establishment and modification
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Paternity establishment
- Adoption
- Termination of parental rights
Probate Matters:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust administration and disputes
- Conservatorships (for adults)
- Guardianships (for minors)
- Elder care and protection
Juvenile Proceedings:
- Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
- Delinquency cases (juvenile offenses)
- Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)
- Emancipation of minors
Traffic Cases:
- Moving violations
- Parking citations
- Driver's license issues
- Vehicle code infractions
Case assignment to specific courthouse locations depends on case type and geographic considerations. The Metropolitan Division in Bakersfield handles the majority of complex civil and criminal matters, while regional courthouses provide services for matters arising in those areas.
How To Find a Court Docket In Kern County
Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. In Kern County, several methods exist to access these records:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Case Information Search portal
- Select the appropriate case type category
- Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
- Review search results and select the specific case
- View the register of actions showing all case events, filings, and hearings
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
- Request to view the register of actions for a specific case
- Provide case number or party names for identification
- Review the docket information at public viewing terminals or in paper form
- Request copies of specific entries if needed (fees apply)
Court Calendar Information:
- Access the court calendar through the court's website
- Select the appropriate courthouse location and department
- Choose the desired date range
- View scheduled hearings and proceedings
- Note that calendars typically show only future hearings, not complete case histories
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate division clerk's office
- Provide case number or party information
- Request basic docket information
- Note that detailed information may require in-person visits
For specialized proceedings such as probate matters, the court maintains separate probate notes and calendars that provide information about upcoming hearings and judicial officer notes on pending matters.
The Judicial Council of California provides additional guidance on accessing court dockets and case information throughout the state court system.
Which Courts in Kern County Are Not Courts of Record?
In California, a "court of record" is defined by Government Code § 27203 as a court that maintains formal records of its proceedings, has the power to fine or imprison for contempt, and from which an appeal may be taken. Following California's court unification in 2001, all judicial proceedings in Kern County now take place in the Superior Court of California, County of Kern, which is a court of record.
Prior to unification, municipal courts and justice courts handled minor matters and were sometimes considered "not of record" for certain proceedings. However, these courts no longer exist in California's judicial system. Currently, all judicial proceedings in Kern County are conducted by the Superior Court and are courts of record.
The only proceedings that might be considered "not of record" in Kern County are:
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Small claims hearings - While these proceedings occur within the Superior Court, they are conducted informally without court reporters. However, judgments are recorded, and appeals from small claims judgments are heard as trials de novo (new trials) in the Superior Court's civil division.
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Traffic infraction hearings - These proceedings may be conducted informally without court reporters, but judgments and dispositions are recorded in the court's case management system.
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Alternative dispute resolution proceedings - Mediation, arbitration, and settlement conferences conducted under court auspices may not generate formal transcripts, though resulting agreements or awards are typically filed with the court.
All other judicial proceedings in Kern County are conducted as courts of record, with official documentation maintained according to Government Code § 68152 and the California Rules of Court.
Lookup Court Records in Kern County
Court Records Self-Help Information