Kings County Court Records

The California Rules of Court Rule 2.502(3) defines California court records as papers, documents, or exhibits filed in a case proceeding. It also includes any order, judgment of the court, or item maintained by the court in the ordinary course of the judicial process. Court records exclude the personal notes or preliminary memoranda of judicial personnel, judicial administrative records, statutorily mandated reporting between or within government entities, court case information, or compilations of data drawn from court records where the compilations are not themselves contained in a court record.

The Superior Court Clerk is the official keeper of all court records in Kings County. These records can be retrieved online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. A court record reveals the following information:

• Case summary (case number, location, filing date, and case title)
• Case information (case type and status)
• Case events (date and events)
• Hearings (date and time)
• Party information ( party type, case party names, and lead attorney names)

Court records are important to the judicial process for several reasons. Firstly, court records provide accurate information on what transpired during a legal proceeding. This is essentially important for cases where there is a dispute over court transcriptions or what evidence was presented. Secondly, court records help to ensure that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and impartially. This makes it easier for judges and lawyers to refer to them to ensure that all case parties make decisions in line with the California Rule of Court. Lastly, judges and lawyers can use court records as evidence in future legal proceedings. For example, a 5th District Court of Appeal judge will review the court records of cases appealed from the Superior Court to make an informed decision.

Are Court Records Public in Kings County?

Yes. The California Public Records Act (CPRA) requires that court records be disclosed to the public upon request. Therefore, anyone can inspect or copy court records available in King Couty Courts. Most court records are accessible online, by mail, or in person during business hours. However, certain court records are not available for public perusal. Examples of confidential court records are:

• Juvenile court proceedings
• Mental health proceedings
• Family court proceedings
• Civil harassment proceedings
• Workplace violence prevention proceedings
• Guardianship or conservatorship proceedings
• Private postsecondary school violence prevention proceedings
• Elder or dependent adult abuse prevention proceedings
• Proceedings to compromise the claims of a minor or a person with a disability

Kings County Court Records Search

The Kings County Superior Court Records Division assists record seekers in obtaining copies of public court records. An accurate Kings County records search can be done via the following methods:

• Online through the Case Index Search portal
• Online through third-party websites
• In writing or submitting Request for Record Search and Copies Form by mail
• In person at the courthouse through computer terminals or in the lobby

Kings County Court Records Search by Name

Record seekers can use the public computers on-site during normal business hours or the Case Search feature on the Kings Court Superior Court’s website to find court records by name. The Case Search feature requires creating an account and login to the portal with an email and password. Alternatively, requesters can pay the clerk to help research a court record or submit a Request for Record Search and Copies Form by mail. Provide a first, last, and middle name on the form before mailing it to the court. Copies of court records cost $0.50 per page per side, certified copies cost $40 per document, and searching for records for more than 10 minutes costs $10.

Kings County Courts

Kings County is part of the 5th District Court of Appeal, and it has a Superior Court. Below are the addresses of all the courts in Kings County:

Kings Superior Court
1640 Kings County Drive
Hanford, CA 93230
Phone: (559) 582-1010

Fifth District Court of Appeal
2424 Cesar Chavez Blvd
Fresno, California, 93721
Phone: (559) 445-5491
Fax: (559) 445-5769

Kings County Superior Court Case Search

The Superior Court has trial jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases in Kings County. Copies of these records cost $0.50 per page per side, certified copies cost $40 per document, and searching for records for more than 10 minutes costs $10. The Superior Court accepts requests for inspecting and coping Superior Court records:

• Online: The Case Index Search portal allows individuals to look up Superior Court case information for free. To perform a search, users must create an account and log in with an email and password.
• In-person: There are computer terminals on-site at the court for public use. In-person applicants can utilize the terminal to search for public court records by name and/or case number. Note that it is prohibited to take pictures of Superior court documents while viewing cases. Alternatively, record seekers can request copies of Superior Court records at the courthouse’s lobby for a fee. In-person requests can be made from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• By mail: A Superior Court record request can be submitted in writing or by completing a Request for Record Search and Copies Form. This service comes with a fee payable by check, money order, or cashier’s check. Mail the application form, fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Court.

