Fresno County Court Records Search
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Fresno County, one of the most populous counties in California’s Central Valley, operates a unified Superior Court system that handles all trial-level matters across multiple courthouse locations. The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, maintains records spanning criminal, civil, family law, and probate proceedings, with some case files dating back to 1860. Whether you are looking up a past judgment, tracking an active case, or requesting certified copies of court documents, this guide walks through the offices, tools, fees, and procedures involved in accessing Fresno County court records.
Individuals searching for court records in California can take advantage of several resources, including local clerk’s offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and digital search platforms maintained by individual courts. The CaliforniaCourts.us website may assist users in locating publicly available court case information from Fresno County and other jurisdictions statewide. Additionally, the Fresno Superior Court operates its own Case Management and Information System for direct public searches, and the Judicial Branch of California provides statewide resources through its central court website.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Fresno County?
The primary tool for looking up court cases in Fresno County is the Superior Court’s online case search portal. This system displays publicly viewable case information, including party names, case numbers, hearing dates, and case status. Users can search by case number or party name. A few important notes apply when using the portal:
- Unlawful detainer cases do not appear online until 60 days after the complaint is filed.
- For civil cases, remove the final three letters from the case number shown on documents before searching (for example, enter 03CECG00001 rather than 03CECG00001SJK).
- Information displayed online is not the official record of the court. To obtain an official certified copy, you must request it directly from the Clerk’s Office.
If you are an attorney or party on a case that is not publicly viewable, you must visit the courthouse in person.
In-Person Requests
Fresno Superior Court accepts record requests at the counter at each courthouse division. Alternatively, requesters can use drop boxes installed at each clerk’s office location. To use a drop box:
- Prepare a written request letter containing the case party’s name, case number or type, and your mailing address.
- Time-stamp the request before placing it in the drop box.
- Include payment by money order or check payable to Fresno County Superior Court.
- The Clerk’s Office will process the request within 24 hours.
At-counter requests accept cash, personal checks, cashier’s checks, certified checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Key Copy Fees (per the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of any record on file | $0.50 per page |
| Comparison of copy with original on file | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of criminal court case records | $40.00 |
| Certification (court seal) | Varies by document type |
The complete fee schedule is available on the court’s website and includes both statewide civil fees and Fresno County miscellaneous fees, effective January 1, 2024.
Archives Facility
Older case files and records not housed at the active courthouses are stored at the court’s Archives Facility, which holds over one million cases. Case types stored at Archives include civil (limited and unlimited), criminal (felonies and misdemeanors), family law, family support, juvenile dependency, probate, small claims, traffic, and appellate cases. A photo ID is required to receive any file folder at Archives.
Archives Facility
Address: 1963 “E” Street, Fresno, CA 93706
Phone: (559) 457-4903
Clerk’s Office Hours: Monday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Wednesday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Call Center Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Are Court Records Public in Fresno County?
Court records in Fresno County are presumed public under the California Public Records Act and the California Rules of Court. The public has a right to inspect and copy non-confidential court files. However, several categories of records are exempt from disclosure under state law.
California Government Code Sections 7923.60–7929.610 and Sections 7930–7930.215 identify the following types of exemptions:
- Personnel and medical records that would violate a person’s right to privacy (Gov. Code §7927.700)
- Preliminary drafts, notes, or memoranda prepared by court officials (Gov. Code §7927.500)
- Records involving pending litigation or claims directly involving court officials
- Privileged financial data or trade secrets submitted to the court
- Records exempt under other state or federal statutes, including sealed or expunged criminal records
- Records that could compromise the safety or privacy of judicial branch personnel
Rule 10.500(f) of the California Rules of Court further addresses exemptions for judicial administrative records. Additionally, juvenile case records, certain family law documents containing sensitive personal information, and adoption files are treated as confidential and are only available to authorized individuals such as the parties involved, legal representatives, and specified government agencies.
When confidential information appears in otherwise public records, the Clerk’s Office may redact sensitive portions before releasing copies to the public.
