Kern County court records search provides a way to look up legal documents from cases handled within the county. These records offer details about civil disputes, criminal charges, family matters, and other legal actions. Getting these records helps people follow legal processes, verify court decisions, or learn about past cases. The Superior Court of California, County of Kern, manages these records across its various divisions.
A Kern County court record includes any document, paper, or item the court keeps as part of a legal process. This also covers any order or judgment the court issues. These records confirm that legal proceedings happen fairly. Judges and lawyers use these documents to check if everyone in a case follows proper legal steps. They can also serve as proof in later legal actions.
Public Access to Kern County Court Records
Most Kern County court records are public. The California Public Records Act allows public access to government records in California. This means court records are generally open to anyone. A person wanting court records can ask a local courthouse or the record keeper.
However, some court records are not public. Laws, rules, or court decisions keep these records private. The California Trial Court Records Manual lists many sealed and private court records. These include juvenile records, details of sex offense victims, psychiatric reports, social security and financial account numbers, subpoenaed business records, adoption records, and Uniform Parentage Act documents. These specific types of records require special legal action or a court order for access.
How to Search Kern County Court Records
People can search Kern County court records in several ways. These methods help individuals get the information they need, whether it is for a specific case or general research. Choosing the right method depends on the type of record sought and how much information is available to start the search.
- Case information search online tool
- Visiting a court clerk’s office
- Going to the specific courthouse where the case happened
- Using third-party public records websites
Searching by Name in Kern County
To search Kern County court records by name, a person can visit the court clerk’s office. It helps to have the full name of the person involved in the case. The Kern County Superior Court also offers an online tool called “Case Information Search.” For criminal records, users select “Accept and Enter,” then choose a “Name Searches” option. They input the first and last name and click “Search.” For non-criminal cases, users might need to register first.
To get official copies of court records, people can contact the record keeper in person or by mail. There is usually a small fee for copies, based on the number of pages. The Superior Court fee schedule shows the costs for certification and copies.
Searching by Case Number in Kern County
Searching by case number is often the fastest way to find a specific record. If you have the exact case number, you can use the Kern County Superior Court’s online Case Information Search tool. This method usually yields more precise results than a name search, as case numbers are unique identifiers for each legal action.
When using the online tool, there will be an option to input the case number directly. This quickly brings up the case details. If you visit a courthouse, providing the case number to the court clerk will also speed up the record retrieval process.
Kern County Superior Court Case Search
The Superior Court of California, County of Kern, is the main court in the county. It has many branches and divisions to serve residents. People can search for cases in the Superior Court in several ways. One way is to visit the courthouse where the case started or was heard. This is good for getting officially certified records. At the court, staff can help, or people can use public computers to search electronic case information for free. The court’s website lists locations and contact details. If someone cannot visit a courthouse, they can search by mail. They fill out a “Request Court Records” form, telling court staff what to search for. They send the form with payment to the right court location. Payment can be made by credit card, money order, or check.
Each page costs fifty cents. The first fee for a general search is $15. Since copying fees can change, people can send a check with the amount left blank, writing “Not to exceed $50” in the memo part. The public can also use the online “Case Information Search” tool from the Superior Court. Searches work by name, case number, and court calendar. People cannot get copies of court records from the website. However, anyone can ask for a transcript, which is a printed version of what was said in court. The Superior Court handles serious crimes (felonies), less serious crimes (misdemeanors), minor violations (infractions), small civil disputes, domestic violence, elder abuse, divorce, child support, spousal support, child custody, parentage, and juvenile cases.
Kern County Superior Court Locations
The Kern County Superior Court has several locations, each handling different types of cases or serving specific areas. Knowing the correct location helps in directing record requests or visits.
