Visalia Divorce Decree Access
Divorce decree records for Visalia are maintained at Tulare County Superior Court. Visalia is the county seat with about 140,000 people. All family law cases including dissolution of marriage are processed through the county court system. The courthouse is at 221 South Mooney Boulevard in Visalia. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $15 for private parties or $10 for public agencies. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. You can request records in person at the courthouse or by mail. The court phone number is (559) 730-5000. Processing time for requests is typically around 15 workdays according to court policy. Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, with a closure for lunch from noon to 1 PM.
Visalia Quick Facts
Tulare County Court in Visalia
Tulare County Superior Court is at 221 South Mooney Boulevard in Visalia. This is the main courthouse for the county. Since Visalia is the county seat, all major court operations are here. Family law matters including divorce cases are filed and processed at this location.
The phone number is (559) 730-5000. Staff can answer questions about fees, documents, and how to request copies of divorce decrees. Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. The court is closed from noon to 1 PM for lunch. The court is also closed on weekends and holidays. If you plan to visit, bring valid photo ID and your case number if you have it.
You can send mail requests to Tulare County Superior Court, 221 South Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93291. Include full names of both parties, the case number if known, and the approximate date of divorce. State whether you need certified or plain copies. Include payment by check or money order payable to Tulare County Superior Court. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail. Processing takes around 15 workdays.
More information is available on the court website. The site has forms, fee schedules, and contact details. Visalia residents rely on this resource for most court-related needs.
Searching for Your Case
Tulare County offers online case search through the court website. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows basic case information like filing date and status. Full documents are not available for remote viewing due to privacy restrictions for family law cases under California law.
The online search is free. You do not pay to look up case details. Under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503, family law records cannot be accessed remotely by the public. You can see case summaries and hearing calendars. To view or get copies of the actual divorce decree, you must contact the court or visit in person.
If you have trouble finding your case online, call the courthouse at (559) 730-5000. Staff can search by name if you do not have the case number. There may be a search fee if the lookup takes more than 10 minutes. Bring as much information as you can to help locate the file quickly.
Fee Schedule
Tulare County follows California state fee guidelines. A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15 for private parties or $10 for public agencies. This is set by California Government Code Section 70674. The fee includes the certification and pages.
Plain copies without certification cost 50 cents per page. If you need other documents certified, such as orders or agreements, the fee is $40 per document plus copy fees. Search fees are $15 if staff need to search by name and it takes over 10 minutes.
You can pay by check, money order, or credit card at the courthouse. Make checks payable to Tulare County Superior Court. For mail requests, include exact payment with your written request. Always verify current fees before sending payment, as costs can change.
Note: Public agencies receive a reduced rate of $10 for certified dissolution records.
Request Copies by Mail
Visalia residents can request divorce decree copies by mail. Send your request to Tulare County Superior Court, 221 South Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93291. Include all case details: full names of both parties, case number if available, and approximate divorce date.
State clearly what type of copy you need. Certified copies are required for legal purposes like remarriage or name changes. Plain copies work for personal use. Calculate the total cost based on what you need. Include exact payment by check or money order. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage.
Processing time is typically 15 workdays. This may be longer if your case is very old or stored off-site. For urgent requests, consider visiting in person or calling ahead to check if your file is readily available before mailing your request.
In-Person Requests in Visalia
Visiting the courthouse in person is often the quickest option. The Tulare County Superior Court is at 221 South Mooney Boulevard in Visalia. Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, with a lunch closure from noon to 1 PM. Arrive early if you need same-day service.
Bring valid photo ID and your case number if you have it. If you do not know the number, staff can search by name. Tell the clerk you need a divorce decree copy and whether it should be certified. You will pay at the counter. Most requests for recent cases are filled the same day or within a few days. Older cases may take longer if the file is in storage.
Parking is available near the courthouse. Look for public parking lots or metered street parking in downtown Visalia. All visitors must pass through security at the entrance. Leave large bags and prohibited items at home to avoid delays. Plan extra time for parking and security during busy hours.
Note: The courthouse closes for lunch from noon to 1 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
Legal Help in Visalia
Legal assistance is available for Visalia residents who need help with divorce matters. The Tulare County Superior Court Self-Help Center offers free help to people without lawyers. Staff can assist with forms and basic court procedures. Call the court at (559) 730-5000 for information on self-help services.
Legal Services of Northern California serves Tulare County including Visalia. They provide free legal aid to low-income residents. They handle family law matters including divorce. Call to see if you qualify. They can offer advice or representation based on your income and case type.
The Tulare County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They connect you with family law attorneys in Visalia. Call the bar association to get matched with a lawyer who handles divorce cases. Some attorneys offer reduced fees for initial consultations. Ask about costs when you schedule an appointment.
Tulare County Divorce Records
Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County. All divorce filings from this city and the entire county go through the Superior Court here. The court handles cases for all cities and unincorporated areas in the county. For more information on county court services, full fee schedules, and related resources, visit the Tulare County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
Visalia is near other cities in the Central Valley. Each files divorce cases at their county Superior Court.