Kern County Small Claims Court

Kern County Superior Court hears small claims cases at six courthouse locations, and the venue assigned to your case depends on the zip code of the defendant or where the dispute arose (see the court's Venue Information appendix): the Metropolitan Division / Justice Building in Bakersfield (1215 Truxtun Avenue), the Delano Multi-Divisional Courthouse (1122 Jefferson Street), the Shafter Multi-Divisional Courthouse / North Division (325 Central Valley Highway), the Lamont Multidivisional Courthouse / South Division (12022 Main Street), the Mojave Multi-Divisional Courthouse / East Division (1773 Highway 58), and the Ridgecrest Multi-Divisional Courthouse / East Division (132 East Coso Street). You may file in person at the appropriate courthouse, by mail, or electronically through the court's File @ Home e-filing portal. Bring a completed Claim of Small Claims form (SC-100) and the filing fee, or a Request to Waive Court Fees (FW-001) if you cannot afford it.

As in all California small claims cases, you must have someone other than yourself serve the defendant with the Claim and Notice at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if the defendant is outside Kern County). Service may be made personally, by substituted service, or by certified mail, and you must then file a Proof of Service (SC-104) with the Kern County court before your hearing date.

Allowed methods: Personal service, Substituted service, Certified mail
Deadline: Serve at least 15 days before the hearing date.