Divorce records in Fresno County, California, can be accessed through several channels. FresnoCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Fresno County. Beyond that, the Fresno County Superior Court's Family Law Division maintains the official case files, the Fresno County Clerk keeps recorded documents, and the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records office issues divorce certificates at the state level.
Fresno Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Fresno County are maintained by two primary offices. The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno holds the complete court case files — including petitions, responses, settlement agreements, custody orders, property division orders, and the final judgment of dissolution (divorce decree). The California Department of Public Health – Vital Records maintains a separate index of divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized statewide.
The court's collection covers all family law cases filed in Fresno County. These records generally include:
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Responses and stipulations
- Marital settlement agreements
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Spousal and child support orders
- Final judgments of dissolution (divorce decrees)
Non-confidential divorce case information can be searched through the court's online Case Information system. For copies of documents from older or archived cases, you may need to visit the court's Archives Department in person.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Fresno
In California, divorce (dissolution of marriage) cases are handled exclusively by the Superior Court. There is no separate family court system — the Superior Court's Family Law Division manages all divorce filings in Fresno County. Once a judge signs the final judgment of dissolution, the decree becomes part of the permanent court file maintained by the Fresno Superior Court Clerk's office.
The state also keeps a record. After a divorce is finalized, information is reported to the California Department of Public Health, which maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates. The type of record you need determines which office to contact:
- Court case file (decree, settlement agreement, custody orders, full filings): Contact the Fresno County Superior Court Clerk.
- Divorce certificate (vital record confirming the divorce occurred): Request from the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records.
- Recorded documents related to property transfers from a divorce: Contact the Fresno County Recorder.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Fresno
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno Superior Court – copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 per page | Same day to several business days (in person) |
| Fresno Superior Court – certified copy of court document | $0.50 per page plus $40 certification fee per document | Several business days |
| Fresno Superior Court – Archives retrieval and copies | $0.50 per page (retrieval at no additional charge) | Varies; in-person requests processed while you wait when possible |
| CDPH – Certified copy of divorce certificate | $18 per copy | Approximately 12–20 weeks by mail |
| CDPH – Additional certified copy (same order) | $16 per additional copy | Included with original order |