Fresno County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Fresno County are heard at several Superior Court locations. Felony matters are handled at the Fresno Superior Courthouse Downtown Location, while Criminal Courts Departments 95 and 96 at the Jail Annex also hear criminal and domestic violence matters. The “M” Street Courthouse processes criminal infractions and traffic infractions. Juvenile criminal matters (misdemeanor and felony) go through the Juvenile Justice Court.
| Court Facility | Address | Phone | Case Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno Superior Courthouse Downtown | 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93724 | (559) 457-2000 | Criminal felonies, juvenile dependency |
| Criminal Courts Depts. 95 & 96 (Jail Annex) | 1265 M Street, Fresno, CA 93721 | (559) 457-2000 | Criminal, domestic violence |
| “M” Street Courthouse | 2317 Tuolumne Street, Fresno, CA 93721 | (559) 457-1700 | Criminal infractions, traffic |
| Juvenile Justice Court | 3333 East American Avenue, Suite A, Fresno, CA 93725 | (559) 457-4810 | Juvenile misdemeanor/felony criminal |
How to Search Criminal Records
Publicly viewable criminal case information can be accessed through the court’s online case search portal. For specific department inquiries, the Criminal Felony line is (559) 457-1801 and Criminal Misdemeanor is (559) 457-1802. Certified copies of criminal records cost $40.
Criminal History Records Through the California DOJ
Formal criminal history records in California are maintained by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and are not public documents. Access is limited to the record subject, authorized applicant agencies, and law enforcement. To request your own criminal history:
- California residents: Complete a Request for LiveScan form (also available in Spanish) and submit it to a local law enforcement agency for fingerprinting.
- Out-of-state requesters: Print and fill out a Request for Criminal Record form (or in Spanish), get fingerprinted at a local agency, and mail the completed materials with the required fee to:
California Department of Justice
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Analysis
Record Review & Challenge Section
P.O. Box 160207, Sacramento, CA 95816-0207
Arrest Records
For information about arrests and current custody status, contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff maintains an online Incarcerated Person Search tool, or you can call (559) 475-9491 for inmate information. The Sheriff’s Office Administration is located at 2200 Fresno Street, Fresno, California, and its general line is (559) 600-8400. Arrest information may also be available through the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.
Fresno County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Fresno County are heard at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse, which handles both limited and unlimited civil matters, unlawful detainers, small claims, civil harassment restraining orders, and alternative dispute resolution. The Clerk’s Office at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse is where civil records are filed, maintained, and made available for public access.
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
Address: 1130 O Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 457-2000
Civil Division Phone: (559) 457-1900
Clerk’s Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
How to Access Civil Court Records
Online viewing of civil case data is available through the Case Management and Information System. For physical copies, requesters may visit the B.F. Sisk Courthouse clerk’s counter or submit a request through the drop box with a written letter, case details, and payment. Copies are $0.50 per page under the statewide fee schedule.
Civil cases are divided into two main categories in California: limited civil (amounts up to $25,000) and unlimited civil (amounts exceeding $25,000). Small claims matters, which have their own simplified procedures, are also heard at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse. For questions about civil tentative rulings, call (559) 457-1900, or access tentative rulings on the court website by 3:00 PM the day before a hearing.
Local forms and form instruction packets for civil filings are available on the court website. The court also supports electronic filing for many civil case types. The local rules governing civil procedure in Fresno Superior Court are published online in PDF format.
Fresno County Family Court Records
The Family Law Division of Fresno Superior Court handles dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, nullity (annulment), child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, paternity (parentage), and domestic violence restraining orders. Family law cases are heard at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse.
Family Law Clerk’s Office
Phone: (559) 457-2100
Fax: (559) 457-1792
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Searching Family Court Records
Publicly available family case information can be viewed through the court’s online case portal. However, certain family law records contain confidential or sensitive data and may be partially or fully restricted. Confidential records are typically released only to the parties involved, immediate family members, legal representatives, or third parties acting under a valid authorization.
To request copies in person or by drop box, provide a written request letter that includes the record subject’s name, case number, and your mailing address, along with a copy of a photo ID and the appropriate fee by money order or check.
Divorce in Fresno County
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning the court does not require proof that either spouse caused the marriage to break down. The most common ground for dissolution is irreconcilable differences. To file for dissolution in Fresno County, at least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Fresno County for three months before filing. The earliest date marital status can terminate is six months and one day after the respondent is served or files a response. A judgment of divorce is not automatic—parties must complete additional steps to finalize the case.
