Find Bakersfield Divorce Records

People who live in Bakersfield and need divorce records must go through Kern County Superior Court. The city itself does not keep divorce files. All dissolution cases for Bakersfield residents get filed at the courthouse in downtown Bakersfield at 1415 Truxtun Avenue. This is the main location for family law matters in Kern County. The court has divorce records available for public viewing and copying. You can request certified copies of divorce decrees for a fee. Most requests take at least ten working days to process. The court provides both in-person and mail services. They also have an online portal where you can search for case information by name or case number. Not all documents appear online, so you may still need to submit a formal request to get copies of specific papers from a divorce file.

Kern County Family Law Court

The Kern County Superior Court sits at 1415 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield. This courthouse handles all divorce cases for the city and surrounding areas. The building is open from eight in the morning until five in the evening on weekdays. You can call the main line at (661) 868-4934 for general questions about records and procedures. The clerk staff can tell you how to get copies of divorce decrees and other court documents.

Kern County has had its court system for many decades. The files go back a long way, but older records may be stored off-site. If you need a divorce decree from more than fifteen or twenty years ago, it might take extra time for the clerk to retrieve the file. The court charges the same fees no matter how old the case is. A certified divorce decree costs fifteen dollars. Regular copies are fifty cents per page. Other certified documents like orders or settlements cost forty dollars plus the per-page fee.

If you request records by mail, expect at least ten working days for processing. That is the standard timeline the court gives. Some requests take longer if the file is off-site or if there is a backlog. The clerks work through mail requests in order. You can speed things up by including the case number in your request. If you do not know the case number, give them both party names and the year the divorce was filed. The court charges a search fee of fifteen dollars if they have to look up the case for you.

Using the Online Case Portal

Kern County has an online portal for searching court cases. However, the site URL listed in official records sometimes has connection issues. When it works, you can look up cases by party name or case number. The portal shows basic information like the case type, filing date, and a list of documents that were filed. It does not usually let you view full documents for family law cases due to privacy rules.

To search the portal, start with a last name. The system returns all cases with that name. If you get too many results, try adding a first name or a year range. The search results show the case number and the names of both parties. You can click on a case to see the register of actions. This list shows every document that was filed in the case and the dates they were filed. It does not show the actual text of the documents in most situations.

Once you find the case, write down the case number. Then contact the court to request copies. You can call (661) 868-4934 or mail a written request to the courthouse. Include the case number, describe what documents you need, and send payment. The court will process your order and mail the copies back to you. If you visit in person, bring the case number with you so the clerk can pull the file quickly.

What It Costs and How Long It Takes

A certified divorce decree costs fifteen dollars in Kern County. That is the standard fee set by state law. If you need a certified copy for a public agency, the fee drops to ten dollars. Regular copies without certification are fifty cents per page. If you want other documents certified, like a settlement agreement or custody order, the court charges forty dollars for the certification plus fifty cents per page for the copies.

Processing time for mail requests is at least ten working days. This is what the court advertises on their website. In practice, some requests take longer. If your case is old or stored off-site, add a few extra days. If you walk in to the courthouse, you might get same-day service if the file is on hand and the staff is not too busy. Call ahead to ask if same-day service is available for your case.

You can pay by check or money order. Make it payable to Kern County Superior Court. Include your contact info and a self-addressed stamped envelope with your mail request. The court will not send documents without return postage. If you visit in person, you can pay by cash, check, or credit card at the counter.

How to Request Divorce Records

To get a copy of a divorce decree from Kern County, you need to submit a request. You can do this by mail or in person. For a mail request, write a letter that includes the following items:

• Your full name and mailing address
• Phone number or email so they can reach you
• Case number or both party names and year filed
• Which documents you want
• Payment by check or money order
• Self-addressed stamped envelope

Mail everything to Kern County Superior Court, 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Put "Attn: Records" on the envelope. The clerks will process your request and mail the documents back to you. If there is a problem, they will contact you by phone or mail. Make sure your contact info is clear so they can reach you if needed.

For in-person requests, visit the courthouse during business hours. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk which case you need and what documents you want. If you are a party to the case, mention that. You may have easier access to your own records. If you are not a party, you can still get public documents, but some files may be sealed or restricted. The clerk will let you know what is available. Pay at the counter and the clerk will give you a receipt. If the documents are ready right away, you will get them on the spot. If not, the clerk will mail them to you.

Getting Help with Divorce in Bakersfield

Kern County Superior Court offers self-help services for people who are filing or responding to a divorce without a lawyer. The Family Law Facilitator office provides free help with court forms and procedures. They can answer questions about how to fill out forms and what to expect in court. They do not give legal advice about your specific situation, but they can explain the general process. You can visit the self-help center at the courthouse or call for information.

Legal aid is also available in Bakersfield. Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance offers free legal services to low-income residents. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and support. You must meet income requirements to qualify. You can apply on their website or by calling their intake line. The Kern County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service that can connect you with private attorneys who offer consultations for a reduced fee.

The California courts website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has many resources for people doing their own divorce. The site includes form instructions, step-by-step guides, and videos that explain each part of the process. All the forms used in Kern County are the same statewide forms, so this website applies to Bakersfield. If you need to file a divorce or respond to one, start with these online resources to understand what forms you need and how to complete them.

More About Kern County Divorce Records

Bakersfield is the largest city in Kern County, but the county includes many smaller cities and unincorporated areas. All divorce records for the entire county are kept at the Superior Court in Bakersfield. If you are looking for a divorce that was filed in another part of Kern County, you still contact the same courthouse. Visit our Kern County page for more details about the court system and how to access records throughout the county.