Search Bakersfield Family Court Records

Family court records for Bakersfield are managed by Kern County Superior Court. Divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases all get filed there. Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County and the largest city in the county with more than 400,000 people. The main courthouse sits on Truxtun Avenue in downtown Bakersfield. All family law matters for city residents go through this court. California law limits what you can see online for family cases. You can check basic case status at the courthouse, but most family law documents are only available in person. This rule protects privacy in divorce and custody matters.

Kern County Family Court in Bakersfield

Bakersfield residents file family law cases at Kern County Superior Court. The main courthouse is at 1215 Truxtun Avenue in downtown Bakersfield. This is where you file new cases. This is where you attend hearings. This is where you get copies of your records.

The family law division handles all types of family cases. You file divorce cases there. You file custody and support cases there. You file domestic violence restraining order requests there. The clerk office is on the first floor. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The self-help center is also in the courthouse and offers assistance with forms and procedures. Call (661) 610-6700 for general court information.

The courthouse sits in the center of downtown Bakersfield. Street parking is limited during business hours. Public parking lots are nearby on 18th Street and on Truxtun. Security screens all visitors at the entrance. Bring valid photo ID. Leave large bags at home if you can. The self-help center can direct you to the right department when you arrive.

How to Access Bakersfield Family Court Records

Family court records in Bakersfield are not fully available online. California Rules of Court Rule 2.503 limits remote access to family law cases. You can go to the courthouse to see case files. You can ask the clerk to search by name or case number. But you cannot view full documents from home over the internet.

The clerk office at the Kern County courthouse can search for your case. Bring the case number if you have it. If you do not have the number, bring the names of both parties and the year the case was filed. The clerk can pull the file and tell you what documents are in it. You can request copies of any public document in the file. Some documents may be sealed or confidential, and those cannot be released without a court order.

Copy fees are 50 cents per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost $25 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. If you need many pages, the cost can add up. Ask the clerk for an estimate before you order copies. Payment is due when you pick up the copies. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and cards.

For recent filings, you may be able to check case status at the courthouse using public terminals. These terminals show basic case information like hearing dates and party names. They do not show documents. To see documents, you must request them from the clerk.

Filing for Divorce in Bakersfield

To file for divorce in Bakersfield, you must meet California residency rules. One spouse must have lived in California for six months. That same spouse must have lived in Kern County for three months. If you meet these rules, you can file at Kern County Superior Court in Bakersfield.

California law does not require you to prove fault. You can file for divorce based on irreconcilable differences. This means the marriage has broken down and cannot be fixed. You do not have to explain why. The court does not ask for details. Almost all divorces in Bakersfield use this ground.

You start by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This is form FL-100. You also file a Summons, which is form FL-110. If you have minor children, you file form FL-105 as well. These forms go to the clerk office at the Truxtun Avenue courthouse. The filing fee is $435. After you file, you must serve your spouse with copies of the papers. You cannot serve them yourself. You can hire a process server or use the sheriff. Proof of service must be filed with the court.

California has a mandatory six-month waiting period. The court cannot finalize your divorce until six months pass from the date your spouse was served. During that time, you can file motions for temporary orders on custody, support, or use of property. If both spouses agree on all issues, you can submit a stipulated judgment after the waiting period ends. If you do not agree, the case goes to a hearing or trial.

Once the judge signs the final judgment, your divorce is complete. The judgment is a public record. You can get certified copies from the clerk at any time. The judgment includes all orders on property, custody, and support. These orders stay in effect unless you file a motion to change them later.

Note: Simple divorces in Bakersfield take six to eight months when both parties agree on all terms.

Family Court Fees in Bakersfield

Family court fees in Bakersfield follow Kern County fee schedules. The first filing fee for divorce or legal separation is $435. Motions to modify custody or support cost $60. Default judgment motions also cost $60. Fee amounts can change, so check with the clerk before you file.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask for a fee waiver. Fill out form FW-001 and file it with the court. The judge reviews your income and expenses. If you qualify, the court waives the filing fee and copy fees. You still pay for service of process and other costs outside the court's control. Fee waiver forms are at courts.ca.gov.

Copy fees are standard. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. Certified copies are $25 for the first page and $1 for each extra page. If you need a large file copied, ask for an estimate first. Payments are made at the clerk window.

Legal Help for Bakersfield Residents

Legal aid is available in Bakersfield for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Central California Legal Services serves Kern County residents with family law needs. They help with divorce, custody, support, and restraining orders. Call (800) 675-8001 to see if you qualify. Their website is centralcallegal.org.

The Kern County Family Justice Center offers services for people dealing with domestic violence. They have legal advocates who can help you file restraining orders and navigate the court system. The center is at 1900 East California Avenue in Bakersfield. Call (661) 864-7710 for help. Their website at kcfjc.org has more info on services and hours.

The Kern County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (661) 325-0055 to get a referral to a family law attorney. The first consultation is often offered at a reduced rate. The California State Bar also has a statewide referral line at 1-800-392-5660. The court self-help center at the Truxtun Avenue courthouse can answer questions about forms and procedures. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find the right forms and tell you where to file them.

Filing Your Own Case in Bakersfield

You can represent yourself in family court. This is called filing pro se or in pro per. Many Bakersfield residents do this when both parties agree on all terms. It works best in simple cases with no disputes over property or children.

California Courts has a self-help site at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp. It has step-by-step guides for divorce, custody, and support. All state forms are free to download. The site also has videos that explain how to fill out each form. Kern County may have local forms you need as well. Check the court website for local rules and forms.

The self-help center at the Kern County courthouse can assist you. Staff cannot fill out forms for you, but they can show you which forms to use and review your completed forms for errors. The center is open during court hours. No appointment is needed. Arrive early if you need help before filing your papers.

Kern County Family Court Records

Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County. All family law filings for Bakersfield residents are processed at Kern County Superior Court. The county court serves the entire county, including smaller cities and unincorporated areas. For more on Kern County family court locations, fee schedules, and legal resources, visit the Kern County family court records page.

View Kern County Family Court Records