Search Fresno County Divorce Records

Fresno County maintains divorce decree records through the Superior Court system. The Archives Division houses over one million cases with some dating back to 1860. If you need a copy of your divorce decree, the court can provide certified or plain copies. Members of the public can get copies of non-confidential files by visiting the Archives Department. A picture ID is required to receive any file folder. The Archives is at 1963 E Street in Fresno. The phone number is (559) 457-4903. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to noon. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15. Regular copies are 50 cents per page.

Archives Division

The Fresno County Superior Court Archives Division is the main repository for older court records. According to fresno.courts.ca.gov, the Archives houses over 1 million cases. Some records go back as far as 1860. This makes it one of the most extensive county court archives in California.

The Archives is located at 1963 E Street, Fresno, CA 93706. This is separate from the main courthouse. If you need records from an older divorce case, you will likely need to visit the Archives. The phone number is (559) 457-4903.

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. On Friday, the Archives is open from 8:00 AM to noon. The office is closed on weekends and court holidays. It is a good idea to call ahead to confirm hours before making the trip.

Members of the public can receive copies of non-confidential files. You must bring a picture ID. The court requires identification to access file folders. Staff will retrieve the file you need once you provide the case information.

Getting Divorce Decree Copies

To get a copy of your divorce decree in Fresno County, you need to request it from the court. You can do this in person or by mail. In-person requests are handled at the Archives Division if the case is older, or at the main courthouse if it is a recent case.

When requesting records, provide as much information as possible. This includes the full names of both parties, the date of divorce or case filing, and the case number if known. The more details you give, the faster the court can locate your file.

If you visit in person, bring photo ID. The court staff will search for your case. Once located, you can request specific documents. Divorce decrees, settlement agreements, and other public documents can be copied for you.

For mail requests, send a written letter to the Fresno County Superior Court Archives at 1963 E Street, Fresno, CA 93706. Include all case details, your contact information, and payment. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope so the court can mail your copies back.

Fees and Payment

Fresno County follows the California statewide fee schedule for divorce records. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15 under California Government Code Section 70674. This is the standard fee across most California counties.

Plain copies without certification cost 50 cents per page. If your divorce decree has multiple pages, you will pay 50 cents for each page copied. Certification of other court documents costs $40 per document plus copy fees.

Search fees may apply if the court must look up your case. If a records search takes longer than 10 minutes, the clerk may charge a $15 fee. You can avoid this by providing the case number when you make your request.

Payment should be made by check or money order payable to Fresno County Superior Court. Some locations may accept credit or debit cards for in-person transactions. Ask the clerk's office about payment options before submitting your request.

Recent vs Archived Cases

Fresno County handles recent and older cases differently. Recent divorce cases may be available at the main courthouse. Older cases are transferred to the Archives Division. The court can tell you where your specific case is located.

If you are not sure whether your case is at the courthouse or the Archives, call the Archives at (559) 457-4903. Staff can check the system and tell you where to go. This saves you from visiting the wrong location.

Once a case is archived, all records are stored at the E Street location. You cannot access archived files at the main courthouse. You must go to the Archives or send your request there.

Processing time varies depending on the age of the case and the court's workload. In-person visits usually result in same-day or next-day service if the file is readily available. Mail requests may take several weeks.

Note: Very old records may require special handling or may have limited availability.

Online Case Information

Fresno County Superior Court may offer limited online access to case information. Many California courts provide online case search tools that show basic case details such as case numbers, parties, and filing dates. However, under California law, full divorce case documents are not available remotely.

The California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, prohibit courts from providing remote electronic access to family law case documents. This means you cannot view or download actual divorce decrees online from home. You must visit the courthouse or order copies by mail.

What you may be able to see online is limited to case indexes, calendars, and registers of action. These show when documents were filed and what hearings occurred, but not the actual content of the filings.

To view or get copies of the actual divorce decree and other documents, you need to request them through the court's official channels. This protects privacy in family law cases.

Privacy and Confidentiality

California law protects certain information in divorce cases. While the divorce decree itself is generally a public record, some documents in the case file may be confidential or sealed. This includes financial disclosures, declarations about children, and certain sensitive filings.

If you were a party to the case, you have full access to your own records. If you are requesting someone else's divorce records, the court may redact or withhold confidential information. The clerk will advise you if any restrictions apply to the case you are requesting.

California courts take privacy seriously in family law matters. This is why remote access to full case files is not permitted. The court controls who can see what documents to protect parties and children involved in divorce cases.

California Divorce Law Basics

All California divorces must follow state law. The state requires a six-month waiting period from service of papers until the divorce can be finalized. This is set by California Family Code Section 2339. The court cannot make the divorce final until at least six months have passed.

The divorce decree must specify the date when the judgment becomes final. This requirement is in California Family Code Section 2340. This date is important for legal purposes such as remarriage or name changes.

The court clerk must maintain all divorce judgments in the court records. The clerk also must notify both parties when a judgment is entered. These duties are outlined in California Family Code Section 2338. This ensures proper record keeping and notice to all parties.

Legal Help and Resources

Several resources are available if you need help with divorce records or family law matters in Fresno County. The court may have a self-help center where staff can answer questions about procedures and forms. Check the court's website or call to ask about available services.

Legal aid organizations serve Fresno County residents who meet income requirements. Central California Legal Services provides free legal help to eligible clients. They handle family law cases including divorce. Contact them to see if you qualify.

The State Bar of California offers a lawyer referral service. You can find a family law attorney in Fresno County through their online directory or by calling their referral line. Private attorneys can provide legal advice and representation.

The California Courts website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has guides on getting copies of court records. This is a free state resource with forms and instructions for requesting documents from any California court.

Cities in Fresno County

Fresno County includes the city of Fresno, which has a population over 100,000. Residents of Fresno file for divorce at Fresno County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

Fresno County is in the central San Joaquin Valley. It borders several counties, each with its own Superior Court system.