Clovis Family Court Records
Clovis family court records are maintained at Fresno County Superior Court. All divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases filed by Clovis residents go through the Fresno County court system. Clovis sits just northeast of Fresno with about 120,000 people. It is part of the Fresno metropolitan area. The main courthouse for family law is in downtown Fresno on O Street. All family law filings for Clovis and the surrounding area happen at this location. California law restricts online access to family court documents to protect privacy in sensitive cases. You can check basic case information at the courthouse, but full case files require an in-person visit to see documents and orders.
Clovis Quick Facts
Where Clovis Residents File Family Cases
Clovis residents file family law cases at Fresno County Superior Court in Fresno. The courthouse sits at 1130 O Street in downtown Fresno. This is where you file new cases, attend hearings, and get copies of your records. The courthouse handles all types of family law matters including divorce, legal separation, paternity, custody, support, and domestic violence restraining orders.
The family law self-help center is located at the courthouse. Staff can help you with forms and answer questions about court procedures. They cannot give legal advice, but they can show you which forms to use and where to file them. Call the self-help line at (559) 457-2143 or email SelfHelpFamilyLaw@Fresno.Courts.Ca.Gov for assistance with your family law case.
| Court | Fresno County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1130 O Street Fresno, CA 93721 |
| Phone | (559) 457-2143 |
| SelfHelpFamilyLaw@Fresno.Courts.Ca.Gov | |
| Website | fresno.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law |
The courthouse is in downtown Fresno about 10 miles west of Clovis. You can drive there in about 15 minutes. Parking is available in lots near the courthouse. Public transit serves the area via FAX bus routes. Security checks all bags at the entrance. Bring valid photo ID when you visit. The self-help center can direct you to the right department once you are inside the building.
Accessing Family Court Records in Clovis
Family court records for Clovis cases are stored at the Fresno County courthouse. You can search for case information by visiting the courthouse in person. Full family law documents are not available online. California Rules of Court protect the privacy of family law cases by limiting remote access.
The clerk office can search for your case by name or case number. If you do not have the case number, bring both parties' names and the year the case was filed. The clerk pulls the file and tells you what documents are in it. You can order copies of public documents from the file. Some records may be sealed or confidential and cannot be released without a court order.
Copy fees are 50 cents per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost $25 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. If you need many pages, ask for an estimate before placing your order. Payments are accepted at the clerk window by cash, check, or card.
Filing for Divorce in Clovis
To file for divorce in Clovis, you must meet California residency requirements. One spouse must have lived in California for six months. That same spouse must have lived in Fresno County for three months. If you meet these rules, you can file at Fresno County Superior Court.
California is a no-fault divorce state. You do not need to prove wrongdoing. You simply state that you have irreconcilable differences. This means the marriage cannot be saved. The court does not ask why. Most divorces in Clovis use this ground.
Start by filling out a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage on form FL-100. You also file a Summons, which is form FL-110. If you have minor children, you add form FL-105. File these forms at the courthouse on O Street in Fresno. The filing fee is $435. After filing, you must serve your spouse with copies. You cannot serve them yourself. Hire a process server or use the sheriff. Proof of service must be filed with the court.
California requires a six-month waiting period. The court cannot finalize your divorce until six months pass from the date your spouse was served. During that time, you can file motions for temporary orders on custody, support, or use of property. If both spouses agree on all terms, you can file a stipulated judgment after the waiting period. If you disagree, the case goes to a hearing or trial.
Once the judge signs the final judgment, your divorce is complete. The judgment becomes part of the public record. You can get certified copies from the clerk at any time. The judgment includes all orders on property, custody, and support. These orders remain in effect unless you file a motion to modify them later.
Note: Simple divorces in Clovis take six to nine months when both parties agree on all terms.
Fresno County Family Court Fees
Family court fees for Clovis cases are set by Fresno County. The first filing fee for divorce or legal separation is $435. Motions to modify custody or support cost $60. Default judgment motions also cost $60. Check with the clerk for current fees, as amounts can change.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver. Fill out form FW-001 and file it with the court. The judge reviews your income and expenses. If you qualify, the court waives the filing fee and copy fees. You still must pay for service of process and other costs outside the court's control. Fee waiver forms are available at courts.ca.gov.
Legal Help for Clovis Residents
Legal aid is available for Clovis residents who need help with family court cases. Central California Legal Services serves Fresno County and provides free legal help to people who qualify based on income. They handle divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases. Call (800) 675-8001 to see if you qualify. Their website is centralcallegal.org.
The Fresno County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. The California State Bar also has a statewide referral line at 1-800-392-5660. The family law self-help center at the Fresno County courthouse can also answer questions about forms and procedures. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find the right forms and tell you where to file them.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Clovis
You can file your own family court case without a lawyer. This is called filing pro se. Many Clovis residents do this when both parties agree on all terms. It works best in simple cases with no disputes over property or children.
California Courts has a self-help website at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp. It has step-by-step guides for divorce, custody, and support cases. All state forms are free to download. The site also has videos that explain how to fill out each form. Fresno County may have local forms you need as well. Check the court website for local rules and forms.
The self-help center at the Fresno County courthouse can assist you. Staff cannot fill out forms for you, but they can show you which forms to use and review your completed forms for errors. The center is open during court hours. Walk-ins are welcome. Arrive early if you need help before filing your papers that day.
Fresno County Family Court Records
Clovis is part of Fresno County. All family law cases for Clovis residents are filed at Fresno County Superior Court. The county court serves the entire county including the city of Fresno and surrounding areas. For more on Fresno County family court locations, fee schedules, and legal resources, visit the Fresno County family court records page.