Kern County Small Claims Court, California

What is small claims court mediation?

Kern County Superior Court may offer mediation for your claim before the actual trial. Mediation is a procedure where each side discusses the case with a third party (called the mediator), and the mediator tries to reach an agreement that both sides agree to. Mediation may be offered on the day of your actual court hearing, but before you see the judge. Mediation may work for your case, but at the very least, it will give you the chance to explain your case to someone (before you explain it to the judge).

Kern County Small Claims Court Filing Fee

A filing fee is required and is set relative to the amount of money you are requesting for your claim. If you filed twelve or less claims over the past twelve months, the filing fee is:

• $0 to $1,500 – $30
• $1,500 to $5,000 – $50
• $5,000 to $10,000 – $75

If a party has filed twelve or more small claims court actions over the last twelve months, the filing fee is $100.

How long does it take my case to be heard?

Kern County has its own Superior Court. The amount of time between when the claim is filed and heard varies between each County (and even within each County). Generally, the small claims court trial should be between twenty and seventy days after the case is filed. But, because of state budget cuts to the court’s budget, these hearings are usually being set well past the seventy day mark (which should give you plenty of time to prepare for the trial).

How can I prepare for my Small Claims Court Hearing?

Small Claims Court cases are often scheduled where a number of cases will be heard in the same department at the same time (one at a time). Often, the court’s schedule is very busy, and the court will expect you to present your argument in just a few minutes. (It is usually smart to pay attention to the cases heard before yours to see which issues and questions the judge asks the parties). It is important to prepare for your case beforehand. Bring any and all documents that support your case including: receipts, photos, contracts, and any other relevant documents. Make sure you bring any witnesses you need to the hearing if they are necessary to prove your case. Being prepared for the hearing is half the battle. After each side has had the opportunity to present its side, the court will make a decision. The court will either make its ruling immediately, or notify both sides of its decision through the mail (make sure your address with the court is correct).

Limits on Kern County Small Claims Court

The most a person can sue for in small claims court is $10,000. A corporation (or other entity that is not a natural person), cannot sue in small claims court for more than $5,000.00. An individual can only file two small claims court cases for more than $2,500.00 in one year. A person can file as many claims asking for $2,500 or less.

Which cases are filed in Kern County?

Usually, a claim must be filed in the County where the person or business being sued resides. There are some exceptions to this rule (for example, an auto accident can be filed in the County where the accident occurred). A party may file the claim in small claims court if that party is at least eighteen years old. A party can file as someone less than eighteen if he or she has been emancipated. If a plaintiff is under eighteen or mentally incompetent, a judge will appoint someone (normally a relative) as a guardian ad litem. The guardian ad litem acts on behalf of the person and makes decisions specifically for that case only.

Types of Kern County Small Claims Court Cases

Many different types of cases can be filed in small claims court. The most common types are automobile accidents, property damage, rent deposit disputes, homeowners association disputes, and contractor disputes.

Kern County Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is a limited court designed to handle disputes and disagreements both quickly and inexpensively (at least compared to a general civil case). The rules for small claims court cases in Kern County are the same for any county in California. These rules are meant to be simpler than a regular civil case so that a non-lawyer can understand and represent himself or herself in court. The party who files the action or claim is known as the plaintiff. The party who is being sued is known as the defendant. In small claims court cases in California, neither party is allowed to have a lawyer represent you at the hearing. But, each party can talk to and ask questions to an attorney before or after the hearing if they wish.

Kern County Small Claims Court Locations

Small Claims Court cases are heard in 7 courthouses across the County. The website address for Kern County Superior Court (which will have more information for small claims court cases) is: www.kerncourts.ca.gov. Here are the following locations where Small Claims Court cases are heard in Kern County:

Superior Courts Building

The Superior Courts Building is located at:

1415 Truxtun Ave.

Bakersfield, CA 93301-4172

The phone number is: 661-868-5393

Ridgecrest Branch

The Ridgecrest Branch is located at:

132 E. Coso St.

Ridgecrest, CA 93555

The phone number is: 661-868-5393

Mojave Branch

The Mojave Branch is located at:

1773 Hwy 58

Ridgecrest, CA 93555

The phone number is: 760-384-5900

Delano-McFarland Branch

The Delano-McFarland Branch is located at:

1773 Hwy 58

Mojave, CA 93501

The phone number is: 661-824-7100

Delano-McFarland Branch

The Delano-McFarland Branch is located at:

1122 Jefferson St.

Delano, CA 93215-2241

The phone number is: 661-720-5800

Shafter-Wasco Branch

The Shafter-Wasco Branch is located at:

325 Central Valley Hwy.

Shafter, CA 93263-1726

The phone number is: 661-720-5800

Maricopa-Taft Branch

The Maricopa-Taft Branch is located at:

311 N. Lincoln St.

Shafter, CA 93263-1726

The phone number is: 661-746-7500

Statute of Limitations in Small Claims Court Cases

All claims must be filed before the statute of limitations has run. Statute of limitations is a legal term for the deadline to file a case. The time limit varies depending on the type of the case. If the case involves personal injury to you, the case must be filed within two years of the injury or two years of when you first learned of the injury. (A minor has two years from his or her eighteenth birthday). If an oral contract (or oral agreement) was broken, you have two years after the agreement was broken to file your case. If a written contract was broken, you have three years from when the agreement was broken. If you lost money because you were tricked or lied to, you have three years from when you learn of the deceit to file your case. It can be very difficult to find out when the statute of limitations begins to run. It is better to file sooner, rather than later, and let the judge decide.

Can I hire a lawyer?

No. A party cannot be represented by anyone else (including an attorney). But, you are able to consult and speak with an attorney before or after the hearing to answer questions or discuss strategy.