Kings County Divorce Decree Search

Kings County divorce decree records are maintained by the Superior Court in Hanford. The courthouse at 1640 Kings County Drive handles all family law cases for the county. If you need a copy of your divorce decree, you can request it from the court clerk. The phone number is (559) 582-1010. The court provides certified and plain copies of divorce records. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15. Public agencies pay $10. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. You can get records in person at the courthouse or by sending a written request through the mail. Kings County is in the San Joaquin Valley with Hanford as the county seat.

Courthouse Location

The Kings County Superior Court is located at 1640 Kings County Drive in Hanford, California 93230. Hanford is the county seat. This is the main courthouse for Kings County. All divorce cases are filed and maintained at this location.

The court phone number is (559) 582-1010. Court hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hours may change on holidays or for special court closures. It is best to call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

Kings County is located in the central San Joaquin Valley. The courthouse in Hanford serves all county residents. This is the primary location for all court records including divorce decrees and family law documents.

When you visit the courthouse, go to the clerk's office. Tell them you need a copy of a divorce decree. Bring photo identification with you. The clerk will need information about your case to locate the file in the court system.

Getting Your Divorce Decree

To get a copy of your divorce decree, you can request it in person or by mail. In-person requests are usually handled faster. The clerk can search for your case while you wait and tell you what documents are available. Once the file is located, you can request copies.

Provide complete information about your case. This includes the full legal names of both parties, the date of divorce or filing, and the case number if you have it. The case number is the most helpful piece of information for locating your file quickly.

If you visit in person, bring a valid photo ID. The court may require identification to verify your identity, especially if you are requesting your own divorce records. Once the case is found, tell the clerk which documents you need and whether you want them certified.

For mail requests, write to Kings County Superior Court at 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. Address your letter to the Clerk's Office. Include all case details, your contact information, and payment. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope so the court can mail your copies back to you.

Fees and Costs

Kings County follows the California statewide fee schedule. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15 for most requesters. This fee is set by California Government Code Section 70674. The $15 fee covers the certification and the divorce decree itself.

Public agencies pay a reduced rate of $10 for certified copies of dissolution records. This is also set by state law. If you are requesting on behalf of a government agency, you may qualify for this lower fee. You will need to provide proof of your agency status.

Plain copies without certification cost 50 cents per page. If your divorce decree has multiple pages, each page costs 50 cents. Certification of other court documents, such as orders or agreements, costs $40 per document plus copy fees.

Search fees may apply if the court must look up your case. If a search takes more than 10 minutes, the fee is $15. You can avoid this by providing the case number when you make your request. Search fees are in addition to copy and certification fees.

Payment should be made by check or money order payable to Kings County Superior Court. Some locations may accept credit or debit cards for in-person payments. Ask the clerk's office about accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing your request.

Mail Request Guidelines

To request divorce records by mail, send a written letter to the court. Write to Kings County Superior Court, 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. Address it to the attention of the Clerk's Office or Records Department.

Your written request should include:

• Full legal names of both parties in the divorce
• Date of divorce or case filing date
• Case number if available
• Which documents you need
• Whether you need certified or plain copies
• Your mailing address and phone number

Calculate the fees for what you are requesting. Include payment with your request. Use a check or money order made out to Kings County Superior Court. If you are unsure of the total cost, call the court first to ask.

Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for the court to return your documents. Processing time for mail requests varies depending on the court's workload. Allow several weeks for your request to be processed.

Understanding Your Decree

A divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. In California, it is called a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. The decree states that the marriage is dissolved. It gives the effective date when the dissolution becomes final. This date is important for legal purposes like remarriage.

The decree may include terms about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Some divorce decrees are brief if the parties agreed on everything. Others are longer with detailed provisions about finances and children.

You need a certified copy for most official uses. Government agencies, banks, and other institutions typically require the court seal. A certified copy is a legal document that proves the divorce is final. A plain copy is good for personal reference but may not be accepted for official transactions.

The divorce case file contains more than just the final decree. It may include the petition, response, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and other documents filed during the case. You can request any public documents from the file. Some may be confidential or sealed.

Privacy and Public Access

California law protects certain information in family law cases. Under the California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, courts may not provide remote electronic access to divorce case files. This means you cannot view full case documents online from home.

Courts may provide limited information online such as case numbers and hearing dates. But actual court documents are only available at the courthouse or by ordering copies through the clerk's office. This protects privacy in sensitive family matters.

Some documents in divorce files are confidential. Financial disclosures and certain declarations may be sealed or restricted. The court clerk will tell you if any documents in the case you are requesting have limited access.

If you were a party to the divorce, you have full access to your own records. If you are not a party, you may still be able to get copies of public documents, but confidential information may be redacted.

Note: Most divorce decrees themselves are public records.

California Divorce Law

All California divorces must follow state law. California requires a six-month waiting period before a divorce becomes final. This is set by California Family Code Section 2339. The six months begin when the respondent is served with papers or appears in court, whichever comes first.

Every divorce decree must state the date it becomes final. This requirement is in California Family Code Section 2340. This date is important for legal matters like remarriage or updating government records.

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

Kings County follows all California state laws for divorce. The procedures are the same as in other California counties.

State Records Limitations

The California Department of Public Health keeps limited divorce information. According to cdph.ca.gov, they only have records for divorces filed between 1962 and June 1984. They do not have actual divorce decrees.

What the state provides is a Certificate of Record. This shows basic information like names, filing date, county, and case number. It does not show if the divorce was finalized or include any terms of the divorce. It is not the same as a divorce decree.

For actual divorce decrees, you must contact the Superior Court in the county where the divorce took place. For Kings County divorces, that means contacting the courthouse in Hanford. The court has the complete file including the final judgment.

Processing time for state vital records can exceed six months. It is much faster to get records directly from the county court.

Legal Help Resources

If you need help with divorce records or family law matters, resources are available. 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.

Legal aid organizations may provide free services if you meet income requirements. Central California Legal Services serves Kings County. They assist with family law cases for eligible clients. Contact them to see if you qualify for help.

The State Bar of California offers a lawyer referral service. You can find a family law attorney in Kings County through their website or phone line. Private attorneys can provide legal advice and representation for a fee.

The Kings County Superior Court may have self-help information available. Ask the clerk's office what resources they offer to help people navigate the court system.

Nearby Counties

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