How to Have Legal Documents Served in Kern County: What to submit, who must sign, and timing
Small mistakes can slow everything down when you're using the Kern County Sheriff's Civil Section to serve legal papers. Use the checklist below to avoid rejections for missing signatures, missing copies, or late timing.
Before submitting to the Kern County Sheriff's Civil Section, gather three things: (1) original written instructions signed by the attorney of record, or by the plaintiff if there's no attorney, (2) a complete, legible document set for each person being served, and (3) one complete copy of everything for the Sheriff's file. Requesting substitute service? Add an extra copy for each person. On fees and timing: prepay your service fees unless you have a valid court-issued fee waiver to present at the time of service. And get your documents to the Civil Section at least 10 days before the last day for service - they need time to process, attempt service, and return the Proof of Service before your court date.
Required Paperwork and Copies
- ✓ One complete and legible set of documents for each person being served (one set per person)
- ✓ One complete copy of all documents for the Sheriff’s file
- ✓ If you are requesting/authorizing substitute service: an extra copy of all documents for each person being served
Think of each
Your request must include original written instructions signed by the attorney of record - or by the plaintiff if there's no attorney. The Civil Section won't accept substitute signatures. Attorneys can use a facsimile signature stamp, but photocopied signatures don't count.
Plan to pay the service fee upfront. The Kern County Sheriff's Civil Section requires prepayment unless you present a valid court-issued fee waiver at the time of service. If you're relying on a waiver, include it exactly as the court issued it - don't assume you can sort it out later.
Note: The Civil Section does not issue refunds for an amount of $10.00 or less.
Timing trips people up more than anything else. The Civil Section needs your documents at least 10 days before the last day for service. That buffer gives them time to process your request, attempt service, and return the Proof of Service before your court date.
Tip: Send your packet early and make sure payment is handled at the same time - fees must be prepaid unless you’re presenting a valid court-issued fee waiver at the time of service.
Not sure you've calculated the right fee or assembled the right materials? Call the Kern County Sheriff's Civil Section at (661) 635-1300 to verify. It's also a good time to confirm whether you need to prepay or whether you'll present a valid court-issued fee waiver at the time of service.
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