Do I need a local form to file a civil complaint in Kern County?

Yes. Kern County requires Statement of Classification and Location (venue/judicial district statement) with a new civil complaint, in addition to the statewide Civil Case Cover Sheet and Summons.

What must be served with the summons in Kern County?

The summons, complaint, and cover sheet plus ADR Information Package, ADR Stipulation (KC ADR-101), Notice of Case Management Conference.

Filing a civil complaint in Kern County, California: what the clerk requires

Where to file

Civil filing locations per Local Rule 1.7.5(b) and Appendix A, effective 2026-01-01.

Metropolitan Division, Justice Building1215 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield 93301All unlimited civil countywide; limited civil for Bakersfield-area zips

Delano Courthouse1122 Jefferson St, Delano 93215Limited civil by zip code

Lamont Courthouse12022 Main St, Lamont 93241Limited civil by zip code

Mojave Courthouse1773 State Highway 58 Business, Mojave 93501Limited civil by zip code

Ridgecrest Courthouse132 E Coso Ave, Ridgecrest 93555Limited civil by zip code

Shafter Courthouse325 Central Valley Hwy, Shafter 93263Limited civil by zip code

What Kern County requires with the complaint

Beyond the statewide Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010), Summons (SUM-100), and your complaint.

Statement of Classification and Location (venue/judicial district statement) (KERN-0007 (rev. 11/1/03))both (General Civil / Civil Collections / Unlawful Detainer checkboxes). listed as OPTIONAL on court's local forms page; whether clerks require it for regional (limited) filings not verified court's form

Some of this county's local rules could not be read in full when last checked (2026-10-09); confirm with the civil clerk before relying on it.

What to serve with the summons

ADR Information Package
ADR Stipulation (KC ADR-101)
Notice of Case Management Conference

Official copies: Kern County Superior Court ADR Information Packet · ADR Stipulation and Order Form (KC ADR-101)

What filers get caught by here

E-filing MANDATORY for represented parties in limited and unlimited civil, UD, CEQA, writs (Local Rule 1.10, rev. 7/1/26); self-represented exempt. Venue by zip code per Appendix A (https://www.kern.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/appendix-31225.pdf); quiet title outside metro Bakersfield may be filed regionally. Mandatory local forms: Settlement Conference Declaration/Trial Brief (KRN SUP CRT CIV-01) later in case. Civil clerk hours M-Th 8-4, Fri 8-12.

What SimpleCase generates for a Kern County filing

From one uploaded complaint, reviewed on one screen before anything downloads.

CM-010 Civil Case Cover Sheet
SUM-100 Summons
POS-010 Proof of Service (Personal)

See it on a Kern County case

A sample case is waiting with this county's forms. No credit card, first three cases free.

Try it with a Kern County sample

SimpleCase prepares document drafts for attorney review; it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by using it. Court data on this page is sourced from the 1Court Directory with the verification date shown, and statutes and court rules change: always confirm current requirements, deadlines, and fees with the clerk of the court before filing.