- Kern County Superior Court, Delano
1122 Jefferson St, Delano, CA 93215
Phone: (661) 610-7300 - Kern County Superior Court Jury Division
1661 L St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 610-6800 - Juvenile Justice Center
2100 College Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93305
Phone: (661) 610-6900 - Kern County Superior Court, Lamont
12022 Main St, Lamont, CA 93241
Phone: (661) 610-7100 - Kern County Superior Court Metropolitan Division
1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 610-6000 - Metropolitan Division Justice Building
1215 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 610-6000 - Metropolitan Traffic Division
3131 Arrow St, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: (661) 610-7000 - Kern County Superior Court, Mojave
1773 State Highway 58 Business, Mojave, CA 93501
Phone: (661) 610-7400 - Revenue Recovery Division
5555 California Avenue, Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Phone: (661) 610-7500 - Kern County Superior Court, Ridgecrest
132 E Coso Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone: (661) 610-7450 - Kern County Superior Court,t Shafter
325 Central Valley Hwy, Shafter, CA 93263
Phone: (661) 610-7200
Kern County Criminal Records Search CA
Kern County criminal records are open to the public under the California Public Records Act. This means basic arrest details are generally available. Information like full name, job, physical description (date of birth, eye and hair color, sex, height, weight), arrest time and date, arrest place, and all charges against the person can be public.
To get a Kern County arrest or criminal record, people can contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. This can be done in person, by mail, email, or phone at (661) 391-7624. The Arrest Records Unit handles bookings for everyone brought to the downtown Central Receiving Facility. They also share local criminal history data with authorized people.
People can also fill out and send a Public Records Request form or look through the Record Request Archive. If someone was arrested by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, they can buy a booking photo for $5 by showing up in person with a photo ID. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) also offers statewide criminal history records for people arrested in different places.
Kern County Criminal Court Case Lookup
The Criminal Court Division of the Kern County Superior Court handles all criminal cases in the county. These records only apply to criminal matters decided in the county. To look up criminal court case information, people can:
- Contact the courthouse where the criminal case was filed. This can be done in person or by mail.
- Use the Criminal Case Search online tool from the Kern County Superior Court. Searches work by name, court case number, and criminal calendar.
Kern County Civil Case History Bakersfield
The Civil Court Division of the Kern County Superior Court handles non-criminal legal disagreements between parties. The Superior Court keeps and shares Kern County Civil Court records. People can ask for photocopies or visit the court to see the original file. If needed, they can ask for photocopies there.
Registered users can also look up civil case records using the Non-Criminal Case Search online tool. People seeking civil court records can also Request Copies of Transcript Proceedings by mail and pay the fees. Examples of civil court records include small claims cases, limited and unlimited jurisdiction cases, domestic and general abuse cases, gender changes, adoptions, name changes, and civil appeals.
Kern County Family Court Records
The Family Law Division of the Kern Superior Court deals with family violence, parent-child relationships, and marriages. This includes divorce, legal separation, annulment, domestic violence, restraining orders, elder abuse, parentage, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, and family support.
Many family court records are not public. People can get public family court records by contacting the Kern County Superior Court in person. They can view the original file or mail a request for photocopies. A valid ID may be needed to get family court records in the county. The public can also search family court records online through the e-access portals from the superior court.
Kern Dissolution of Marriage Records
Dissolution is the formal word for divorce in California. There are two ways to get a dissolution or divorce: the standard way, called a regular dissolution, and a faster, simpler way, summary dissolution. Summary dissolution is not for everyone.
A Summary Dissolution of Marriage in California ends a marriage of less than 5 years without children. To get a summary dissolution of marriage record or divorce records, people can contact the court where either spouse filed the case. They can also use the Case Search System from the superior court.
Kern County Marriage and Divorce Records
Several government groups keep and share marriage and divorce records in Kern County. The Kern County Hall of Records keeps public certified marriage records. The Kern County Clerk’s Office keeps private certified marriage records.
Public Marriage Records
Public marriage records can be gotten from the Hall of Records:
- Order Online: People can look up basic marriage record details online for a fee.
- Order in Person: During business hours, people can visit the Hall of Records. Cash, money orders, or checks are accepted. Certificates are made during the visit. Check the Hall of Records’ contact details before visiting.
- Order by Mail: Mail requests take 10-14 days to process. People get a marriage record by filling out and sending the Mail-order Marriage Certificate Application.
Confidential Marriage Records
Confidential marriage records are available from the Kern County Clerk’s Office in person and by mail. Mail requests mean filling out and sending the Application for a Certified Copy of a Confidential Marriage Certificate. Only the married couple can get certified copies of a Confidential Marriage License. A Superior Court order is needed for anyone else to get a certified copy. To get a certified copy of a private marriage license, a person may need to give the marriage date and the full names of both married people. The fee for a certified copy of both a Public and confidential Marriage License is $17.00.
