Madera County Family Court

Madera County Superior Court is the place to file all family law cases in this Central California county. The court processes divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and paternity actions. Located at 200 South "G" Street in the city of Madera, the courthouse serves residents throughout Madera County. Family law matters are heard by judges assigned to civil cases. Court staff provide forms and basic procedural information but cannot offer legal advice. Call (559) 416-5520 for courthouse information. Records for family court cases are maintained at the courthouse and must be viewed in person due to California court rules that limit remote access to family law documents for privacy protection.

Superior Court Operations

Madera County Superior Court operates from one main courthouse at 200 South "G" Street in Madera. All family law cases must be filed at this location. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk's office may close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours if you need to visit during the middle of the day.

Family law filings are handled at the civil clerk's window. Bring your completed forms, copies, and filing fee when you visit. The clerk stamps all documents with a filed date and case number. Photo ID is required for most services. Make copies of everything before arriving. The court keeps the originals. You need copies for service and for your own files. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask about credit card payment options.

The court website is at www.madera.courts.ca.gov. The site has general information about the court and links to California Judicial Council forms. All family law cases use standard statewide forms. You can download them from the California Courts website or get copies at the courthouse. Staff can point you to commonly used forms but cannot complete them for you.

Filing Family Law Cases

To file a family law case in Madera County, you need the right forms for your case type. Divorce and legal separation start with form FL-100 and a summons. Custody modifications use different forms. Child support cases have their own paperwork. The California Courts website at www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm has all forms with instructions. You can also get forms at the courthouse.

Complete all forms before visiting the clerk's office. Type or print clearly. Make at least three copies of every document. File your originals and copies during business hours. The filing fee for the first paper in a family law case is $435. This covers the initial petition or response. Additional motions cost $60 to file. Bring cash or check for fees.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, submit a fee waiver application using form FW-001. Attach proof of income and expenses. This includes pay stubs, benefit statements, or tax returns. The court reviews applications and grants waivers to people who meet state income guidelines. Approved waivers cover filing fees but not service costs or attorney fees if you hire a lawyer.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all documents. Service is official delivery by someone other than you. Use a process server, sheriff, or an adult friend who is not involved in your case. Service must occur within 60 days of filing. The person who serves papers completes a proof of service form. File this form with the court. Nothing can happen in your case until proof of service is on file.

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

Getting Help with Forms

Madera County Superior Court provides self-help services for people without attorneys. Court staff can answer questions about procedures and point you to the right forms. They cannot give legal advice, tell you what to write on forms, or recommend what action to take. They help with process and requirements, not legal strategy.

The California Courts Self-Help website has extensive resources at www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm. You can watch videos about common procedures, read step-by-step guides, and find answers to frequently asked questions. All materials are free. Resources are available in multiple languages including English and Spanish.

Legal aid organizations may serve Madera County residents who qualify based on income. Central California Legal Services provides free legal help in family law cases. Call (800) 675-8001 to speak with an intake worker. They will ask about your household income and legal issue to determine eligibility. Income limits are based on federal poverty guidelines and household size.

Accessing Court Records

Family law case records are kept at the Madera County courthouse. California Rules of Court limit online access to family law documents. Most records must be viewed in person. The court may have a case index you can search 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 if you do not have the case number. Provide first and last names. Some records are confidential or sealed. Adoption records, certain juvenile files, and documents sealed by court order cannot be viewed without permission. The clerk will tell you if a record is restricted.

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

Legal Assistance Resources

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

The State Bar of California lawyer referral service can connect you with private attorneys who practice in Madera County. Call 1-866-442-2529 for referral information. Initial consultations cost up to $50 for 30 minutes. Regular attorney fees apply if you hire the lawyer for ongoing help. This is not free legal aid but provides access to legal advice at reduced initial cost.

Domestic violence victims can contact the Madera County Victim Services at (559) 675-7866. They provide help with restraining orders, safety planning, and referrals to other resources. Services are free and confidential. Advocates can accompany you to court for support during restraining order hearings. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Nearby Counties

Residents near county lines should check which county has jurisdiction based on where they live. Residency requirements must be met before filing.