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Kern Courts

KernCourts.com is a centralized directory of official resources for the Kern County, California court system. Use this page to quickly reach courthouse locations, court divisions, judges and departments, local rules, filing resources, and self-help services.

Important notice: KernCourts.com is an informational resource and is not affiliated with the Superior Court of California, County of Kern, or any government agency. Court information can change without notice. Always confirm deadlines, locations, and procedures on the official court websites before you file, appear, or pay.

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Jump to:
Overview |
Locations |
Divisions |
Rules and Orders |
Filing and Forms |
Judges and Departments |
Self-Help and Legal Resources |
Jury Service |
Interpreters and Accessibility |
Remote Hearings |
Appeals |
Federal Courts |
Scams and Courthouse Security

Kern County Court System Overview

The Superior Court of California, County of Kern is the state trial court serving Kern County. It hears a wide range of matters including civil disputes, small claims, criminal cases, family law matters, probate, juvenile cases, and traffic.

For court-wide navigation, start on the official Kern Superior Court homepage and use the sections for Divisions, Forms and Filing, Online Services, and Self Help.

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Courthouse Locations and Contact Information

Kern Superior Court operates multiple locations across Kern County. Click any location name below for official directions, parking guidance, courthouse maps, and the most current hours.

Location Address Main Phone Hours (typical)
Metropolitan Division 1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 610-6000 Mon-Thu 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Metropolitan Division Justice Building 1215 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 610-6000 Mon-Thu 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Metropolitan Traffic Division 3131 Arrow St, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 610-7000 Mon-Thu 7:30 am-4:00 pm; Fri 7:30 am-12:00 pm
Juvenile Justice Center 2100 College Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93305 (661) 610-6900 Mon-Thu 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Jury Services 1661 L St, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 610-6800 Mon-Fri 7:30 am-4:00 pm
Revenue Recovery Division 5555 California Avenue, Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 610-7500 Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Delano 1122 Jefferson St, Delano, CA 93215 (661) 610-7300 Mon-Thu 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Shafter 325 Central Valley Hwy, Shafter, CA 93263 (661) 610-7200 Mon-Thu 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Lamont 12022 Main St, Lamont, CA 93241 (661) 610-7100 Mon-Thu 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Mojave 1773 State Highway 58 Business, Mojave, CA 93501 (661) 610-7400 Mon-Thu 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Ridgecrest 132 E Coso Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (661) 610-7450 Mon-Thu 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am-12:00 pm

Courthouse maps: Floor maps are available on the court’s official Courthouse Maps page. View courthouse maps

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Court Divisions

Kern Superior Court organizes services and procedures by division. Use the official Divisions directory to reach division-specific information, forms, email contact links, and instructions. View all divisions

Appeals

Civil and Small Claims

Criminal

Family Law and Family Court Services

Juvenile

Probate

Traffic Court

Revenue Recovery

Interpreter Services and Language Access

Jury Services

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Filing, Forms, Fees, and Records

Start here if you need to file documents, locate forms, understand filing fees, request fee waivers, request copies, or order transcripts.

Forms and Filing

E-Filing and Redaction

Court Records and Copies

Statewide Forms and Self-Help

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Local Rules, Standing Orders, and Venue

Kern Superior Court publishes local rules and standing orders that supplement statewide rules. Always consult the most current version before filing or appearing.

Local Rules (2026) chapter index:

  • Chapter I: General Rules
  • Chapter II: Small Claims Rules
  • Chapter III: Civil Rules and Civil Case Management
  • Chapter IV: Traffic Rules
  • Chapter V: Criminal Rules
  • Chapter VI: Family Law Rules
  • Chapter VII: Juvenile Court Matters
  • Chapter VIII: Probate Matters
  • Chapter IX: Court Communication Protocol for Domestic Violence and Child Custody Orders

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Judges, Departments, and Court Assignments

Kern Superior Court assigns judges and commissioners to departments and divisions that handle specific calendars. Assignments can change, so use the official Judicial Officers page for the current list.

Current court leadership (verify on the official site):

  • Presiding Judge: Hon. John W. Lua
  • Assistant Presiding Judge: Hon. J. Eric Bradshaw

Finding your department: Your paperwork, minute order, hearing notice, citation, or courtesy notice typically lists the department, division, or courtroom. If it does not, start with the division page for your case type and then confirm on the Judicial Officers list.

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Self-Help, Legal Resources, and Community Support

The official court Self-Help resources provide general legal information and assistance for people without lawyers. Court staff and self-help staff cannot give legal advice, and communications may not be confidential.

Self-Help Center (Kern Superior Court)

Common Self-Help Topics

Landlord-Tenant Assistance Center

Additional Local Resources

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Jury Service

Jury service is a key civic duty. Use the Jury Portal for registration, rescheduling, excuse requests, and reporting instructions.

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Interpreters, Language Access, and ADA Accessibility

Interpreter Services

Kern Superior Court provides court interpreters for mandated case types and has expanded interpreter services to many additional case types. Requests in advance improve scheduling and reduce continuances.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan

ADA Accommodations

If you need disability accommodations to access court programs, services, or activities, the court provides ADA information and an accommodations request process (Form MC-410).

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Remote Hearings

Some hearings may be conducted remotely. Remote attendance options, links, and instructions are published on the court’s Remote Hearings pages. Confirm your department, date, and connection instructions on the official site.

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Appeals and Higher Courts

Appeals generally begin by filing the appropriate notice in the trial court. For Kern Superior Court appeal procedures, start with the Appeals Division page.

Court of Appeal (Fifth Appellate District)

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District has jurisdiction that includes Kern County and is located in Fresno.

Federal Courts and Related Resources in Kern County

Some matters are filed in federal court. Bakersfield has a federal courthouse for the United States District Court, Eastern District of California. Confirm filing procedures and current contact information on the official site.

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Scam Alerts and Courthouse Security

Scam alert: The court warns the public about scam texts and fraudulent payment links. When in doubt, navigate to official payment pages directly from the Kern Superior Court website.

Courthouse security: Expect screening at courthouse entrances. Follow all posted rules about prohibited items and arrive early to allow time for parking and security screening.

KernCourts.com Site Notes

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