California's Premiere

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800-675-KERN (5376)
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FAQ's
  1. Opening an Account
    1. Do I have to open an account?
      1. Yes. If you are a California Law Firm you have two options, either
        1. an Open Credit Account or
        2. a Credit Card Account. If you are an individual or an out of state law firm, you only have one option, a Credit Card Account.

    2. Is my account good at all Kern Legal Service, Inc. offices?
      1. Yes. All Kern Legal Service, Inc. offices will honor your account once it has been opened.

    3. How long does it take to process my application?
      1. Once your application is received by us, it usually takes about 30 minutes to process your application. Once your application is processed you will receive an account number and you can start submitting orders.

    4. Is there a fee for opening an account?
      1. No, we do not charge a fee for opening an account.

    5. Is there a monthly fee for service?
      1. Yes, we charge a court fee for monthy court services for retainer clients.



  2. General Questions
    1. I have a new service and need a work order how do I get one?
      1. There are 3 ways:
        1. Register for online services and fill out an order online.
        2. Go to resources on our website and download an order form. You can also fill out the form online and print it out once completed.
        3. Call us at 1-800-675-KERN (5376) ask for customer service.

    2. I have a new service to file or serve. How do I get it to Kern Legal Service, Inc.?
      1. Fax the filing or service to the Kern Legal Service, Inc. office to 1-866-241-0051 or email now.
      2. Overnight your filing or service for a next day filing. (Search for the nearest Kern office to serve your needs {ldelim}this will be a link to the Search for Kern Locations in California{rdelim})

    3. I filled out a work order and no longer need it, how can I cancel it?
      1. You can cancel a work order by contacting Kern Legal Service, Inc. customer service via email
        or call 1-800-675-KERN (5376).

    4. I forgot my password or client #, how can I get it?
      1. You can call Kern Legal Service, Inc. customer service at 1-800-675-KERN (5376) to obtain your client # or password.
      2. You can go online and click forgot password under login.

    5. Can I email a filing or a service of process?
      1. Yes, however your document and the Kern work order must be scanned to one file. Email your documents now!.

    6. What areas do you cover?
      1. We cover all of California and beyond. (Search for the nearest Kern office to serve your needs {ldelim}this will be a link to the Search for Kern Locations in California{rdelim})
        NOTE: it is your responsibility to confirm with the branch office that your documents were received and are able to be prepared for filing or service. If you email original documents for filing Kern Legal Service, Inc. will prepare it as a fax filing.

    7. Do I need a work order for each assignment?
      1. Yes, we require a work order for each assignment. However you may use one work order for more than one document. If you have papers to server you must have a separate work order for each party being served.

    8. What is the difference between Same Day and Priority?
      1. Same Day is received by our deadline and completed by the end of the day.
      2. Priority is received after our deadline or required to be attempted within 3 hours.



  3. Court Questions
    1. Will all California Courts accept fax filings?
      1. Yes. All California Courts accept fax filings as long as they conform to their court rules, with the exception of court appeals and criminal court filings.

    2. Will all Federal Courts accept fax filings?
      1. Most Federal California Courts accept fax filings as long as they conform to their court rules, except where a courts require attorney direct e-filing.

    3. Does the court require the originals?
      1. No. According to California Rules of Court #2007(d) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, including sections 255 and 260 of the Evidence Code, a signature produced by facsimile transmission is an original.

    4. What about exhibit tabs?
      1. Kern Legal Service, Inc. will attach tabs where needed.

    5. Some counties have certain forms on color paper. What do you do?
      1. Kern Legal Service, Inc. will insert any items required by a specific court.

    6. How will I get confirmation that my documents were filed?
      1. Kern Legal Service, Inc. will call, email, or fax your conformed copy back to you depending on the court location.

    7. How do you handle court filing fees?
      1. Kern Legal Service, Inc. will advance any fees for customers in good standing. In cases of extremely large advances (over 600.00) Kern may request immediate reimbursement.

    8. Does Kern Legal Service, Inc. offer any guarantees?
      1. Yes. Kern Legal Service, Inc. guarantees an attempt to file your documents by the court deadline, if received by Kern Legal Service, Inc.’s deadline or the next filing is free. Note: All pages must be received completely and ready to be filed by Kern Legal Service, Inc.’s deadline. The court clerk makes the final decision on whether or not your document is filed

    9. What do you do with the original summons once the court issues it?
      1. As of January 1, 2007, California Superior Courts do not return summons.



  4. Process Questions
    1. Are you able to serve a faxed document?
      1. Yes, we can serve any documents faxed for service of process. However, some courts require the original document(s).

    2. Do you file the proof after service?
      1. We can file proofs of service, however, there is an additional charge of $10.00. Please note that depending upon the location an extended area charges may also apply.

    3. Will you advance witness fees?
      1. Yes, we will advance any witness fees for customers in good standing.

    4. What is the difference between Same Day and Priority?
      1. Same Day is received by our deadline and completed by the end of the day.
      2. Priority is received after our deadline or required to be attempted within 2 hours.



  5. Research Questions
    1. Can you guarantee to obtain my copies?
      1. No, because we do not control the court file and have limited court access.

    2. How do I get my copies once you have obtained them?
      1. You have the choice of fax, mail or overnight delivery. Appropriate fees will apply.

    3. How long does it take to obtain my copies?
      1. It varies on each assignment, but we begin your assignment on the same day we receive the request from your office.

    4. How do you handle large copy assignments?
      1. We request that you give us a page limit to order or copy. Sometimes we may request a not to exceed check for copies, given that some case files can have hundreds or thousands of pages.
 
 
Please call 213.483.4900 or e-mail us if your needs are out of the ordinary and/or if you have any questions.
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Pacific Standard Time - Corporate Tax #20-2821265
All pricing throughout this website is subject to change without notice. Pricing is based for retainer clients within California.

Our Contacts:
Phone: 213 483 4900
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