Kings County Dissolution Records

Dissolution of marriage records for Kings County are stored at the Superior Court at 1640 Kings County Drive in Hanford. The court maintains complete case files for all dissolution cases filed in this Central Valley county. You can search for records through the online public portal or call (559) 582-1010 for assistance. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $15 for public requesters and $10 for government agencies. The court provides online access to case information through a searchable database. Most dissolution records are public documents unless sealed by a judge. Office hours and contact information are available on the court's website.

Kings Superior Court Contact

The courthouse is at 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. Call (559) 582-1010 to reach the clerk. Visit the records division page at www.kings.courts.ca.gov/divisions/records for details on how to request case files and what info you need.

The records division handles all requests for dissolution case files. Staff search for cases by party name or case number. You can visit in person during office hours or send a mail request. The office is open weekdays from morning to mid-afternoon. Call ahead to confirm hours before you drive to Hanford.

Kings County provides an online portal at portal.kings.courts.ca.gov/public-portal/. Search by party name or case number. The system shows filing dates, case status, and party names. Some filed docs may be viewable online. For certified copies, you must contact the clerk's office.

The online portal is free to use. No registration is required for basic searches. You can look up cases 24 hours a day from any device with internet access. Not all docs appear in the system. Older cases or sealed files may have limited electronic records.

Record Fees and Copies

Certified dissolution decrees cost $15 for public requesters. Government agencies pay $10. Copies are $0.50 per page. Search fees of $15 apply if staff spend more than 10 minutes looking for your case. Provide the case number when you request records to help staff find the file faster and avoid search fees. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Make checks payable to Superior Court of California, Kings County.

For mail requests, send a letter with both spouses' full names, the case number if you know it, and the filing date or approximate year. State what docs you need. Include a check for estimated costs and a stamped return envelope. Staff search for the case, pull the file, make copies, certify them, and mail them back. This takes two to four weeks.

In-person requests are faster. Visit the records division and ask for help. Staff can pull the file while you wait if it is on hand. Review the docs to see what you need. Pay for copies and certification at the counter. You can leave with certified copies the same day in most cases.

Filing for Dissolution

To file in Kings County, live in California for six months and in the county for three months before filing. The filing fee is about $435 to $450. Request a fee waiver if you have low income or receive public benefits. Fill out a fee waiver application and submit it with your petition. The court reviews your financial info and decides if you qualify. If approved, you do not pay the filing fee.

California uses no-fault dissolution. You do not need to prove wrongdoing. Most people file based on irreconcilable differences. Fill out form FL-100, the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Include info about both spouses, the marriage date, separation date, and any children. File it at the Hanford courthouse with the fee or waiver request. The clerk stamps your petition and assigns a case number.

Serve the petition and summons to your spouse within 60 days of filing. Use a process server, sheriff, or another adult who is not involved in the case. You cannot serve the papers yourself. After service, file a Proof of Service form with the court. Your spouse has 30 days to respond. If they do not respond, you can request a default judgment. If they respond, the case continues with both parties participating.

Both parties must exchange financial disclosures using forms FL-140, FL-141, FL-142, and FL-150. These forms list all income, assets, debts, and expenses. Serve copies to your spouse and file proof of service. California law requires these disclosures in all dissolution cases. The court cannot finalize the dissolution until six months pass from the date of service. During that time, you can file motions for temporary orders on child custody, spousal support, or property use. Work on property and custody agreements during this waiting period. Attend any hearings the court schedules. At the end, the judge signs a final judgment that dissolves the marriage and divides assets and debts.

Self-Help and Legal Aid

Kings County has a family law facilitator who can help with forms and procedures. The facilitator does not give legal advice but can answer questions about which forms to use and how to fill them out. Check the court website for office hours and contact info. Legal aid groups serve low-income residents with family law issues. Call to see if you qualify for free or low-cost assistance. Some groups focus on cases involving domestic violence, child custody, or support disputes.

Cities in Kings County

Kings County includes Hanford. All residents file dissolution cases at Kings County Superior Court in Hanford.

Nearby Counties

Fresno County sits to the north. Tulare County is to the east. Kern County lies to the south. Each county maintains separate records.