Fresno County Divorce Records
What Are Fresno County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Fresno County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, and contain information pertaining to divorce proceedings, judgments, and related court orders. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, a judgment of dissolution of marriage restores the parties to the status of unmarried persons.
Divorce records typically include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response to petition
- Financial disclosures
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Property division agreements
- Final judgment of dissolution
The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno maintains these records as part of its statutory obligation under California Government Code § 68150, which requires courts to preserve judicial records.
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno - Family Law Division
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 457-2000
Family Law Division
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Are Fresno County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Fresno County are generally considered public records in accordance with California Government Code § 6250-6270, also known as the California Public Records Act. Members of the public may access these records, with certain limitations established by law to protect privacy interests.
The public status of divorce records is subject to the following conditions:
- Basic information about divorce cases, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is publicly accessible
- Detailed financial information may be redacted or sealed
- Cases involving minors may have restricted access
- Records containing sensitive personal information may be partially redacted
- Cases with domestic violence concerns may have confidentiality protections
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, certain records may be sealed by court order upon showing of good cause. The court balances the public's right to access with individual privacy concerns as mandated by California Family Code § 2024.6, which provides for the confidentiality of financial information in family law proceedings.
Interested parties seeking divorce records may submit requests through the County of Fresno Public Records Request system or visit the courthouse in person.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Fresno County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Fresno County may utilize several methods established by the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno. The following procedures are available for locating divorce records:
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Visit the Family Law Division of the Superior Court in person:
- Bring the case number if available
- Provide names of parties involved and approximate date of filing
- Present valid government-issued identification
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Submit a written request to the court clerk:
- Include case number or names of parties
- Specify the documents requested
- Enclose appropriate fees for copies
- Provide return address for mailed copies
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Utilize the court's online case information system for basic case information
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno - Records Department
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees pursuant to Government Code § 70627, which authorizes courts to charge for copies of records. Current fees are $0.50 per page for standard copies and $15.00 for certified copies of judgments.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Fresno County Online?
The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno provides electronic access to case information through its online portal. This system allows members of the public to search for divorce cases filed within the county. The online search capabilities include:
- Case number searches
- Name searches for parties involved
- Date range filtering options
- Case type filtering (dissolution, legal separation, nullity)
To access divorce records online, interested parties may:
- Visit the Superior Court's case information portal
- Accept the terms of use agreement
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review the basic case information provided
It is important to note that pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, only limited information is available online. The online system provides:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys
- Hearing dates and times
- Register of actions (list of documents filed)
- Case status information
Complete case documents are not available for download through the online system in accordance with privacy protections established under California Rules of Court. For full document access, individuals must visit the courthouse in person or submit a formal records request.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Fresno County?
Members of the public may access certain divorce record information in Fresno County without payment of fees through several established channels. The following methods provide free access to basic divorce record information:
- Public access terminals located at the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno allow free viewing of non-confidential case information
- The court's online case information system provides basic case details at no charge
- In-person inspection of non-sealed court files at the courthouse is available without a viewing fee
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno - Family Law Division
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 457-2000
Family Law Division
Public terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
While basic access is provided without charge, fees apply for the following services pursuant to Government Code § 70627:
- Printed copies of documents ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies of judgments ($15.00 per document)
- Research assistance from court staff ($15.00 per name/case for searches exceeding 10 minutes)
Individuals with financial hardship may apply for fee waivers under Government Code § 68631 by submitting Form FW-001 to the court.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Fresno County
Divorce records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2100-2113, these records include mandatory disclosures and filings that document the legal termination of marriage. Standard components of Fresno County divorce records include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100)
- Summons (Form FL-110)
- Response to Petition (Form FL-120), if filed
- Declaration of Disclosure (Forms FL-140, FL-142, FL-150)
- Marital Settlement Agreement, if applicable
- Judgment of Dissolution (Form FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (Form FL-190)
Additional documents that may be included:
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support calculations and orders
- Spousal support determinations
- Property division judgments
- Domestic violence restraining orders, if applicable
- Name change orders
The completeness of records varies by case, with contested divorces typically generating more extensive documentation than uncontested proceedings. All records are maintained in accordance with Government Code § 68152, which establishes retention requirements for court documents.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Fresno County?
Individuals requiring legal verification of divorce in Fresno County may obtain certified copies of divorce judgments through established procedures. Pursuant to California Evidence Code § 1530, certified copies of public records are admissible as evidence and serve as official proof of divorce. To obtain certified proof of divorce:
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Submit a written request to the Family Law Division of the Superior Court:
- Include case number if known
- Provide full names of both parties
- Indicate date of divorce judgment (approximate if unknown)
- Enclose the certification fee of $15.00 per document
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Visit the courthouse in person with the above information and payment
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno - Family Law Division
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 457-2000
Family Law Division
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
For divorces finalized after January 1, 1980, certified copies may also be obtained from the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records by submitting application VS 113 with the required fee of $15.00.