Kern County Divorce Records
People looking for a Kern County divorce record can get it by contacting the court where the divorce happened. They can also look up divorce records in the “Case System Search” online.
Kern County Birth and Death Records
The Kern County Department of Public Health – Vital Records (KCDPH-VR) and the Kern County Clerk’s Office keep and share birth and death records in the county.
Kern County Birth Records
The County Vital Records Office can give birth certificates for births from 1960 to the present. Each certified or informational certificate copy costs $29.00. People can get birth records:
- In-person: Monday to Friday, during business hours at the Kern County Office of Vital Records, 1800 Mt Vernon Ave, 1st Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93306-3302. Phone: (661) 321-3000.
- By mail: By filling out and sending the Application for Birth Certificate form.
Kern County Death Records
The office can also give death certificates from 1993 to the present. Costs are $24 for certified or informational death certificates and $21 for certified or informational fetal death certificates per copy. People can get death records:
- In-person: Mondays to Fridays during business hours at Kern County Office of Vital Records, 1800 Mt Vernon Ave, 1st Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93306-3302. Phone: (661) 321-3000.
- By mail: By filling out and sending the Funeral Establishment Death Certificate Request form.
- Online: Through a third-party website partnered with the state.
Certificates for births before 1960 and deaths before 1993 can be gotten from the County Recorder’s Office. To fight identity theft, the California Health and Safety Code, Section 103526, limits who can get certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records.
Kern County Probate Court Records
The Probate Court handles cases about marriage licenses, trusts, involuntary commitments, a deceased person’s estate, a person’s will, a child’s or disabled person’s estate, and trusts. To get Kern County Probate Court records, people can:
- Look up Probate Notes in the case’s Events and Hearings section. This search works only for registered users.
- Ask for probate court information by mail at: Superior Court of California, County of Kern, Probate Court, 2100 College Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93305.
- Visit the probate office in person to ask about a probate court record.
To get copies, a person must send a written request. This request needs contact details, the fee, the case number, the date and name of the document(s) asked for, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. A certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate or a court order to show the will is needed when asking for a copy of a will. Fees for requests are paid to the Superior Court of Kern County.
Kern County Property Records
Property records for Kern County are kept by the Office of the Assessor-Recorder. All County property owners must record their property documents at the Main Office. Property records, also called real estate records, hold important details about real estate. This includes ownership, assessment, and taxes. A Kern County property records search can be done in person by visiting the Recorder’s Office.
People can also search property records online:
- Assessor Property Search: Search by address, ATN, and Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN).
- Assessor’s Parcel Map Search: Search by entering the Assessor’s Parcel Number.
- Parcelquest Property Search: Search by property and document.
Kern County Court Records Online
Public access to court records in Kern County is also available through third-party sites. These independent organizations gather public records from various sources, like courthouses. They then make these records available to the public. Usually, a user can search a third-party database for free. However, getting detailed information may cost money. Users can also pay a monthly or yearly fee based on how often they search.
These sites may offer unlimited search access for things like:
- Criminal Records
- Arrest Records
- Warrants
- Driving Violations
- Inmate Records
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Bankruptcies
- Tax & Property Liens
- Civil Judgments
- Federal Dockets
- Probate Records
- Marriage Records
- Divorce Records
- Death Records
- Property Records
- Asset Records
- Business Ownership
- Professional Licenses
The information comes from state, county, and city databases. It is important to remember that these sites are not government agencies. They cannot promise that the information is always correct, complete, or up-to-date. They are also not consumer reporting agencies. This means the information from these sites cannot be used for things like checking credit, employment, or tenant screening. Using these sites for wrong reasons, like stalking, can lead to legal action.
For direct and official Kern County court records, always refer to the official sources.
