Judge Donald B. Griffith: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Kern County Superior Court, Department - Division B

Appointed By: Gov. Gavin C. Newsom

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Donald B. Griffith is a judge for the Kern County Superior Court in California[1]. Griffith was elected to the bench on March 5, 2024, and was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom on May 3, 2024, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Stephen Schuett[2].

His assignments have included family law matters, including divorce, child custody and support, domestic partnerships, paternity, adoptions, and domestic violence restraining orders[3].

Educational background

Griffith earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Fullerton[4]. At California Southern Law School, he completed a J.D. in 1992[4]. Before entering the legal profession, Griffith spent nine years as a middle school teacher, including at Palm Desert Middle School. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (1992)[4].

Career history

After graduating from law school, Griffith began his legal career as an associate at McLaughlin, Burford & Arias (1993 to 1994). At the outset of his practice, he handled personal injury and insurance defense matters before shifting to family law[3]. Following that role, he joined the Law Office of Anthony C. Caronna (1994 to 1995) in Riverside County, California. In 1995, Griffith opened a solo practice in the Coachella Valley and continued there until 2021, focusing on family law[3]. During that period, his work also included service on the family law mediation panel in Riverside County and as a judge pro tem in domestic relations cases there[5]. In 2008, Griffith served as president of the Desert Bar Association Board of Trustees[5]. He became a board-certified family law specialist in 2014[3]. In 2022, Griffith was appointed a commissioner for the Kern County Superior Court[2].

Personal life

Outside the courtroom, Griffith served as a trustee for Trustee Area 2 on the Desert Sands Unified School District Board of Education. He was appointed to the board in 2008. Griffith was re-elected in 2014 for a term that ended in 2018[4]. He also served as board president and was a member of the Washington Charter School Governing Board.

In his personal life, Griffith's wife, Donna, served as mayor pro tem of the Indian Wells City Council. They have one son.

Griffith is registered as a Republican[4].

References

[1] California Courts — Judges Roster
[2] Governor of California Press Release (May 3, 2024)
[3] Bakersfield Paralegal — Judge Griffith
[4] Ballotpedia — Donald B. Griffith
[5] Riverside Lawyer Magazine (December 2008)

Recent Cases by Hon. Donald B. Griffith

DemondDRE Owens v. Kaih Hill (B)

On February 18, 2026 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Feb 18, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 21, 2026

Jeimi De Jesus Donis v. Roberto Talavera (D)

On January 23, 2026 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Jan 23, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2026

Nerissa Yvette Bravo v. Ant'Juan Shell (B)

On December 29, 2025 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Dec 29, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2026

Magie H. Flores v. Alexander Casique (B)

On December 24, 2025 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Dec 24, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 24, 2026

Sage Hall v. Melissa Heredia (B)

On November 4, 2025 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Nov 04, 2025

Status

Non-Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 24, 2026

Jeremy Payne v. Harley Hulsey (B)

On November 3, 2025 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Nov 03, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 23, 2026

Victor Manuel Lopez v. Nancy R. Lucero

On September 30, 2025 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 30, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 20, 2026

Sergio Merino v. Perrla Angelica Gonzales (B)

On September 29, 2025 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 29, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 19, 2026

Jennifer Cristina Velez v. Jhosue David Velez Huerta (B)

On September 29, 2025 a family case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 29, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Family

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 19, 2026

HERNANDEZ MENDIETA VS BAHENA VALLE (B)

On September 25, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 25, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 26, 2025

BOLTON VS BOLTON (B)

On September 25, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 25, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 25, 2025

ESPINOSA VS LOPEZ(B)

On September 25, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 25, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 26, 2025

GARCIA VS FELIX(B)

On September 24, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 24, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 25, 2025

OWEN VS OWEN (B)

On September 24, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 24, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 25, 2025

SINGH VS KAUR(B)

On September 23, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 23, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 23, 2025

FELIX VS FELIX(B)

On September 23, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 23, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 24, 2025

CECIL VS CECIL (B)

On September 22, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 22, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 23, 2025

KHAN VS KHAN (B)

On September 22, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 22, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 23, 2025

VILLALTA VS ARNUADA CHAIDEZ (B)

On September 19, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 19, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 19, 2025

DAVIS VS FOREMAN-DAVIS (B)

On September 19, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 19, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 20, 2025

EUSQUIANO VS EUSQUIANO(B)

On September 19, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 19, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 20, 2025

MILLAN VS GONZALEZ

On September 18, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 18, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 19, 2025

CARRERA MANRIQUE VS ROMERO (B)

On September 18, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

Filed

Sep 18, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 19, 2025

LUKER VS LUKER(B)

On September 17, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Donald B. Griffith presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 17, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Donald B. Griffith 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donald B. Griffith

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 18, 2025

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About

Donald B. Griffith
Party Affiliation Republican	Republican
Current Appointment Kern County Superior Court, Department - Division B	Kern County Superior Court, Department - Division B
Election/Appointment March 5, 2024 - Kern County Superior Court	March 5, 2024 - Kern County Superior Court
Education J.D., California Southern Law School - 1992 Bachelor's degree, California State University, Fullerton	J.D., California Southern Law School - 1992 Bachelor's degree, California State University, Fullerton
Official Website www.kern.courts.ca.gov	www.kern.courts.ca.gov

Documents related to Donald B. Griffith

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - Kern County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (661) 610-6000

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Sole Practitioner	Private Practice	None
Commissioner	Kern County Superior Court	Kern County, California
Judge	Kern County Superior Court	Kern County, California
Associate	McLaughlin, Burford & Arias	None
Associate	Law Office of Anthony C. Caronna	Riverside County, California