Kings County Court Records

Kings County Courts, CA *

Figuring out the right court to file a case and how to retrieve court records in Kings County, California, can be complicated. The different court types and multiple divisions have unique rules, procedures, and forms that must be understood.

Kings County is located in the Southern San Joaquin Valley of California, which is 30 miles southwest of Fresno. The Superior Court of California, Kings County, is located in Hanford. The county only has one courthouse, which handles all cases, including restraining orders, probate, traffic fines, custody disputes, and legal matters affecting the residents of Kings County directly.

Overview of the Kings County Court System

California has a unified trial court system, meaning it only has one Superior Court that handles all types of cases. In 2001, the state combined the city and municipal courts into one system responsible for all legal matters.

In Kings County, the Superior Court serves a population of about 152,000 people. Despite the county being small, the court handles a wide range of cases. With agriculture at the frontline of the local economy, the court deals with a lot of disputes that are related to farming, labor, and business. Also, it handles everyday criminal, family, and probate matters.

The Kings County Superior Court operates at one central location, in Hanford. Because of this, case management has become easier. One does not have to move from one building to another to combine important case information.

The Kings County court system is divided into several divisions hosted in one location. Each division has its unique steps, rules, and procedures that are to be followed.

Types of Courts in Kings County, CA

The Kings County Superior Court is divided into specialized divisions or departments, each handling a specific category of legal matters. Understanding the right department to handle your issue is crucial to avoiding delays in justice. All the court divisions are housed at the main courthouse in Hanford.

Primary Location: Kings County Superior Court

Criminal Division

The Kings County Criminal Division handles everything from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies like robbery and murder. Criminal offenses are considered to be against the community; only the state, through the office of the District Attorney, can charge individuals with criminal violations.

The charge against the defendant is presented to the court by the prosecuting attorney on behalf of the plaintiff, which is the State. The assignment of the prosecutor is to present evidence and prove the defendant is guilty to the judge or jury.

In the case that the defendant cannot afford an attorney, they can ask the judge at their first court appearance to appoint one. By assessing your income, the court will determine whether you owe any portion of those attorneys' fees.

Civil Division

Civil Division handles non-criminal disputes. It covers civil litigation, which includes the unlimited civil cases involving amounts over $35,000, and limited civil cases claiming an amount that is below the $35,000 threshold.

Apart from civil litigations, the division handles unlawful detainer actions, including:

Eviction proceedings
Small claims
Probate matters
Family law issues

Since July 1, 2021, Kings County civil cases are expected to mandatorily use E-filing for most case types, including civil, small claims, probate, and family law matters. The California Rules of Court Rule 2.253(b)(2) exempts individuals who are representing themselves, but the court encourages it.

Family Law Division

As much as the Family Law Division is under the civil division, it runs independently due to the emotional complications and distinct procedures. Cases under the jurisdiction are:

Legal separation
Dissolution of marriage
Domestic violence
Nullity
Child custody
Paternity
Visitation
Child support

Kings County offers support, such as on-site family law facilitators, on-site mediation, and a panel of qualified attorneys to handle settlement conferences. To ensure earlier court dates, quick settlement, and reduced litigation costs, the California Court adopted the family-centered case resolution as of January 1, 2013.

Juvenile Division

The Kings County Superior Court, Juvenile Division, handles cases involving minors under the age of 18. The cases are divided into delinquency and dependency cases. The delinquency cases involve minors accused of committing acts that would be criminal offenses if committed by an adult. These cases are filed under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 602.

Dependency hears cases filed under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 300 involving children who have been or are at risk of being abused, neglected, or inadequately cared for. In such cases, the court works toward keeping minors with their families while prioritizing the welfare of the minors. If they have to separate from their families, the court uses the family reunification process to work with family members to improve their circumstances so that they return home.

Traffic Division

Traffic and infraction cases are the lowest-level violations in California law and are handled by the Traffic Division. They include:

Speeding tickets
Red light camera violations
Equipment violations
Cell phone violations
Expired registration on vehicles

Traffic fines payments can be made online at ePayIt, or you can request the court to reduce the amount if, at any stage of payment, you feel that you cannot afford it.

Avoid using online tools if you want to:

Get a reduction or dismissal
Contest the citation
Attend traffic school

Small Claims Division

The Kings County Small Claims Division is designed to resolve disputes of $10,000 for individuals without hiring an attorney. To qualify, the action must have occurred within Kings County, or the defendant's residence or place of business is in Kings County, CA.

Appeal Division

Kings County Superior Court has its own Appeal Division that hears appeals from people who were part of a case or lost a case and feel like the lower court was legally wrong. The court only hears misdemeanor convictions and limited civil judgments within the county.

The Appeal is not a new trial, hence it does not allow new evidence or witnesses. It only reviews the case and makes a judgment according to the law and not facts.

Appeals from unlimited civil cases or felony convictions go directly to the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Fresno.

How to Access Kings County Court Records

In California, court records are public documents with some exceptions. The California Public Records Act and Code of Civil Procedure govern what can be accessed and how. Kings County Superior Court offers several ways to search for and obtain records, depending on what you need and how quickly you need them.

Online Access

The residents of Kings County can access the court's public record through the Kings County Court online portal. To access the portal, you will need to register for a free account to search case data. In some cases, the most current filings may not always be reflected immediately. If you need verification of a recent filing, you may want to confirm in person.

Alternative Online Options

Apart from the Kings County official court website, one can locate case files through a few other options. The California Courts website can help access court statewide resources and links to individual county portals.

For a broader search, particularly if you need to research case history or docket information for litigation purposes, third-party legal research platforms like CourtCaseFinder are a useful supplementary tool that aggregates different public court records, making it easier to compare records in one place. Despite the research being thoroughly researched, one should verify the most recent information with the relevant court.

