Kern County Divorce Records Access

Kern County divorce decree records are maintained by the Superior Court system. The court keeps all divorce case files for the county. You can get copies of your divorce decree by requesting them from the courthouse. According to kern.courts.ca.gov, you can visit the courthouse and search for your case yourself at no charge, or you can ask the clerk to look up the case for a fee. Mailed requests take at least 10 working days to process depending on workload. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. Other certified documents cost $40 plus copy fees.

Court Records Information

Kern County Superior Court maintains all divorce records for the county. The court system has multiple locations, but family law records are centrally managed. You can access divorce decree records through the court's records division.

According to kern.courts.ca.gov, you have two options for searching court records. You can visit the courthouse and search for the case yourself at no charge. Or you can request that the clerk look up the case for you, which involves a fee if the search takes over 10 minutes.

Self-service public access terminals are available at the courthouse. These allow you to search for your case using names or case numbers. Once you locate your case, you can then request copies from the clerk's office. This method is free for the search portion.

If you prefer to have the clerk search for you, or if you cannot find the case yourself, the clerk's office will conduct the search. If the search takes longer than 10 minutes, a $15 search fee applies. This fee is in addition to copy and certification fees.

Getting Copies of Your Decree

To get a copy of your divorce decree in Kern County, you can request it in person or by mail. In-person requests are generally processed faster. You can visit the courthouse, locate your case, and request copies the same day in many cases.

When requesting records, provide complete information. This includes the full legal names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce or filing, and the case number if you have it. The case number makes it much easier for the court to find your file.

Bring photo identification when you visit the courthouse. The court may require ID to verify your identity, especially if you are requesting your own divorce records. Once the case is located, tell the clerk which documents you need and whether you want them certified.

For mail requests, send a written letter to the Kern County Superior Court. Include all case information, specify what documents you need, state whether you want certified or plain copies, and include your contact information and return address. Enclose payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Processing Time and Fees

Processing time for divorce record requests varies. In-person requests can often be handled the same day if the file is readily available. Mail requests take longer. According to the court, mail requests may take at least 10 working days to process depending on workload. During busy periods, it could take longer.

Kern County follows the California statewide fee schedule. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15. This fee is set by California Government Code Section 70674. The $15 fee covers the certification and the divorce decree itself.

Plain copies without certification are 50 cents per page. If your divorce decree has multiple pages, each page costs 50 cents. Certification of other court documents, such as orders or stipulations, costs $40 plus 50 cents per page for copies.

Search fees apply if the clerk must look up your case. If a search takes more than 10 minutes, the fee is $15. You can avoid this by providing the case number or by searching for the case yourself using public terminals at the courthouse.

Payment should be made by check or money order payable to Kern County Superior Court. Some locations may accept credit or debit cards for in-person transactions. Ask about accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing your request.

Mail Request Instructions

To request divorce records by mail, write to the Kern County Superior Court. Check the court's website or call to confirm the correct mailing address for records requests. Different divisions may have different addresses.

Your written request should include:

• Full legal names of both parties in the divorce
• Date of divorce or case filing date if known
• Case number if available
• Which documents you need
• Whether you need certified or plain copies
• Your mailing address and phone number

Calculate the fees for what you are requesting. Include payment with your request. Use a check or money order made out to Kern County Superior Court. If you are unsure of the total cost, call the court first to ask about fees.

Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for the court to return your documents. Processing time is at least 10 working days. Be patient and allow time for the court to process your request.

What the Decree Contains

A divorce decree is the final court order that officially ends a marriage. In California, it is called a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. The decree states that the marriage is dissolved. It gives the effective date when the dissolution becomes final. This date is important for legal purposes.

The decree may also include terms about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. If the parties agreed on all issues, the decree may be brief. If there were disputes, the decree may be longer with detailed provisions about finances and children.

You need a certified copy for most official uses. Government agencies, banks, and other institutions typically require the court seal. A certified copy is a legal document that proves the divorce is final. A plain copy is good for personal reference but may not be accepted for official transactions.

The divorce case file contains more than just the final decree. It includes the petition, response, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and other documents filed during the case. You can request any public documents from the file.

Note: Some documents may be confidential or sealed to protect privacy.

Privacy and Access Laws

California law protects certain information in family law cases. Under the California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, courts may not provide remote electronic access to divorce case files. This means you cannot view full case documents online from home.

Courts may provide limited information online such as case numbers and hearing dates. But actual court documents are only available at the courthouse or by ordering copies through the clerk's office. This rule protects privacy in sensitive family matters.

Some documents in divorce files are confidential. Financial disclosures and certain declarations may be sealed or restricted. The court clerk will tell you if any documents in the case you are requesting have limited access.

If you were a party to the divorce, you have full access to your own records. If you are not a party, you may still be able to get copies of public documents, but confidential information may be redacted.

California Divorce Requirements

All California divorces must follow state law. California requires a six-month waiting period before a divorce becomes final. This is set by California Family Code Section 2339. The six months begin when the respondent is served with papers or appears in court, whichever comes first.

Every divorce decree must state the date it becomes final. This requirement is in California Family Code Section 2340. This date is important for legal matters like remarriage or changing your name.

The court clerk must maintain all divorce judgments in the court records. The clerk must also notify both parties when a judgment is entered. These duties are outlined in California Family Code Section 2338. This ensures proper record keeping and notice to all parties.

Kern County follows all California state laws for divorce. The procedures are the same as in other California counties. Fees and local court rules may vary slightly.

State Records vs Court Records

The California Department of Public Health keeps limited divorce information. According to cdph.ca.gov, they only have records for divorces filed between 1962 and June 1984. They do not have actual divorce decrees.

What the state provides is a Certificate of Record. This shows basic information like names, filing date, county, and case number. It does not show if the divorce was finalized or include any terms of the divorce. It is not the same as a divorce decree.

For actual divorce decrees, you must contact the Superior Court in the county where the divorce took place. For Kern County divorces, that means contacting the Kern County Superior Court. The court has the complete file including the final judgment.

Processing time for state vital records can exceed six months. It is much faster to get records directly from the county court.

Legal Help Resources

If you need help with divorce records or family law matters, resources are available. The California Courts website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has guides on getting copies of court records. This is a free state resource with forms and instructions.

Legal aid organizations may provide free services if you meet income requirements. Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance or similar organizations serve Kern County. They assist with family law cases for eligible clients. Contact local legal aid to see if you qualify.

The State Bar of California offers a lawyer referral service. You can find a family law attorney in Kern County through their website or phone line. Private attorneys can provide legal advice and representation for a fee.

The Kern County Superior Court has self-help information available on their website. The court may also have a self-help center at the courthouse. Ask the clerk's office what resources they offer.

Cities in Kern County

Kern County includes the city of Bakersfield, which has a population over 100,000. Residents of Bakersfield file for divorce at Kern County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

Kern County is in the southern San Joaquin Valley. It borders several counties, each with its own Superior Court system.