Kings County Court Records Search
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Kings County, California is a Central Valley county anchored by the city of Hanford, its county seat. The Kings County Superior Court is the sole trial court operating in the county and serves as the primary custodian of court records for all civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate proceedings. Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.502(3), court records encompass papers, documents, exhibits filed in a case, court orders, judgments, and any items the court maintains during the ordinary course of judicial proceedings. This definition excludes personal notes or preliminary memoranda of judicial officers, administrative records, and data compilations not themselves contained in a case record.
Individuals looking for Kings County case information can begin their search through CaliforniaCourts.us, which connects users to official state court resources across California. Records may also be accessed through the Superior Court’s clerk offices, public-access computer terminals at the courthouse, and the court’s online case search portal. The Superior Court Clerk’s office is the authorized custodian for all court records maintained in Kings County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kings County?
The Kings County Superior Court is located at 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, California 93230. All civil, criminal, family, and probate matters are heard at this location.
Court Contact Information:
| Phone | (559) 582-1010 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Automated Case Info | (559) 589-2700 |
Available Search Methods:
1. Online — Case Index Search Portal
The court’s Case Index Search portal allows free access to non-confidential case information. Users must create an account and log in with an email address and password. The portal supports searches by name and by case number across all case types.
2. On-Site Computer Terminals
Public access terminals are available at the courthouse during regular business hours for searching non-confidential records by name and/or case number. Per Local Rule 117©, taking photographs of court documents while reviewing cases on-site is strictly prohibited.
3. Mail Request
Download and complete the Request for Record Search and Copies form and mail it to:
Kings County Superior Court
1640 Kings County Dr.
Hanford, CA 93230
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and advance payment by check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to Kings County Superior Court. Cash is not accepted by mail.
4. Records Inquiry
For general records questions, submit the court’s Records Inquiry Form online. Note that the court does not accept actual record requests electronically — only inquiries about the process.
Copy and Search Fee Schedule:
| Service | Authority | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of any record, proceeding, or paper (per page) | GC 70627(a) | $0.50 |
| Comparison of copy with original (per page) | GC 70627(b) | $1.00 |
| Search longer than 10 minutes, per name | GC 70627© | $15.00 |
| Certifying a copy of paper, record, or proceeding | GC 70626(a)(4) | $40.00 |
| Certificate for which fee not otherwise fixed | GC 70626(a)(8) | $40.00 |
| Exemplification of record or paper | GC 70628 | $50.00 |
| Document authenticated per court order (per signature) | GC 70629 | $15.00 |
| Certified copy of dissolution record — public agency | GC 70674 | $10.00 |
| Certified copy of dissolution record — all others | GC 70674 | $15.00 |
Advanced payment is required. Requests submitted without sufficient payment will be returned unprocessed. If no self-addressed stamped envelope is included, a postage fee will be assessed per USPS guidelines.
Kings County sits within the appellate jurisdiction of the Fifth Appellate District, headquartered at 2424 Ventura Street, Fresno, CA 93721, Phone: (559) 445-5491 Appellate case records can be searched through the Appellate Courts Case Information system by case number, party name, attorney, or case caption. The appellate clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and accepts in-person requests with fees payable by cash.
Are Court Records Public in Kings County?
Court records in Kings County are public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which requires government bodies to disclose public records upon request. Any person may inspect or copy most court records during business hours at the Records Division, or access them online or by mail.
Despite this broad presumption of access, California law designates several categories of proceedings and record types as confidential. The following are generally not available for public review:
- Juvenile court proceedings and records
- Mental health proceedings
- Family court records designated confidential by statute
- Civil harassment proceedings
- Workplace violence prevention proceedings
- Guardianship or conservatorship proceedings
- Elder or dependent adult abuse prevention proceedings
- Private postsecondary school violence prevention proceedings
- Proceedings to compromise the claims of a minor or a person with a disability
Records may also be sealed by court order under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, which requires express court findings that an overriding interest supports sealing. The California Rules of Court govern procedures for requesting sealing or unsealing of records. The Superior Court’s Records Division can be reached at (559) 582-1010 for questions about which records are accessible in a particular case.
Kings County Criminal Court Records
All felony, misdemeanor, and traffic infraction matters in Kings County are handled by the Criminal Division of the Kings County Superior Court. All court matters are heard at the Hanford courthouse, 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. The Criminal Division can be reached by phone at (559) 582-1010 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Searching Criminal Court Case Records:
Criminal case information for non-confidential matters is available through the Case Index Search portal and on-site public terminals. Requesters may also obtain copies of criminal case documents by mail. A written mail request must include:
- The defendant’s full name, date of birth, and case number (if known)
- A list of the specific documents requested
- The requester’s name, address, and phone number
- A check for the total cost (determined by the clerk after review) and a self-addressed stamped envelope
Standard copy fees apply: $0.50 per page and $40.00 for certified copies.
Criminal Background Checks:
The Kings County Superior Court does not conduct criminal background checks. For a copy of a California criminal history record, contact the California Department of Justice at (916) 227-3849.
For individuals who are the subject of their own records, a Live Scan fingerprint request (Form BCIA 8016RR) must be completed and brought to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office LiveScan service. Appointments are scheduled by phone at (559) 852-2790. Applicable fees are listed on the Kings County fingerprint fee schedule.