In-Person Requests

Kings County has made the in-person record searching process easier by setting up public computer terminals at the Hanford courthouse. One can search by name or case number. But you should note that photographing documents while viewing cases at those terminals is strictly prohibited. To get a copy, one must request it by filling out the request for a copy form.

It is important to note that fees are charged per page, and the clerk charges $15.00 for any search that takes longer than 10 minutes.

Archived Records

If you are searching for an older case and it does not appear in the online portal, there is a chance it has been destroyed under the court's records retention schedule. For archived records that do still exist, the process is the same as for current records. You need to submit a written request or fill out the request for a copy form and submit the completed form with payment in person or via mail.

For Attorneys and Legal Professionals

In Kings County, attorneys are expected to use e-filing for civil case types. The court provides a list of approved electronic filing service providers on its website. Case index searches through the public portal require an account, and attorneys may find the portal's case docket feature particularly useful for monitoring filings and hearing schedules.

The court also maintains a Civil Unlimited Media Access Portal for accessing civil unlimited case information. In case you want a record copy, it is important to note that the court does not accept record requests electronically. You can only access them via mail or in person through a formal request.

How to File a Case in Kings County

The first time filing a case can feel overwhelming. The steps below explain the process for most civil, family, or small claims filings.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court

Before you fill out any paperwork, it is critical to make sure you are filing in the right division. Different divisions handle different legal issues and has its unique set of rules and regulations. If you are not sure where your case belongs, the Self-Help Center at the courthouse can help point you in the right direction. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you identify the right forms and division for your situation.

Step 2: Complete Required Forms

California has standardized Judicial Council forms for most filings. You can find them on the California Courts forms page or through the Kings County Superior Court website. Different case types require filling out a unique form. Ensure you fill out the forms carefully and completely to avoid delaying your case or having the filing returned to you.

Step 3: File Your Case

Case filing is the next step in the filing process. The main activities are submitting the forms and getting the case number. E-filing is mandatory for civil case types if you are represented by an attorney. For an individual without a lawyer, an electronically or in-person submission at the clerk's office is accepted. In-person filing is accepted at the Records/Clerk's Office window during regular business hours. If you are mailing your filing, include all required documents, your payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the clerk to return your file-stamped copies.

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Filing fees in California are set by statewide statute and updated periodically. As a general reference, fees for unlimited civil cases start at around $435 under the current California Statewide Civil Fee Schedule. Small claims fees are significantly lower, ranging between $30 and $75, depending on the amount claimed. If you cannot afford filing fees, you can request a fee waiver by filling out form FW-100. Eligibility depends on your income and whether you receive certain public benefits.

Step 5: Serve the Other Party

Filing your case starts the process, but it is not complete if you have not formally notified the other party that a case has been filed against them. The process is known as legal service of process. In California, service must typically be done by someone who is not a party to the case and is at least 18 years old. For formal service of a summons and complaint, many people use a registered process server or the county sheriff.

Step 6: Monitor Your Case

Once your case is filed and the other party has been served, the court will schedule hearings and deadlines. You can monitor your case status through the public portal or by checking the daily courtroom calendar on its website. Missing a hearing date can have serious consequences, including a default judgment against you or dismissal of your own claims.

Kings County Courthouse Directory

Kings County currently operates through a single consolidated courthouse. All divisions and departments are located at the same facility.

Main Courthouse

Kings County Superior Court

Hanford

1640 Kings County Dr, Hanford, CA 93230

Phone: (559) 582-1010

Website: kings.courts.ca.gov

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

The residents of Kings County, CA, have several free and local legal self-help options that can help them navigate the Kings County Superior Court system. The resources include local and statewide resources that give them basic guidelines and direct support.

Free Legal Assistance

Below are some free legal services for Kings County residents:

The Kings County Superior Court Self-Help Center, located at the courthouse in Hanford, provides help with forms for divorce, custody, restraining orders, name changes, and more. Staff can explain court procedures, but they cannot give legal advice or represent you.
Central California Legal Services offers free civil legal help to low-income individuals and families in the region.
LawHelpCA is a useful starting point if you are unsure what kind of help you need, connecting you to legal aid and self-help resources by topic and location.
The California Courts Self-Help Center provides step-by-step guidance on common legal issues, including family law, housing, and small claims.

Local Legal Support

The local legal support resources include:

Kings County Family Law Facilitator's Office: Assists self-represented individuals with child and spousal support and general family law matters.
211 Kings County: Connects residents to local legal aid and community services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: In emergencies, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service: Helps you find a private attorney for your case.

FAQs

Where do I look up a court case online in Kings County, CA?

You can search non-confidential cases online at the Kings County Superior Court Portal. Free registration is required. Search by case number or party name. You can also use third-party tools like CourtCaseFinder as an alternative resource for researching case history.

Are Kings County court records public?

Most court records are public under California law. The major exceptions are juvenile delinquency and dependency records, adoption records, mental health proceedings, and certain sealed records.

What is the difference between limited and unlimited civil cases?

The main difference is the dollar amount in dispute. Limited Civil cases involve amounts of $35,000 or less, while Unlimited Civil cases involve amounts over $35,000.

How do I get a fee waiver for court filing fees in California?

It is possible to receive a waiver by filling out Form FW-001 and submitting it with your court documents. The people who receive public benefits or have low income have a higher chance of qualifying.

What should I do if I missed my court date in Kings County?

Act by contacting the court right away and speaking with an attorney immediately to avoid a warrant being issued for a criminal case or the court deciding without you in a civil or family case.

Kings County Court Records Lookup

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