The Family Law Facilitator’s Office provides free assistance with court forms, procedural guidance, and information about child support calculations. Family Court Services handles mediation for custody and visitation disputes, reachable at (559) 457-2108.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Temporary restraining order forms, information sheets, and fee waiver packets are available at the Family Law Clerk’s Office, the Family Law Facilitator’s Office, and Centro De Recursos Legales (the Self-Help Center). There is no filing fee for domestic violence restraining order petitions. The Domestic Violence page on the court website has further details.
Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)
DCSS in Fresno County establishes, modifies, and enforces child support orders. Their services are free of charge and are located at 2220 Tulare Street, Suite 310P, Fresno, CA 93721. The mailing address is P.O. Box 12946, Fresno, CA 93779-2946. Their phone numbers are (559) 494-1090 and (559) 494-1000.
Marriage Records
Marriage certificates issued in Fresno County are maintained by the Fresno County Recorder’s Office. Public copies cost $19.00 each. Certified or unrestricted copies are issued only to the record subject, legal representatives, or government agencies. Mail requests must include a completed and notarized request form along with a $19.00 check or money order payable to Fresno County Recorder, sent to P.O. Box 766, Fresno, CA 93712.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates in Fresno County are maintained by the Fresno County Department of Public Health (for events within the past two years) and the Fresno County Recorder’s Office (for older records). The Department of Public Health accepts online requests. As of 2026, fees through the Recorder’s Office are $31.00 for birth certificates and $26.00 for death certificates. Only eligible persons—such as the record subject, family members, legal representatives, estate executors, or authorized government agencies—may obtain certified copies. Request forms for certified records are available in English and Spanish, and informational copy forms are also available in English and Spanish.
Mail or in-person requests can be directed to:
Fresno County Department of Public Health – Vital Records
Physical Address: 1221 Fulton Street, 1st Floor, Room 128, Fresno, CA 93721
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11867, Fresno, CA 93775-1867
Fresno County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of Fresno Superior Court handles matters including decedent’s estates (testate and intestate), guardianships of minors, conservatorships for adults, trusts, and CARE Act petitions. Probate hearings take place at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse, 3rd Floor.
Probate Clerk’s Office
Address: B.F. Sisk Courthouse, 1130 O Street, 3rd Floor, Room 300, Fresno, CA 93724
Phone: (559) 457-1888
Fax: (559) 457-1835
How to Search Probate Records
Probate case information is available through the court’s online case portal, where registered users can also view Probate Examiner Notes under the Documents tab for a given case. Examiner notes identify the parties, the type of proceeding, and any potential deficiencies in the pleadings. Note that Probate Examiner Notes are not part of the official court file.
Probate Procedures
After a petition is filed, a Probate Court Examiner reviews pleadings for compliance with the Probate Code before the hearing. Any deficiencies identified must be corrected by filing an amendment, supplement, or explanatory declaration—emails and faxes to the examiners are not sufficient. The Probate Examiners can be contacted directly by email at addresses such as probateexam2@fresno.courts.ca.gov through probateexam8@fresno.courts.ca.gov, depending on the assigned examiner.
Non-confidential probate hearings may be attended in person or by pre-approved remote appearance via Zoom under Local Rule 7.21, CCP Section 367.75, and CRC Rule 3.672. Parties requesting remote appearance must file a Notice of Remote Appearance (RA-010) at least five court days before the hearing. Probate matters are not assigned a court reporter; parties may provide their own.
Probate Forms
The court’s Probate Forms page provides an extensive collection of downloadable packets, including:
- Guardianship petitions (person, estate, or both; temporary and general)
- Conservatorship petitions (limited or general) with instructions
- Fee waiver packets for probate filings
- Decedent’s estate forms (available at the Decedent’s Estate page; hardcopy forms can be purchased at the Probate Clerk’s Office, 3rd Floor, Room 300)
- Petitions to establish fact of birth, marriage, or death
- Termination of guardianship forms
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings forms
For attorneys interested in the court-appointed panel, contact Charmae Caracas at (559) 457-1888. The court also maintains a list of Probate Referees on its Probate Division page.