Fresno County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Fresno County are maintained at the Superior Court at 1130 O Street, 2nd Floor, in Fresno. The court serves a large population that includes the cities of Fresno, Clovis, and many other communities throughout the Central Valley. You can search for case information through the court's online portal or visit the clerk's office to request certified copies. Call (559) 457-2100 for general inquiries. The court also maintains an archives facility at 1963 E Street for older records. You can reach the archives at (559) 457-4903. Most dissolution records are public and accessible to anyone who requests them.

Fresno Superior Court Contact

The main courthouse for family law cases is at 1130 O Street, 2nd Floor, Fresno, CA 93721. Call (559) 457-2100 for general information. Fresno County provides an online portal for case searches at publicportal.fresno.courts.ca.gov/FRESNOPORTAL. This system lets you search for dissolution cases by party name or case number.

The portal displays case information for public access. Enter a name or case number to see matching results. The system shows filing dates, case status, and basic details about each case. You can check if a case is still pending or has been finalized. The portal does not provide full document images in most cases, so you need to request certified copies from the clerk if you want official records.

For more information about case records, visit www.fresno.courts.ca.gov/online-services/case-information. This page explains how to access different types of court records and provides links to the online portal. The site also has information about fees and procedures for requesting copies.

The court archives older records at a separate location. If your dissolution case is very old, you may need to contact the archives at 1963 E Street, Fresno, CA 93706. Call (559) 457-4903 to reach the archives staff. They can help you locate older files and arrange for copies.

Fees for Dissolution Records

A certified copy of a dissolution judgment costs $15 in Fresno County. This fee includes the certification and the first few pages. Extra pages are $0.50 each. Copies of other documents from your case file follow the same per-page pricing. The court accepts multiple forms of payment including cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Verify current payment options when you visit or call.

Search fees may apply if the clerk must spend extensive time locating your case. The standard search fee is $15 for searches that take more than 10 minutes. Providing the case number or both parties' full names helps avoid this fee. Online searches through the public portal are free and do not require payment.

Mail requests take longer to process than in-person visits. Include a check or money order payable to the Superior Court of California. Write a clear description of what records you need. Include the case number or party names. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your copies. Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from two to four weeks depending on the clerk's workload.

Using the Online Portal

Fresno County provides free online case searches through its public portal. You do not need to register or create an account. Visit the portal website and select the search option. Enter a party name to find all cases involving that person. Or enter a case number if you already have it. The system will display results that match your search.

Click on a case to see more details. The portal shows the case number, filing date, case type, and names of both parties. You can view the current case status and see if the case is still open or has been closed. Some information about upcoming hearings may also be available. The system updates regularly, but very recent filings may not appear immediately. Allow a few business days for new cases to be indexed.

Use the online portal to verify case details before requesting copies. Write down the case number from the search results. Give this number to the clerk when you make your request. This ensures that you get the right records and speeds up the process. Online searches are available 24 hours a day from any location with internet access.

Note: Online case information is for research purposes and is not certified for legal use.

Filing for Dissolution

To file for dissolution in Fresno County, you must meet California's residency requirements. You or your spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Fresno County for three months before filing. These rules apply statewide. Once you meet the requirements, file your petition at the courthouse on O Street in Fresno.

The filing fee is approximately $435 to $450. Pay this when you submit your petition. If you cannot afford the fee, request a fee waiver. Complete the waiver forms that ask about your income, expenses, and assets. The court will review your application and decide if you qualify. Many people in Fresno County receive fee waivers based on financial hardship.

California is a no-fault state. You do not have to prove that your spouse did something wrong. Most people file based on irreconcilable differences. This ground means that you and your spouse cannot get along and the marriage cannot be saved. The court does not consider fault when dividing property or deciding support. All dissolution cases in Fresno County follow these same rules.

After you file the petition, you must serve it on your spouse. California law requires that someone other than you deliver the papers. Use a professional process server, the sheriff's department, or any adult who is not part of your case. The server gives the papers to your spouse and then fills out a Proof of Service form. File this form with the court to show that service was completed. The six-month waiting period starts from the date of service. The court cannot finalize your dissolution until this period ends. During the wait, work on agreements for property division, support, and custody if you have children.

Major Cities in Fresno County

Fresno County includes several large cities. Residents of these cities file dissolution cases at the Fresno County Superior Court. Major cities include Fresno and Clovis, both of which have populations over 100,000. Other communities throughout the county also use the same court system. The courthouse on O Street in Fresno handles all family law matters for the entire county.

Surrounding Counties

Fresno County is located in the Central Valley. If your dissolution was filed in a neighboring county, contact that court directly. Madera County sits to the north. Kings County is to the south. Tulare County lies to the southeast. Merced County borders Fresno to the northwest. Each county maintains its own court records system.