Tulare County Court Records Search
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Tulare County sits in California’s San Joaquin Valley and is served by a single unified trial court — the Superior Court of California, County of Tulare — which adjudicates criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters across several courthouse locations. The court’s clerk offices in Visalia, Porterville, and Dinuba maintain the official files for every case heard in the county, and copies of most records can be requested in person, by mail, or through the court’s online services. Other county departments, including the Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder and the Sheriff-Coroner, hold separate categories of public records such as vital certificates, recorded real-property documents, and law-enforcement incident reports.
For those beginning a records search, California provides a network of official resources that can help narrow down the right office and the right procedure. The Tulare County Superior Court website publishes current contact information, forms, and fee schedules for every division. Statewide judicial forms, rules, and court directories are available through CaliforniaCourts.us. Between these resources, in-person clerk counters, public-access computer terminals at the courthouse, and the court’s online case-search portal, most records can be located without hiring a third-party service.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Tulare County?
Tulare County offers three primary methods for finding case information: an online portal, in-person terminal access, and written requests.
Online Case Index Search
The court operates a Public Case Index Search Portal accessible from any browser. To use it you must register for an account, after which you can search by party name or case number. Results display basic docket data — case number, party names, hearing dates, and case status — but documents themselves cannot be printed or downloaded from the portal. Information retrieved online is for reference only and is not considered an official court record.
In-Person Terminal Access
Self-service computer terminals for case-number lookups are located at:
Visalia Division
221 S. Mooney Blvd., Rooms 124 and 201
Visalia, CA 93291
Phone: (559) 730-5000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
You may also request a search at the clerk’s counter. If a clerk-assisted name search takes longer than ten minutes, a $15.00 research fee per name applies.
Requesting Copies
Once you identify a case, copies can be obtained in person, by mail, or through the court’s online records request form. The following fees apply:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copies | $0.50 per page per side |
| Certified copy — Dissolution of Judgment | $15.00 |
| Certified copy — Dissolution of Judgment (public agency) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy — all other document types | $40.00 plus copy charges |
| Clerk-assisted name search (over 10 min.) | $15.00 per name |
Mail requests must include the case number, a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient return postage, and a check or money order payable to the Tulare County Superior Court (no cash). Requests for different case types — for example, criminal and civil — must be mailed separately to the appropriate division:
- Case numbers beginning with “V”: Visalia Division, 221 South Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93291, Attn: Civil/Criminal Records
- Case numbers beginning with “P”: South County Justice Center, 300 E. Olive Ave., Porterville, CA 93257, Attn: Civil/Criminal Records
Mail and online requests are processed within 15 business days of the date the court receives both the request and payment. The court does not accept requests by phone or fax.
Courthouse Locations
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Visalia (County Civic Center) | 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93291 | (559) 730-5000 |
| Porterville (South County Justice Center) | 300 E. Olive, Porterville, CA 93257 | (559) 782-3700 |
| Dinuba | 640 S. Alta Ave., Dinuba, CA 93618 | (559) 595-6400 |
| Juvenile Justice Facility | 11200 Ave. 368, Visalia, CA 93291 | (559) 738-2300 |
The Dinuba location is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday only (8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) and is closed Tuesday and Friday. All other courthouses operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Tulare County?
California law presumes court records are open to the public. Rule 2.400 of the California Rules of Court states that trial court records are generally accessible for inspection unless a specific statute, court rule, or court order provides otherwise. The Tulare County Superior Court’s record viewing and copying policy implements this principle and outlines the practical procedures visitors must follow.
Viewing records in person requires presenting a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state identification card, or work/bank ID card) at the clerk’s counter and signing a viewing log. There are limits on the number of files a person may view at one time:
- Appeals: 5 files
- Civil / Family Law / Probate: 5 files
- Criminal: 5 files
- Small Claims: 5 files
- Traffic: 10 files
Criminal, traffic, small claims, and appeals files must be reviewed at the customer-service windows. Civil, family law, and probate files are reviewed at a designated viewing table.
Categories of restricted records are identified in the California Trial Court Records Manual. Records that are confidential from creation — and therefore not open to public inspection — include juvenile court files, adoption proceedings, certain mental-health evaluations, financial declarations filed under seal, and records subject to a sealing order under Rule 2.550. Some records carry time-limited confidentiality and may become accessible after a specified period or event. Files currently on calendar are unavailable for two days before and three days after the hearing. Files stored off-site can be retrieved within two weeks upon request.
Under California Rules of Court, Rule 3.55, a party who has received a fee waiver is entitled to one free copy of any reasonably necessary document in the case file covered by the waiver. Additional copies must be paid for unless a court order provides otherwise.
Tulare County Criminal Court Records
The Criminal Division of the Tulare County Superior Court handles all felony and misdemeanor cases. Felonies are generally heard in the Visalia courthouse, while misdemeanor and traffic matters may be assigned to Visalia, Porterville, or Dinuba depending on the location of the offense.
Searching Criminal Cases
Criminal case information is available through the court’s Public Case Index Search Portal. Registered users can search by defendant name or case number to view docket entries, charges, hearing dates, and disposition data. The portal provides viewing access only — printouts from the portal are not official records.
