Madera County Divorce Records

Divorce decree records in Madera County are handled by the Superior Court. The courthouse is at 200 South G Street in Madera. This is where all family law cases get filed and processed. You can get copies of your divorce decree from this location. The court keeps files for all cases in the county. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $15. Plain copies cost 50 cents per page. You need to provide the case number or names of both parties when you request records. The court charges $5 per name if a search is needed. Mail requests are accepted. In-person visits work too. Court hours are Monday through Friday during business days.

Court Contact Information

The Madera County Superior Court is located at 200 South G Street, Madera, CA 93637. This court handles all divorce cases for residents of Madera County. The phone number is (559) 416-5599. Staff can tell you if your case is on file. They can also explain what you need to get copies.

When you call or visit, have your case number ready if you know it. If not, give them the full names of both parties to the divorce and the year the case was filed. This helps staff find your case faster. Court staff cannot give legal advice but they can answer questions about procedures and fees.

The court is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. It is best to call ahead if you plan to visit in person. Some services may have specific hours or require appointments. Check with the court before making a trip to the courthouse.

According to the California Courts directory, Madera County has one main courthouse location. All family law records are maintained at this facility. There are no branch locations for divorce records in this county.

How to Get Copies

You can request divorce decree copies in person or by mail. For in-person requests, go to the courthouse at 200 South G Street. Bring photo ID. Tell the clerk what documents you need. Pay the fees and you may get copies the same day if the file is available.

For mail requests, send a written letter to Madera County Superior Court at the address above. Include the case number or full names of both parties. State what documents you want. Say if you need certified copies or plain copies. Include a check or money order for the fees.

Your request should list your contact information and return address. The court will mail the copies to you once they process your request. Processing time varies based on workload and whether the file is readily available or in storage.

Name search fees are $5 per name according to research on Madera County court fees. This fee applies when you do not have the case number. The court must search its records to locate your case. Once found, copy fees apply on top of the search fee.

Fee Structure

Madera County follows California state law for court fees. A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15. This is set by California Government Code Section 70674. The fee includes the certification and the document itself.

If you need additional pages copied, the cost is 50 cents per page. Certifying other documents from your case file, such as orders or agreements, costs $40 per document plus copy fees. Plain copies without certification are 50 cents per page.

Search fees of $5 per name apply when the court must look up your case. This happens when you do not provide a case number. Always try to find your case number before requesting records. It saves time and money.

Payment methods include cash, check, or money order. For mail requests, send a check or money order made payable to Madera County Superior Court. Do not send cash through the mail. Confirm current fees with the court before sending payment as fees can change.

What Records Include

A divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. It states the date the divorce became final. It lists the names of both parties. It may include terms about property division, child custody, and support. Not all decrees have the same information. It depends on what was decided in your case.

You can request other documents from your case file too. Settlement agreements show what both parties agreed to. Orders of support detail child or spousal support amounts. Custody orders explain parenting arrangements. Each document can be copied separately.

The court keeps all documents filed in your case. If you need a complete file, ask for it. The clerk can tell you how many pages are in the file. This helps you estimate copy costs before you order.

Online Access Options

California courts have limits on online access to family law records. According to selfhelp.courts.ca.gov, you can view case information at the courthouse but full records may not be available online due to privacy rules. Some basic case information like case numbers and hearing dates may be searchable online. Full documents usually require an in-person visit or mail request.

Each county sets its own online services. Some have case search tools. Others do not. Contact Madera County Superior Court to ask what is available online for your case. Staff can tell you if any documents can be ordered electronically or if you must come in person.

If online services are limited, you still have options. Call the court and ask them to look up your case. They can confirm it exists and tell you what documents are on file. Then you can decide what copies you need and submit a request by mail or in person.

Note: Remote electronic access to family law records is restricted under California Rules of Court.

Privacy and Access Rules

Divorce records are court records, but some information is confidential. Financial details, child information, and personal data may be sealed or redacted. When you request records, the court provides what is legally available to you.

If you were a party to the divorce, you have access to your own case file. If you are not a party, some records may be restricted. The court clerk can tell you what is available based on your relationship to the case.

California law protects certain information in family law cases. This includes social security numbers, addresses of protected parties, and details about minor children. These restrictions help protect privacy while still allowing access to court records.

Legal Resources in Madera County

If you need help with a divorce or family law matter, resources are available. The Superior Court may have a self-help center. Call (559) 416-5599 to ask about services. Self-help centers offer free assistance with forms and procedures. Staff cannot give legal advice but they can help you understand the process.

Legal aid organizations serve low-income residents. Central California Legal Services may be able to help if you qualify. They handle family law cases including divorce. Contact them to see if you meet their income guidelines.

The State Bar of California runs a lawyer referral service. You can find a family law attorney in Madera County through their system. Private attorneys charge fees for their services. Initial consultations may be low cost or free. Ask about fees when you call.

The California Courts self-help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has guides and forms. You can learn about court procedures and download forms for free. This resource helps people who represent themselves in court.

Nearby Counties

Madera County is near several other California counties. Each has its own Superior Court for divorce cases.