Certified copies bear the court seal and signature of the clerk, confirming their authenticity for legal purposes such as:
- Remarriage
- Name changes
- Immigration proceedings
- International travel
- Employment verification
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Fresno County?
Under limited circumstances, divorce proceedings in Fresno County may receive confidential treatment. California law provides specific provisions for privacy protection in divorce cases while maintaining the general principle of public access to court records. The following confidentiality options are available:
- Summary dissolution proceedings under Family Code § 2400-2406 receive simplified processing with reduced public exposure
- Sealing of specific documents pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, upon showing of good cause
- Redaction of sensitive personal information as provided by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551
- Confidential mediation reports under Family Code § 3177
- Financial records protection under Family Code § 2024.6
To request confidentiality protections:
- File a motion to seal records (Form MC-025) with supporting declaration
- Demonstrate overriding privacy interest that outweighs public access rights
- Show that sealing is narrowly tailored and no less restrictive means exist
The court applies strict scrutiny to confidentiality requests, balancing privacy concerns against the presumption of public access established in NBC Subsidiary v. Superior Court (1999) 20 Cal.4th 1178. Complete confidentiality of an entire divorce case is rarely granted absent extraordinary circumstances.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Fresno County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Fresno County is governed by statutory timeframes and procedural requirements established under California Family Code. Pursuant to Family Code § 2339, a judgment of dissolution cannot be entered before the expiration of six months from the date of service of the petition or the respondent's appearance. This mandatory waiting period applies to all divorces, regardless of complexity.
Typical timeframes for divorce proceedings in Fresno County:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 6-8 months from filing
- Contested divorces with limited issues: 8-12 months from filing
- Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes: 12-24 months or longer
Factors affecting case duration include:
- Court calendar congestion
- Complexity of property division
- Child custody evaluations
- Discovery disputes
- Settlement negotiations
- Availability of mandatory mediation appointments
The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno processes divorce cases according to established case management protocols. Parties seeking expedited resolution may utilize the court's settlement conference services or private mediation to resolve disputed issues more efficiently.
How Long Does Fresno County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Fresno County are retained according to schedules established by Government Code § 68152 and the Judicial Council of California's Record Retention Guidelines. These records are maintained as permanent judicial records due to their ongoing legal significance. The retention policies for divorce records include:
- Case indexes: Permanent retention
- Judgments and final orders: Permanent retention
- Register of actions: Permanent retention
- Supporting documents and pleadings: Minimum of 30 years
The County of Fresno Recorder's Office maintains vital statistics records, including marriage and divorce certificates, as permanent records. These records serve as official documentation of vital events within the county.
County of Fresno - Recorder's Office
2281 Tulare Street, Room 302
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3476
County Recorder
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Historical divorce records dating prior to computerization may be accessed through the county archives with advance notice. Pursuant to Government Code § 26205.1, some older records may be maintained in microfilm or electronic format rather than original paper documents.
How To Get a Divorce In Fresno County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Fresno County must follow procedures established under California Family Code. The dissolution process requires completion of specific forms and adherence to statutory requirements. To initiate divorce proceedings:
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Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a Fresno County resident for three months immediately preceding the filing (Family Code § 2320)
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Complete initial paperwork:
- Petition for Dissolution (Form FL-100)
- Summons (Form FL-110)
- Property Declaration (Form FL-160) if applicable
- UCCJEA Declaration (Form FL-105) if children are involved
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File documents with the court and pay filing fees:
- Current filing fee: $435.00 (subject to change)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying individuals (Form FW-001)
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Serve documents on the other spouse in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure § 415.10
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Complete financial disclosures as required by Family Code § 2104:
- Declaration of Disclosure (Form FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (Form FL-142)
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno - Family Law Division
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 457-2000
Family Law Division
Filing counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
The court provides self-help services through the Family Law Facilitator's Office to assist self-represented litigants with form completion and procedural guidance.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Fresno County
Divorce forms required for proceedings in Fresno County are available through multiple channels established by the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno. These standardized Judicial Council forms ensure proper documentation of divorce proceedings in accordance with California Family Code requirements. Divorce papers may be obtained through:
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In-person acquisition at the courthouse:
- Family Law Clerk's Office provides individual forms at no charge
- Complete divorce packets available for a nominal fee
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Online access through official websites:
- Superior Court of California, County of Fresno provides downloadable forms
- California Courts website offers fillable PDF versions of all required forms
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Self-Help Center assistance:
- Staff provides guidance on form selection
- Computers available for form completion
- Review of completed forms for procedural compliance
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno - Self-Help Center
1130 O Street, Room 1130
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 457-2100
Superior Court Self-Help Resources
Self-Help Center hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Essential divorce forms include:
- Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110)
- Response (FL-120) if applicable
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Judgment forms (FL-180)
Additional specialized forms may be required depending on case circumstances, including child custody, support, and property division matters.
Lookup Divorce Records in Fresno County
Search Fresno County divorce cases online
Access family law records and forms
Request official divorce certificates
Submit public records requests to Fresno County