Fresno Family Law Records
Family court records for Fresno are kept at the Fresno County Superior Court. Fresno is the fifth largest city in California with about 545,000 people. It is also the county seat of Fresno County. All family law cases like divorce, child custody, and support go through the county court system in Fresno. You can search for case info at the courthouse or contact the clerk office for help finding records. The court keeps files on all family law filings and makes most of them open to the public. Some records are sealed or limited by law, but you can see case indexes and basic info for most family court cases in Fresno. Full documents require an in-person visit under California law.
Fresno Quick Facts
Fresno Family Law Courthouse
Fresno residents file family law cases at the Fresno County Superior Court. The main courthouse is at 1130 O Street in downtown Fresno. This is where all family law matters are handled for the city and the county. You file new cases here. You get forms. You pick up copies of records.
The courthouse handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders. Clerk staff can answer basic questions about filing. They cannot give legal advice. If you need help with your case, ask about the self-help center. Call (559) 457-2143 for general info on family law cases in Fresno.
| Court | Fresno County Superior Court - Family Law Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 1130 O Street Fresno, CA 93721 |
| Phone | (559) 457-2143 |
| Self-Help Email | SelfHelpFamilyLaw@Fresno.Courts.Ca.Gov |
| Website | fresno.courts.ca.gov |
Parking is available near the courthouse. Some lots charge a fee. Street parking has meters. Bring change or use a parking app. Security checks all bags at the entrance. Bring a photo ID. Leave large bags at home if you can. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for Fresno family law matters.
How to Access Fresno Family Court Records
Fresno County does not have a public online portal for family law cases. You must visit the courthouse or call the clerk office to search for records. Bring the names of both parties or the case number if you have it. Staff can look up the case and tell you what is in the file for Fresno family law records.
Under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503, family law records are not available for remote online viewing. You can see registers of actions, calendars, and case indexes at the courthouse. To read petitions, declarations, or court orders, you must visit in person. This rule applies to all family law cases in Fresno and across California.
If you need copies, ask the clerk for the documents you want. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the seal. Most people use certified copies when they need proof for another legal matter. Plain copies work for your own files in Fresno family law cases.
Call (559) 457-2143 if you have questions about how to search for records. Staff can tell you what info you need to bring and what fees you will pay. They can also tell you if a case is sealed or restricted in Fresno.
Self-Help Center in Fresno
Fresno County runs a Family Law Self-Help Center at the courthouse. It is free. You do not need an appointment. Walk in any weekday during business hours. Staff can help you fill out forms, explain court procedures, and answer questions about family law in Fresno.
The center does not give legal advice. They cannot tell you what to do in your case. But they can show you which forms to use and where to file them. They have workshops on divorce, custody, and support. Send an email to SelfHelpFamilyLaw@Fresno.Courts.Ca.Gov to ask about the schedule. Some workshops are in English and Spanish for Fresno residents.
You can get forms online at fresno.courts.ca.gov. Print them at home or pick up copies at the courthouse. Most forms are from the California Judicial Council. A few are local to Fresno County. The self-help center can tell you which forms you need for your type of case in Fresno.
Free Legal Help in Fresno
Several groups serve Fresno residents who need help with family law cases. Most focus on people with low income. Some require you to meet income limits. These groups can help you understand your rights and prepare for court.
Central California Legal Services has an office in Fresno. They help with divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Call (800) 675-8001 to see if you qualify. They serve all of Fresno County. Their website is centralcallegal.org. They focus on cases that involve domestic violence or children.
The State Bar of California runs a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 to get a referral to a family law attorney in Fresno. The first meeting may cost a fee, but it is usually lower than the normal rate. After that, you can hire the lawyer or look for someone else to help with your Fresno family law case.
The Fresno County Bar Association also has a referral line. Call (559) 264-2619 to get a list of local attorneys who practice family law in Fresno. They can match you with a lawyer based on your case type and location.
Steps to File a Family Law Case in Fresno
You must live in California for six months before you file for divorce or legal separation. You also need to live in Fresno County for at least three months. If you moved to Fresno from another county, you must wait until you meet the three-month rule. Once you do, you can file at the Fresno courthouse.
Start by picking the right forms. Dissolution of marriage is the legal term for divorce in California. The main form is FL-100. You also file a summons and other papers. The self-help center can give you a list of what you need. Fill out the forms. Sign them. Make copies. File the originals with the clerk and pay the $435 fee in Fresno family law cases.
You can ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay. Fill out form FW-001. Attach proof of income. The judge will decide if you qualify. Many Fresno residents get waivers approved. It depends on your income and how many people live in your home.
After you file, you must serve the other party. You cannot do it yourself. Ask a friend, hire a process server, or use the sheriff. Proof of service gets filed with the court in Fresno. The other person has 30 days to respond. If they do not, you can ask for a default. If they do respond, you move to the next steps like hearings or settlement talks in Fresno cases.
Child custody and support cases use different forms but follow the same basic process. You file. You serve. You wait for a response. Then the court may set a hearing to make temporary orders. Final orders come at the end when you settle or the judge rules on all issues in Fresno.
Fresno Family Court Fees
The first filing fee is $435 for divorce, legal separation, or annulment. That is a state fee and applies to Fresno and all other California cities. If you file a motion or request for order after the case starts, you pay $60. That covers things like asking to change custody or support in Fresno cases.
Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the seal. If the clerk search takes more than 10 minutes, you may pay an extra $15 fee. Call (559) 457-2143 to ask about current fees before you go to the courthouse for Fresno records.
Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income. Fill out form FW-001 and file it with your case. The judge will review your request and decide if you can proceed without paying fees in Fresno.
Note: Fees are set by the state and may change over time.
Other Fresno County Cities
Fresno is the largest city in Fresno County. All cities in the county use the same court system for family law cases. If you live near Fresno or need info on a nearby city, these links may help.
Both cities file at the same courthouse in Fresno, so procedures and fees are the same.
Fresno County Family Court Records
Fresno is both a city and the county seat of Fresno County. The county serves nearly 1 million people. All family law cases are handled at the courthouse in Fresno. For more details on county procedures, forms, and legal resources, visit the Fresno County page.