Families and Children
Self-Help Information for Families and Children
The Superior Court of Kern County offers free help to the public. We help with a variety of basic legal issues and types of cases, including family law. We help people who need legal information but don't have a lawyer.
Our staff don't give legal advice (we can tell you how to do something but we can't tell you what choice you should make) and we may refer you to a private attorney or another resource depending on your situation.
Self Help Center
The Self Help Center can provide assistance and information for the preparation of:
- Petitions for Guardianship of the Person, clearing of Guardianship notes
- Petitions for Dissolution, Establish Parentage, Custody and Visitation
- Requests for Orders (Child Custody, Visitation, Child Support*)
- Default Dissolution, legal separation and Nullity
The Self Help Center is currently closed to in person services, however assistance can still be obtained via telephone by calling 661-610-6518 or by email
The Self Help Center’s hours of operation are
Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Families & Children Information & Resources
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Adoption
California court's information on adoption.
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Guardianship of Children
California court's details on guardianship of children.
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Family Law Facilitator
Kern County Superior Court Family Law Facilitator Division.
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Juvenile Delinquency
California court's content relating to juvenile delinquency.
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Kern Guardianship Programs
California court's information on kern guardianship programs.
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Paternity / Parentage
California court's details on paternity/parentage.