Kings County District Court Records

Kings County is part of the 5th District Court of Appeal. The court had appellate jurisdiction in cases where the King County Superior Court has original jurisdiction. Interested persons can find District Court records online through the Appellate Courts Case Information portal. The search options available are case number, party, attorney, or case caption. Requests for District Court records can also be made in person at the Clerk's Office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Copies of these records attract a fee payable by cash.

Kings County Criminal Records

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains a criminal record repository for Kings County. Criminal records are confidential and are only open to the subject of the records, law enforcement, and authorized applicant agencies.

The subject of records must submit a Request For Live Scan Service (Form BCIA 8016RR). The completed form must be taken to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office for live scan or fingerprinting services. An appointment must be scheduled by phone at (559) 852-2790 and costs a fee. Authorized agencies can receive copies of criminal records by:

• Submitting a subpoena or court order which includes:
  • The subject’s name and identifying information like date of birth, driver’s license number, CII number, and FBI number
  • The desired records that require certification (such as RAP sheet, Kings County arrest fingerprints, disposition source documents)
  • Court date, case number, and jurisdiction
  • The requestor’s official name and title
  • Complete mailing address (excluding P.O. Boxes), telephone/FAX number
  • A date of response is needed
• Include a cover letter written on the agency’s letterhead explaining the purpose of the request.
• Public defenders or defense attorneys representing a client in a criminal matter must complete the BCIA 8700 Form - Certification of Attorney of Record – Request for Records in addition to a subpoena or court order.

Authorized agencies can send their criminal records request by fax at (916) 731-3618, email at Keeperofrecords@doj.ca.gov, or mail to the following address:

California Department of Justice
Attn: Custodian of Records
Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis
P.O. Box 160207
Sacramento, CA 95816-0207

Kings County Criminal Court Case Lookup

The Superior Court’s Criminal Division manages all criminal cases in Kings County, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic infractions. Records maintained by the Superior Court can be viewed online via the Case Search portal. Interested individuals can also obtain copies of criminal court records in person or in writing via the mail. A written request must include a letter including the defendant's name, date of birth, case number (if known), a list of the desired documents, and the requester’s contact information, such as name, address, and telephone number. Upon receiving a written request, the clerk will determine the cost based on the number of copies being requested and contact the requester with the total cost. Upon receiving a check for the total cost and a self-addressed stamped envelope, the clerk will send the criminal court record.

Get Kings County Civil Court Records

The Civil Division of the Kings County Superior Court provides assistance in civil cases like probate, civil litigation (unlimited and limited), juvenile, and landlord/tenant matters. Most civil court records are available online through the Case Index Search portal. Civil court records that are unavailable online can be retrieved by sending a written request or Request for Record Search and Copies Form to the Superior Court. When completing the form, Check the “Civil” box in the “Case Type” area.

Requesters can also visit the courthouse to use the computer terminals to search for civil court cases by name and/or case number. Alternatively, they can visit the court lobby to request copies of civil court records from the appropriate record staff. Copies of civil court records cost $0.50 per page per side, certified copies cost $40 per document, and searching for records for more than 10 minutes costs $10.

Kings County Family Court Records

Kings County Family Court has jurisdiction over all cases involving legal separation, dissolution of marriage, nullity, domestic violence, paternity, child custody, visitation, and support. Due to the nature of the cases they handle, not all records kept by the Family are public. Public family court records can be viewed or copied online, by mail, or in person. Online requests can be made on the Case Index Search portal. The search criteria are by name or case number. Mail requests can be made in writing or by submitting a completed Request for Record Search and Copies Form. When completing the form, Check the “Family Law” or “Family Support” box in the “Case Type” area to streamline the search. The appropriate fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope must be sent to the court alongside the form. In-person requests can be made by utilizing the computer terminals or applying at the court lobby.

