Find Fresno Divorce Records

Fresno divorce decree records are filed with Fresno County Superior Court. Fresno is in Fresno County. All divorce filings for Fresno residents go through the county court system. The courthouse at 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721 handles family law cases. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $15. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. You can request copies in person, by mail, or search for case information online. The court maintains all divorce case files and provides access to records according to California law. Some records are available online while others require a visit to the courthouse.

Fresno County Superior Court

Fresno residents file divorce cases at Fresno County Superior Court. The courthouse is at 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone is (559) 457-4903. This location handles family law cases including divorce, custody, and support matters. The court serves all Fresno County residents and processes thousands of family law cases each year.

The court has records from all divorce cases filed in Fresno County. Staff can help you locate your case file and request copies. You can visit in person, mail a request, or use online services where available. Each method has different processing times and requirements.

For general court information, visit the court website or call (559) 457-4903. The website has forms, filing instructions, and information about court services. Court staff can answer questions about requesting copies of divorce decrees and other documents from your case file.

Requesting Divorce Decrees

You can get certified copies by visiting the courthouse or by mailing a request. For in-person requests, go to the records office at 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721. Bring photo ID and payment. Staff can search for your case and prepare copies. Some requests are filled the same day. Others take longer if the file is off-site.

To request copies by mail, send your request to the records office at 1963 E Street, Fresno, CA 93706. Include full names of both parties, the case number if you have it, approximate divorce date, and which documents you need. State if you need certified or plain copies. Include your contact information and return address.

Payment should be included with mail requests. Make checks or money orders payable to Fresno County Superior Court. A certified divorce decree costs $15. Copy fees are 50 cents per page. If you need other documents certified, the fee is $40 per document in most cases. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage for the court to return your copies.

Processing time for mail requests varies from a few days to several weeks. In-person requests are typically faster. Call ahead if you need copies urgently. If your file is in storage, there may be a retrieval fee and additional processing time.

Online Case Search

Fresno County may provide online case search through the court website. California law limits remote access to family law documents under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503. Courts cannot provide full online access to divorce case files. You can view case summaries and registers of action online, but you cannot download sensitive family law documents remotely.

Use the online search to find your case number if you don't remember it. The case number speeds up copy requests. The online system may show basic case information like filing date, case type, and current status. If online search is not available or you cannot find your case, call the courthouse and staff can help.

The online search is typically free. Some counties charge a small fee for name searches. Check the court website for details about available online services and any associated costs.

Fees and Costs

Fresno County follows California's statewide fee schedule. Certified divorce decrees cost $15 under California Government Code Section 70674. This fee applies specifically to dissolution judgments. Plain copies without certification are 50 cents per page.

Other documents from your case require $40 for certification under Government Code Section 70626. This includes custody orders, settlement agreements, and other court documents. Copy fees of 50 cents per page are added separately. If court staff must search for a case and it takes over 10 minutes, a $15 search fee may apply under state law.

Always confirm current fees before submitting payment as costs can change. The court accepts checks and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted for in-person payments. Some online services accept credit card payment.

Privacy and Access

Family law records have restricted public access under California law. California Rules of Court Rule 2.503 prohibits remote electronic access to divorce case documents. The public can view case indexes and calendars online, but actual documents must be viewed at the courthouse. This protects sensitive personal and financial information in family law cases.

Divorce decrees are public records once the divorce is finalized. Anyone with case information can request a copy. However, some documents in the case file may be sealed or confidential. Financial disclosures, child custody evaluations, and certain settlement documents may have restricted access. The court clerk can explain which records are publicly available and which require special permission.

If you were a party to the divorce, you have the right to access all non-sealed documents in your case file. Third parties may have limited access to certain records. Contact the court if you have questions about record access.

Legal Resources

Fresno County Superior Court has resources to help with family law matters. The court may have a Family Law Facilitator Office or Self-Help Center that provides free assistance with forms and procedures. Staff can help you understand court rules but cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court.

Legal aid organizations serve Fresno County residents who qualify based on income. These organizations provide free legal services for family law matters including divorce. They can offer legal advice, help with paperwork, and court representation for those who meet eligibility requirements. Call to find out if you qualify.

The local county bar association may offer a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with a family law attorney in Fresno who handles divorce cases. Many attorneys offer initial consultations at reduced rates. Some work on payment plans for clients who need help affording legal fees.

Court Location and Hours

The courthouse serving Fresno is at 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone is (559) 457-4903. The courthouse is typically open Monday through Friday during business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and availability of specific services. Parking is usually available near the courthouse.

The courthouse has public access terminals where you can search for cases at no charge. The records office can help with copy requests and answer questions about fees and processing times. Bring photo ID if you plan to request copies of records. Some courthouses require security screening upon entry.

Archives and Old Records

Older divorce cases from Fresno may be stored in archives or off-site storage. If your divorce is several years old, the physical file may no longer be at the main courthouse. The court can retrieve archived files for a fee. Retrieval takes additional time, sometimes several days or weeks.

Call the court to check the status of your case before visiting. If the file is in storage, you can request that it be retrieved. Some courts allow you to order copies without retrieving the entire file. Processing archived records takes longer than accessing current files.

Very old divorce records from many decades ago may be stored differently or have limited information available. The court can tell you what records still exist and how to access them. Some historical records may be maintained by county archives rather than the court.

Nearby Cities

Other cities in Fresno County and nearby areas also file divorce cases through their local Superior Courts.