Kern County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Kern County are maintained at the Superior Court at 1415 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield. The court serves a large population including Bakersfield and other communities throughout the county. You can search for case information through the Odyssey Portal online or visit the clerk's office from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. All case files include petitions, responses, financial disclosures, and final judgments. Certified copies of dissolution decrees cost $15. Most dissolution records are public documents accessible to anyone. The online portal provides free case searches by party name or case number.

Kern Superior Court Information

The courthouse is at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays. Check the court's records page at www.kern.courts.ca.gov/self-help/court-records for information about accessing files.

Kern County uses an Odyssey Portal for online case searches. The system displays filing dates, case status, and party names. You can search by name or case number without creating an account. The portal updates regularly but same-day filings may not appear immediately. Online searches are free. You must still request certified copies from the clerk for official records.

Fees for Dissolution Records

A certified dissolution decree costs $15. Other certifications cost $40 plus copy fees. Copies are $0.50 per page. Search fees of $15 apply if the clerk spends over 10 minutes looking for your case. Provide the case number to avoid search fees. The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Mail requests need a check payable to Superior Court of California. Include a stamped return envelope. Processing takes two to four weeks for mail orders.

Filing Process in Kern County

You must live in California for six months and Kern County for three months before filing. The filing fee is around $435 to $450. Apply for a fee waiver if you cannot pay. California uses no-fault dissolution. File based on irreconcilable differences. Serve papers on your spouse using a process server or adult not in the case. File the Proof of Service. California requires a six-month wait from service before finalizing. Use this time to negotiate property and custody agreements.

Cities in Kern County

Kern County includes Bakersfield, which has over 400,000 residents. All county residents file dissolution cases at the Kern County Superior Court in Bakersfield.

Nearby Counties

Tulare County sits to the north. Kings County is to the northwest. San Luis Obispo County lies to the west. Ventura County and Los Angeles County are to the south. Each maintains separate records.