Kings Dissolution of Marriage Records

A dissolution of marriage, more commonly known as divorce, terminates the marriage and resolves marital issues. Dissolution of marriage cases are recorded at the Kings County Superior Court and are available online through the Case Index Search portal. The court also accepts mail and in-person requests.

Kings County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage and divorce records are open to the public. Specifically, Kings County marriage records can be obtained at the Clerk/Recorder’s office. To obtain copies of marriage records, use the online VitalDirector service, apply in person in the office, or apply by mail using the Application For Certified Copy Form. Copies of the Kings County marriage certificate cost $17.

Conversely, the Kings County Superior Court disseminates divorce records. They are accessible online, by mail, and in person. Mail requests can be made in writing or by submitting a completed Request for Record Search and Copies Form. To streamline the search, check the “Family Law” or “Family Support” box in the “Case Type” area on the form.

Mail requests can be made in writing or by submitting a completed Request for Record Search and Copies Form. When completing the form, Check the “Family Law” or “Family Support” box in the “Case Type” area to streamline the search.

Kings Birth and Death Records

The Clerk/Recorder is responsible for issuing Kings County vital records. Record seekers can obtain two types of birth and death records: certified copy (authorized persons only) and certified informational copy ((any interested person). The only people authorized by law to request certified copies of birth and death records are:

• A funeral director
• A member of a law enforcement agency
• The registrant (for Kings Court birth certificates)
• The registrant’s parent or legal guardian
• The registrant’s child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner
• A person with a court order, an attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate, or a licensed adoption agency

Copies of birth or death records can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. Mail requesters must submit an Application for Certified Copy Form and the necessary fees to the Clerk/Recorder’s Office. Kings County birth records cost $32, while death records cost $24, payable by personal check, postal, or bank money order. The processing time is 3 to 5 business days. In-person requests for birth and death certificates can be made from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday at:

Kings County Clerk/Recorder
Kings County Government Center
1400 W. Lacey Blvd.
Hanford, CA. 93230

Kings County Probate Court Records

The Superior Court Civil Division handles probate cases like estate, trust, guardianship, and conservatorship. The Court has a Case Search portal that can be used to find probate cases online. A name or case number is required to conduct a search. Users must create an account and log in to the portal with an email and password. Online access is also possible at the court through the computer terminals.

Other ways to submit a request for probate court records are in person and by mail. Record seekers can submit a request in writing or by completing the Request for Record Search and Copies form. When completing the form, Check the “Probate” box in the “Case Type” area to narrow the search only to probate court cases.

Kings County Property Records

The Kings County Assessor and Clerk/Recorder are the custodians of property records. Therefore, anyone can visit these offices during regular business hours to obtain copies of property records. The property owner’s name, property address or parcel ID will be required to facilitate the search. The record staff will not release copies of property records accept the appropriate fees has been paid.

The Kings County Assessor's Office also provides property records for public review online and by phone at (559) 852-2486. Online requests can be made through the Megabyte Property Tax System (search by fee parcel, assessment, street address, boat CF number, or aircraft tail number) and ParcelQuest Website (search by property or document). The Kings County Clerk/Recorder also has an online portal where requesters can find property records. However, an account must be created to access the portal.

Kings County Court Records Online

Most third-party vendors have online databases like californiacourtrecords.us that are accessible to the public. These databases provide court information across multiple jurisdictions. Most third-party sites are easy to navigate since the search criteria are searched by name. Initial searches on these sites are free but only reveal all records with the desired name. A fee will be required for specific searches. Some third-party vendors charge $4.95 for seven (7) days of unlimited access or a monthly subscription charge of $19.95. Although third-party vendors get court information from government websites, they may be unreliable. Ensure to verify all information obtained from third-party websites to determine reliability.