Kern Superior Court Filing Rules

In trust matters, a copy of the trust instrument must be filed or the original lodged when the petition is filed, or as soon as practicable afterward.

Notice of an ex parte hearing must be given to all counsel and unrepresented opposing parties by 8:30 a.m. on the court day before the hearing.

All requested and relevant jury instructions must be submitted to the court by 9:00 a.m. on the first assigned trial date.

A $600 fee must be paid for a court-ordered investigation in an existing case.

The mandatory e-filing rule applies to attorneys, justice partners, and vendors unless a stated exception applies; the listed groups are not required to e-file but are encouraged to participate.

The index requirement does not apply when there is only one attachment or exhibit.

The guardianship questionnaires are confidential, are excluded from the public record, and may be released to a party or attorney only by court order.

A stipulated continuance may be submitted in writing to the clerk before the hearing or requested orally at the proceeding if counsel for all parties are present.

A party may seek ex parte permission to exceed the Rule 5.111 page limit by providing written notice to the other parties and stating why additional pages are necessary.

Prior to the hearing of any matter on the IV-D calendar, all attorneys and self-represented parties must in good faith participate in a “meet and confer conference” with an attorney or other representative designated by the Chief Attorney of the local child support agency in Room 300 of the Justice Building.

Self-represented parties may email WMAdmin@kern.courts.ca.gov with questions about in-person or remote proceedings.

Documentary evidence presented in court should include one copy for the judge and one copy for each party.