How to File a Small Claims Case in Kern County

Claim limit

$12,500

Filing fee

$30–$75

File online

Yes

First court date

Trial

Filing in Kern County, step by step

Every step below happens at Superior Court of California, County of Kern — Civil and Small Claims Division (Metropolitan Division/Justice Building) or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Kern County small claims handles claims up to $12,500 (the individual limit; a person may bring no more than two claims over $2,500 statewide per calendar year). Above that, the case belongs in a different division and the clerk will refuse it.
2. 2. Name the defendant exactly. A judgment against a misspelled name or a trade name that is not the legal entity is difficult to collect. For a business, use the registered legal name.
3. 3. Fill out the claim form. Kern County uses SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, SC-104 Proof of Service, SC-140 Notice of Appeal (Small Claims). The blank forms are free. What you write in the statement of what happened is what gets the case accepted or sent back.
4. 4. File it and pay. Kern County accepts filings in person at the small claims courthouse that has venue for the case; by mail (original plus one copy per defendant, plus a self-addressed stamped envelope); electronically through a court-approved electronic filing service provider (self-represented litigants may e-file though not required). The fee is $30–$75.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. Kern County charges $15 per defendant. The plaintiff arranges and pays for service and may not serve the papers personally. Service is made by any adult 18 or older who is not a party, by the county sheriff or marshal for a fee, by a registered process server, or by the court clerk by certified mail where that option is offered.

Where to file in Kern County

• In person at the small claims courthouse that has venue for the case
• By mail (original plus one copy per defendant, plus a self-addressed stamped envelope)
• Electronically through a court-approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (self-represented litigants may e-file though not required)

Walk-in filing is available at 6 locations: Metropolitan Justice Building — 1215 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661-610-6000), Delano — 1122 Jefferson St, Delano, CA 93215 (661-610-7300), Lamont — 12022 Main St, Lamont, CA 93241 (661-610-7100), Mojave — 1773 State Highway 58 Business, Mojave, CA 93501 (661-610-7400), Ridgecrest — 132 E Coso Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (661-610-7450), Shafter — 325 Central Valley Hwy, Shafter, CA 93263 (661-610-7200).

What happens after you file

Kern County sets your court date when you file, so you leave the counter knowing it. The first appearance is trial. If the defendant loses, they have 30 days to move for a new trial and 30 days to appeal.

Why not just do it yourself?

The forms are free. Why pay anything?

The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.

What happens if I get it wrong?

You refile and pay $30–$75 again. That is the actual cost of guessing.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Small claims is designed for people representing themselves, and most attorneys will not take a case this size.

Common questions

Where do I file a small claims case in Kern County?

Superior Court of California, County of Kern — Civil and Small Claims Division (Metropolitan Division/Justice Building), 1215 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Open Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m.-noon.

Can I file small claims online in Kern County?

Yes. Kern County accepts filings through Court-approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs); self-represented litigants are not required to e-file but are encouraged to participate, and filers representing themselves may register.

How long does a small claims case take in Kern County?

It depends on the court's calendar and on how quickly the defendant is served. Your first date is set at filing.

How much can I sue for in Kern County?

Up to $12,500, the individual limit; a person may bring no more than two claims over $2,500 statewide per calendar year.