Kern County Court Records
This page explains how court records work in Kern County, California, where the Superior Court of California, County of Kern handles criminal, civil, family, and other case types. Use it to understand the court structure, what is public, and how to request copies.
Court structure in Kern County
In California, trial-level court records are held by the Superior Court, not by separate district, county, or municipal courts. In this county, that is the Superior Court of California, County of Kern. California consolidated its former municipal and justice courts into a single unified Superior Court system in the late 1990s, so nearly all case types you might search for are handled under one court.
The Superior Court of California, County of Kern handles criminal, civil, family, and other court cases. This includes divorce (dissolution of marriage) matters, which are filed and maintained by the Superior Court. The court typically organizes its work into divisions or departments — such as criminal, civil, family law, probate, and traffic — but you should confirm the current division names, court locations, and their hours directly with the court.
Which office holds which records
It helps to know that court records and other public records in this county are held by different offices:
- Court cases (criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic): Superior Court of California, County of Kern.
- Recorded documents such as deeds and deeds of trust: the Kern County Recorder.
- Marriage licenses and certain official records: the Kern County Clerk.
- Vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates): handled through the county and the California Department of Public Health.
- Detention and inmate information: the Kern County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Central Receiving Facility, Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility, and Lerdo Justice Facility, and provides an online inmate inquiry tool.
If you are looking for a certified copy of a California birth or death record, those can be requested through the California Department of Public Health Vital Records office. Court records themselves come from the Superior Court, not the Recorder or the Sheriff.
Using online case search
The Superior Court of California, County of Kern is the authority for online case information. California Superior Courts commonly offer a case index or case search on their official court website, where you may look up cases by party name, case number, or filing date. Because the exact features, coverage dates, and any registration requirements vary, confirm what is available and how to use it directly on the court's official site.
Practical tips when searching:
- Have the full name or case number ready; spelling variations can affect results.
- Not every document in a case file is posted online — some may require an in-person or written request to the clerk.
- Online results are an index and may not reflect very recent filings or updates. Confirm anything important with the court.
What is public and what is restricted
Most California court records are presumed open to the public, but there are important exceptions. Categories that are commonly sealed, confidential, or restricted include juvenile matters, adoption records, certain family law filings, mental health proceedings, and records a judge has ordered sealed. Some personal identifiers may also be redacted.
Remember that an arrest or a criminal filing is not a conviction. A person named in a case may be found not guilty, have charges dismissed, or have a matter still pending. Use court records for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to be used for employment, tenant, credit, or insurance decisions.
If you believe a record should be available but cannot find it, ask the court whether it is sealed, confidential, or simply not indexed online.
Ordering certified copies and fees
Certified copies of court documents — such as a judgment, a divorce decree, or a criminal disposition — are issued by the clerk of the Superior Court of California, County of Kern. A certified copy carries the clerk's seal and is often needed for legal or official purposes.
To request copies you will generally need to identify the case number or the parties and specify which documents you want. Requests may be accepted in person, by mail, or through an online system, depending on what the court offers. Copy fees, certification fees, and any search fees are set by the court and can change, so confirm the current amounts and accepted payment methods with the court before you submit a request. The site does not publish these figures, and you should not rely on a guessed amount.
For non-court records, use the correct office: the Kern County Recorder for deeds and deeds of trust, the Kern County Clerk for marriage licenses, and the California Department of Public Health for certified birth and death certificates.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kern County have separate district or municipal courts?
No. California uses a unified Superior Court system, so court cases in this county are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern rather than separate district or municipal courts.
Where do I find divorce records?
Divorce (dissolution of marriage) cases are filed and maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern. This site also has a separate Kern County Divorce Records page.
How much does a certified copy cost?
Copy and certification fees are set by the court and are not listed here. Confirm current fees and payment methods with the Superior Court of California, County of Kern before requesting.
Can I search court records for someone in custody?
Court records reflect filings and dispositions, not custody status. For inmate information, use the Kern County Sheriff's Office online inmate inquiry tool. An arrest or filing is not a conviction.
Official & Public Resources
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Official court website for case searches and records requests in Kern County.
https://www.kern.courts.ca.gov/