Official Kern County Resources
- Kern County Superior Court Official Website: kern.courts.ca.gov
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office: kernsheriff.org
- Kern County Hall of Records: kerncounty.com/government/county-clerk-recorder/hall-of-records
- Kern County Clerk’s Office: kerncounty.com/government/county-clerk-recorder
- Kern County Department of Public Health – Vital Records: kernpublichealth.com/services/vital-records/
- Kern County Assessor-Recorder: kerncounty.com/government/assessor-recorder
Frequently Asked Questions About Kern County Court Records Search
Below are answers to common questions about searching, accessing, and requesting Kern County court records. These responses explain public access rules, fees, and procedures in clear and simple terms.
What types of Kern County court records are generally not available to the public?
Many types of Kern County court records are kept private. These are not open to the public without a special reason or court order. Examples include records about juveniles, which protect the identity of minors in legal cases. Information identifying victims of sex offenses is also confidential to protect their privacy and safety. Psychiatric reports and other sensitive medical records are typically sealed. Financial account numbers and social security numbers are private to prevent identity theft. Records from adoption proceedings are usually closed to protect the privacy of all parties involved. Documents related to the Uniform Parentage Act, which establishes parent-child relationships, are also often kept private. These restrictions are in place to balance public access with individual privacy and safety.
How much does it cost to get copies of Kern County court records?
The cost for copies of Kern County court records varies based on the type of record and how many pages are needed. For general court records, each page usually costs fifty cents. There is also an initial charge of $15 for a generic search. If you are requesting copies by mail and do not know the exact total, you can often send a check with the amount left blank. In such cases, you can write “Not to exceed $50” in the memo section of the check. This helps ensure all fees are covered without knowing the exact amount beforehand. For vital records like birth or death certificates, specific fees apply. A certified or informational birth certificate costs $29.00 per copy. Certified or informational death certificates cost $24 per copy, and fetal death certificates are $21 per copy.
Can I perform a Kern County criminal records search without knowing the person’s full name?
To perform a Kern County criminal records search, knowing the person’s full name is usually necessary for the most accurate results. While some online tools or in-person searches may allow for partial name searches, having the full first and last name significantly improves the chance of finding the correct record. The Kern County Superior Court’s online Criminal Case Search tool allows searches by name, court case number, and criminal calendar. For in-person requests at the Sheriff’s Office or a courthouse, providing the full name helps staff quickly locate the relevant information. Without a full name, searches might be broader or yield too many results, making it hard to identify the specific record needed. It is always best to gather as much identifying information as possible before starting a search.
What is the difference between a regular dissolution and a summary dissolution of marriage in Kern County?
In Kern County, a regular dissolution of marriage, commonly known as a divorce, is the standard legal process for ending a marriage. This process can be lengthy and complex, especially when couples have children, significant assets, or disagreements over property division or support. It involves detailed legal steps and often requires court hearings. A summary dissolution of marriage is a faster, simpler way to end a marriage in California. This option is not available to all couples. To qualify for a summary dissolution, the marriage must have lasted less than five years. The couple must also have no children born or adopted before or during the marriage. Additionally, there are limits on the amount of property and debt the couple can have, and both parties must agree on the terms of the dissolution.
Are Kern County restraining order records publicly accessible?
Kern County restraining order records are generally part of family court or civil court proceedings. While many court records are public, family court records, including those related to domestic violence and restraining orders, often have restricted access due to the sensitive nature of the information. The Family Law Division of the Kern Superior Court handles matters involving domestic violence and restraining orders. Public access to these specific records may be limited to protect the individuals involved. To access public family court records, you may need to contact the Kern County Superior Court in person and might be required to provide a valid ID. In some situations, a court order may be necessary to view or obtain copies of certain restraining order documents, especially if they contain highly personal or protected information.
What is the process for ordering Kern County court transcripts?
To order Kern County court transcripts, you typically cannot get copies directly from the Superior Court’s website. However, anyone can request a transcript, which is a printed version of what was said in a court session. The process usually involves contacting the specific court where the case was heard. You may need to fill out a “Request Copies of Transcript Proceedings” form. This form will ask for details about the case, such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, and the specific dates or proceedings for which you need a transcript. There will be fees associated with ordering transcripts, which cover the cost of preparation and copying. These fees can vary, so it is best to check the Superior Court’s fee schedule or contact the court clerk’s office directly for the exact costs and payment methods.