Small Claims: Superior Court of California, County of Kern

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Superior Court of California, County of Kern

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Small Claims

Small Claims Case Information
Small Claims Calendar/Hearing Schedule

Introduction to Small Claims
Special Accommodations
Filing A Small Claim
Fees
Forms
Your Day in Court
Small Claims Advisor
Community Mediation
Self-Help Center
Night Court (opens new page)
Small Claims Resources (opens new page)

Introduction to Small Claims

The purpose of the small claims court is to resolve minor civil disputes quickly, inexpensively, and fairly. The rules are simple and the hearing is informal. You may ask a lawyer for advice before or after the hearing but you may not have a lawyer at the hearing. The person who sues is the plaintiff. The person who is being sued is the defendant.

In the state of California, an individual may sue for an amount up to $7,500. Businesses and other organizations may sue for an amount up to $5,000. A limited number of claims may be filed per calendar year under the amount of $2,500 each. Only two claims of more than $2,500 may be filed per calendar year.

Code of Civil Procedure Chapter Five sections 116.110-116.910 (opens new window) contains the law pertaining to Small Claims Court.

For additional information:

Visit the State's Small Claims Self-Help Center (California Courts/Judicial Council Web site- opens new window)
Valley Mediation, (Opens new window)BBB Mediation Center of Kern County, 1601 H Street, Suite 101, Bakersfield, CA 93301-5133 (661) 616-5252 or (800) 675-8118 Ext. 300; or,
Visit Other Small Claims Resources

Special Accommodations

If you have a disability and need assistance, please ask the court to help accommodate your needs. If you have a hearing impairment and need assistance, please notify the court.

Filing A Small Claim

This is the proper court to file a lawsuit, if one of the following statements is true:

A defendant lives in Kern County, or, if the defendant is a business, its principal place of business is in Kern County.
Plaintiff was injured or personal property was damaged in Kern County.
A defendant signed or entered into a contract in Kern County, a defendant lived in Kern County when the contract was entered into, a contract or obligation was to be performed in Kern County, or, if the defendant is a corporation, the contract was breached in Kern County.

For additional information, either:

Check Consumer Affairs
Use the Small Claims Resources (California Courts/Judicial Branch Website- opens new window)
or
Check Other Small Claims Resources

Fees

Fee Schedule

If you cannot afford the fees, ask the small claims court clerk for:

Application For Waiver Of Court Fees and Costs form (PDF - opens new window)
Information Sheet on Waiver Of Court Fees and Costs (PDF - opens new window)


Forms
•	In Person. All Civil Units are open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may pick up a small claims forms packet by coming to the court. If you are filing a new Small Claims case, please arrive at the court no less than 30 minutes before closing.
•	List of Forms and Instructions - select "Small Claims" from the drop down menu and click the "See Forms" button (California Courts/Judicial Branch Website - opens new window)

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Your Day in Court

What will happen at the court hearing?

The judge generally allows both parties the opportunity to review each other's evidence at the court hearing. The judge may also request that the parties make one more attempt to settle their dispute. In the Metropolitan Division, community mediators are usually available in the courtroom for this purpose. For successful settlements, the judge confirms the conditions of settlement and enters the agreement on the record. If the litigants cannot agree on a settlement, the judge listens to both sides of the story, reviews the evidence and asks clarifying questions. The judge usually renders a decision, or judgment immediately. In more complicated cases, the judge may take the matter under submission and notify the parties by mail after more careful consideration of the evidence.

How much time should be expected for a court hearing?

Most judges allow about 10-15 minutes per case. However, a wait of two to four hours may be required before your case is called depending on the number and complexity of the other cases on the calendar.

Is preparation helpful?

Yes. The court encourages litigants to prepare a concise statement in advance, summarizing the reason or response to the small claims action. The plaintiff (the person initiating the action) is responsible for proving the allegations. All statements must be factual and subject to verification with objective proof.

What materials will help to prove your case?

Bring copies of all documents, such as photographs, bills, receipts,contracts, etc., necessary to prove the case. Bring the original documents and two copies if possible. The judge may ask to keep a copy for a more careful review. Put the evidence together in a logical order; this will help the judge to understand the allegations.

What happens if the defendant does not appear?

The judge generally allows the plaintiff to explain the allegations, and will make a ruling without hearing the other side.

Is night court available?

The Small Claims Court conducts one evening session per month in Bakersfield. The Small Claims Court Clerk schedules cases for night court upon request and can provide more information.

Will the court provide an interpreter?

The court does not provide interpreters for small claims cases. An adult friend who is fluent in the English language may assist. This person should be able to interpret statements made by the judge, the plaintiff, and the defendant.

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Small Claims Advisor

The Small Claims Advisor is employed by the court and can explain the basic steps involved in small claims actions. Services are offered at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may call the Small Claims Advisor at (661) 868-2532 or you may personally talk to the Advisor at the hours and locations listed on her schedule.


Community Mediation
The court provides a community mediation program that is designed to resolve disputes before or after court documents have been filed. Trained mediators will work with both parties to try to reach a satisfactory settlement. It is a good idea to try mediation before filing documents as it may result in a faster settlement at no cost. Bilingual English/Spanish mediators are available. For more information, contact:
	BBB Mediation Center of Kern County 10601 H Street Bakersfield, California (661) 616-5252 or (800) 675-8118 ext. 300

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Self-Help Center

The Self-Help Center offers personal computers, printers and copiers, and on-line access to instructions and forms. A small fee is required for printing documents and using the copy machine. The Self-Help Center is located in the Law Library at 1415 Truxtun Avenue - Third Floor, Bakersfield. Call (661) 868-5320 for more information.

If you still have questions, E-mail.

Superior Court of California, County of Kern court employees are prohibited from giving legal advice per section 24004 and 68082 of the Government Code. In addition, court employees may not give advice as to which legal forms to use or how to complete the forms.

Last Modified
2/15/2008

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