Authorized agencies such as law enforcement and public defenders seeking criminal history records from the California DOJ must submit a subpoena or court order containing the subject’s identifying information, desired record types, and agency letterhead. Public defenders must additionally complete BCIA Form 8700. Requests may be faxed to (916) 731-3618, emailed to Keeperofrecords@doj.ca.gov, or mailed to:
California Department of Justice
Attn: Custodian of Records, Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis
P.O. Box 160207
Sacramento, CA 95816-0207
Kings County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Kings County Superior Court handles unlimited and limited civil litigation, landlord-tenant (unlawful detainer) matters, small claims, and related proceedings. Civil case records are available through the same search and request methods as all other Superior Court records: the online Case Index Search portal, on-site computer terminals, in-person requests at the courthouse lobby, or by mail.
Filing Civil Cases:
Effective July 1, 2021, electronic filing became mandatory for all civil case types at the Kings County Superior Court, including unlimited civil, limited civil, small claims, probate, guardianships, family law, and family support matters. The court’s online case filing system provides access to mandatory e-filing. Specific filing fees are listed on the court’s forms and filings page.
Case Type Filters for Searches:
When completing the Request for Record Search and Copies form or searching the portal, requesters should check the appropriate case type box. Civil case options include:
- Civil Administrative
- Civil Miscellaneous
- Civil Relief Less Than $10,000
- Civil Relief More Than $10,000
- Small Claims
- Unlawful Detainer (Landlord-Tenant)
The court also offers a Civil Mediation Program as an alternative dispute resolution option. For general civil procedure questions, the court directs users to the California Courts Civil FAQs page. The court’s Self-Help Center provides free assistance with civil matters by phone at (559) 582-1010, option 8, or by email at kingsselfhelpcenter@kings.courts.ca.gov.
Kings County Family Court Records
Family court jurisdiction at the Kings County Superior Court covers dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, nullity, paternity, domestic violence, child custody, visitation, and spousal and child support. The Civil Division administers family law matters, and Family Court Services provides related support services on-site, including Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC), stepparent adoption investigations, and domestic violence assistance.
Accessing Family Court Records:
Family court records that are not confidential by statute can be searched online through the Case Index Search portal or viewed on courthouse public terminals. Mail requests should check the “Family Law” or “Family Support” box on the Request for Record Search and Copies form. Standard copy and certification fees apply.
Domestic Violence:
Parties may file for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order through the Superior Court. The court’s Family Court Services office handles related referrals. Emergency assistance is available through the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at (877) 727-3225. The Family Law Facilitator can be reached at (559) 582-1010, ext. 3094.
Marriage Records:
Marriage licenses and marriage certificates issued in Kings County are maintained by the Kings County Clerk/Recorder. A marriage license costs $91.00, payable by cash, check, money order, or card. Both applicants must appear in person and be at least 18 years of age. Certified copies of marriage records are $17.00 per copy. Copies may be requested through the Clerk/Recorder’s online VitalDirector service, in person, or by mail using the Application for Certified Copy form.
Divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court and accessed through the same court record request process. For certified copies of dissolution of marriage records, fees are $10.00 if requested by a public agency and $15.00 for all other applicants, per Government Code 70674.
Birth and Death Records:
The Kings County Clerk/Recorder issues certified copies of birth and death records. Access is restricted to authorized individuals, who must present valid photo identification and sign a sworn statement under penalty of perjury (or provide a notarized statement for mail requests). Authorized parties include the registrant, parents or legal guardians, direct relatives (children, grandparents, siblings, spouse, or domestic partner), attorneys representing the registrant, licensed adoption agencies, and law enforcement.
- Birth certificates: $32.00 per copy
- Death certificates: $24.00 per copy
Requests are accepted online through the VitalDirector service, by mail with a check or money order payable to Kings County Clerk/Recorder, or in person. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. The Clerk/Recorder office is located at:
Kings County Clerk/Recorder
Kings County Government Center
1400 W. Lacey Blvd.
Hanford, CA 93230
Phone: (559) 852-2470 | Fax: (559) 582-6639
Email: ClerkRecorder@co.kings.ca.us
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kings County Probate Court Records
Probate matters — including estate administration, wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships — are handled through the Civil Division of the Kings County Superior Court. The Family Court Services division conducts investigations for guardianship and conservatorship petitions pursuant to Probate Code sections 1513 and 1826. The court provides dedicated forms to assist with these proceedings, including a Conservatorship Questionnaire and a Guardianship Questionnaire.
Searching Probate Records:
Probate case information is available through the Case Index Search portal by case number or party name. On-site computer terminals at the courthouse also permit probate case searches. When submitting a mail request using the Request for Record Search and Copies form, requesters should check the “Probate” box in the Case Type section to focus the search. Standard copy fees apply.
Filing Probate Cases:
Electronic filing is mandatory for probate and guardianship cases as of July 1, 2021. The initial filing fee for a standard probate petition in Kings County is approximately $435. Additional costs may include publication fees ranging from $150 to $400, Probate Referee fees (typically 0.1% of applicable assets), and statutory attorney fees based on the gross estate value.
For general information on California estates, wills, and probate procedures, the court directs users to the California Courts Self-Help page on Estates, Wills & Probate. Trust matters require specialized legal guidance, and the court recommends consulting an attorney for assistance with trust-related filings.