Kings County Family Court

Kings County Superior Court is the place to file all family law cases in this Central Valley county. The court processes divorce, legal separation, custody modifications, child support orders, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. Located in Hanford at 1640 Kings County Drive, the courthouse serves Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore, and all unincorporated areas of Kings County. Family law cases are handled by judges assigned to civil matters. Court staff provide information about forms and filing procedures but cannot give legal advice. Call (559) 582-1010 for courthouse information. Family law records are maintained at the courthouse with restrictions on remote viewing under California Rules of Court that limit public online access to family case documents.

Superior Court of Kings County

Kings County Superior Court operates from a single courthouse in Hanford. The address is 1640 Kings County Drive. All family law filings must be submitted at this location. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk's office handles filings and provides copies of court documents. Verify hours before visiting by calling the main court number.

Family law cases go through the civil clerk's office. Bring your completed forms, copies, and filing fee when you come to file. The clerk stamps all documents with a filed date and case number. You need photo ID for most services. Make enough copies before arriving. One set stays with the court, you need copies for service, and keep a set for yourself.

The court website is at www.kings.courts.ca.gov. The site has basic information about the court and links to forms. California Judicial Council forms are used for all family law cases. You can download them from the California Courts website or pick up paper copies at the courthouse. Court staff can tell you which forms are commonly used for different case types but cannot fill them out for you.

How to File

Start by getting the right forms for your case. Divorce requires form FL-100 plus a summons and other documents. Custody modifications use different forms. Child support cases have their own paperwork. The court cannot tell you which forms to use but self-help resources can provide general information about common case types.

Complete all forms before going to the courthouse. Type or print clearly. Make at least three copies of everything. File during business hours at the clerk's office. The first filing in a family law case costs $435. This covers the initial petition or response. Additional motions cost $60 each to file. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask about credit card acceptance.

If you cannot pay the fee, apply for a fee waiver using form FW-001. Attach proof of income like pay stubs or benefit letters. Include a list of monthly expenses. The court reviews applications and grants waivers to people who meet income guidelines. Waivers cover filing fees but not service costs or attorney fees if you later hire a lawyer.

Service of process must happen after you file. You cannot serve papers yourself. Ask an adult friend, hire a process server, or use the sheriff. Service must occur within 60 days of filing in most cases. The person who serves the papers fills out a proof of service form. File that form with the court. Nothing can proceed until proof of service is on file.

Note: To file for divorce in Kings County, at least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Kings County for three months.

Help with Forms and Procedures

Kings County Superior Court provides basic self-help services for people without attorneys. Court staff can answer questions about court procedures and point you to forms. They cannot give legal advice, tell you how to fill out forms, or recommend what to do in your case. They help with process, not strategy.

The California Courts Self-Help website at www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm has extensive resources. You can find videos explaining common procedures, form instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions. Everything is free to use. Materials are available in multiple languages.

Legal aid organizations serve low-income residents of Kings County. Central California Legal Services provides free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Call (800) 675-8001 to speak with an intake worker. They handle family law cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and other matters. Income limits apply based on federal poverty guidelines.

Viewing Court Records

Family law records are kept at the Kings County courthouse in Hanford. California Rules of Court limit what family law records can be viewed online. Most documents must be viewed in person. The court may have a searchable case index on site. Ask the clerk about accessing the public index.

To view records, you need the case number or names of both parties. The clerk can search by name. Provide first and last names for both sides. Some records are sealed or confidential. Adoption records, juvenile files, and documents sealed by court order are not available for public viewing. The clerk will inform you if a record is restricted.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certification adds $40 to the total. Certified copies are required for official purposes like proving your divorce is final or submitting custody orders to a school. Request copies at the clerk's window. Pay when you pick them up. Large copy jobs may take time to prepare. The court can mail copies if you provide payment and postage.

Legal Assistance Options

Central California Legal Services serves Kings County with free legal aid for eligible low-income residents. CCLS handles family law cases including divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence matters. Call (800) 675-8001 for intake. Staff will ask about your income and legal problem. Income limits are based on household size and federal poverty guidelines. Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence or child safety.

The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service at 1-866-442-2529. This service connects you with private attorneys who practice in Kings County or nearby areas. The first 30 minutes costs up to $50. If you hire the attorney for ongoing help, regular fees apply. This is not free legal aid but provides affordable access to legal advice.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, contact the Kings County Victim Services at (559) 582-3211 extension 4800. They provide help with restraining orders, safety planning, and connections to other resources. Services are free and confidential. Advocates can accompany you to court for support during restraining order hearings.

Nearby Counties

If you live near the Kings County border, verify which county has jurisdiction based on residency requirements.