For certified copies of criminal case documents, submit a request in person at the appropriate courthouse clerk window, by mail to the relevant division, or through the court’s online request form. Fees follow the standard schedule ($0.50 per page uncertified; $40.00 per document for certification).
Sheriff’s Office Records
Arrest reports, incident reports, and other law-enforcement records generated by the Tulare County Sheriff-Coroner are maintained by the Sheriff’s Records Department, not the court. Requests can be submitted by:
- Email: SheriffRecords@tularecounty.ca.gov
- Phone: (559) 802-9400
- Mail: Tulare County Sheriff-Coroner, 833 S. Akers St., Visalia, CA 93277
The Sheriff’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on holidays). A processing fee of $20.00 applies to criminal record requests made through the Sheriff’s office.
State Criminal History Records
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains statewide criminal history information. Individuals may request a copy of their own record by submitting fingerprints through a Live Scan operator and paying a $25.00 DOJ processing fee. A fee waiver is available for those who qualify. The court does not perform criminal background checks — the clerk’s name-search function is limited to identifying existing case numbers.
Restricted criminal records include sealed arrests (Penal Code § 851.87), expunged convictions (Penal Code § 1203.4), and records subject to diversion completion. Under Penal Code §§ 13300–13326, local criminal justice agencies generally may not release criminal history information to the general public.
Tulare County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division adjudicates a broad range of non-criminal disputes, including breach-of-contract claims, personal-injury lawsuits, unlawful-detainer (eviction) proceedings, and small-claims actions. Civil case files are maintained at the courthouse where the case was filed — primarily the Visalia or Porterville divisions.
Online and In-Person Searches
Civil case dockets can be viewed through the Public Case Index Search Portal by party name or case number. In-person access is available at the clerk’s counter in Room 201 of the Visalia courthouse. Self-service terminals in Rooms 124 and 201 also allow name and case-number lookups.
Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy | $0.50 per page per side |
| Certified copy | $40.00 per document + copy charges |
| Exemplification | $50.00 |
| Authentication (per signature) | $15.00 |
Files that are currently calendared become unavailable two days before and three days after the hearing date. Off-site files take up to two weeks to retrieve. Call the Civil Division at (559) 730-5000 before visiting to confirm availability.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
The court maintains an ADR program offering mediation and arbitration. A list of court-approved mediators and arbitrators is published on the court website.
Electronic Filing
The court accepts e-filed documents in civil, small claims, family, probate, and adoption cases through approved Electronic Filing Service Providers. Filing fees and any EFSP convenience charges apply at the time of submission.
Requesting Copies by Mail
Written requests should specify the case number, document title, and party names. Include a check payable to Tulare County Superior Court with “not to exceed [amount]” written in the memo line, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to the appropriate division based on the case-number prefix.
Tulare County Family Court Records
The Family Law Division of the Superior Court handles dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, annulment, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, domestic violence restraining orders, emancipation of minors, and adoption proceedings.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family law records can be inspected at the Civil/Family Clerk’s Office (221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 201, Visalia) during regular business hours. Individuals reviewing family law files must remain at the designated file-viewing table. When requesting copies, provide:
- Case number
- Petitioner’s and respondent’s full names
- Specific documents needed
Uncertified copies cost $0.50 per page. Certification adds $40.00 per document. Copy orders placed by mail should include a check payable to “Clerk of the Court” with “not to exceed” and a dollar amount written in the memo section. All checks must be preprinted with the maker’s name and address. Include a large self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail orders are processed within 7–10 business days.
Certified Divorce Decrees
A certified copy of a dissolution judgment costs $15.00 plus $0.50 per page. If you do not know the case number, provide the full names of both parties at the time of filing and the approximate year. Requests can be submitted in person during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) or by mail.
Paternity Case Records
Records from paternity cases are not available remotely. You must appear in person with valid photo identification. Only the named parties on the case may receive information or copies.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Petitions for domestic violence restraining orders may be filed electronically through the court’s e-filing system or in person. Remote hearing appearances can be arranged by submitting an online request to appear remotely or by calling (559) 738-2330. Detailed guidance is also available on the Judicial Council’s self-help website.
Child Support Matters
Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) hearings are held at the Dinuba courthouse (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) and the South County Justice Center in Porterville (Tuesday). Filings can be submitted at the Clerk of Court window inside the Visalia DCSS office (8040 W. Doe Ave., Visalia, CA 93291), Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued and marriage certificates are maintained by the Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder, not the court. Key details:
- Marriage license fee: $62.00. A replacement license costs $93.00.
- Marriage certificate fee: $19.00 per certified copy.
- Office location: 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 105, Visalia, CA 93291
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (filing and certificate issuance until 3:00 p.m.)
Copies may be ordered in person, by mail (notarization required for authorized copies), or online through VitalChek. Both public and confidential marriage records are available, but confidential marriage certificates are accessible only to the named parties or by court order.
Birth and Death Records
The Tulare County Clerk-Recorder maintains birth and death records for all years. The Tulare County Health Department (Vital Statistics) also keeps records for one year after the date of the event. Current certified-copy fees are:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $34.00 |
| Death certificate | $26.00 |
| Fetal death certificate | $26.00 |
Copies may be ordered in person, by mail (birth application, death application), or online through the Vital Statistics office. Only individuals who qualify under Health and Safety Code § 103526 may receive an authorized (certified) copy; all others receive an informational copy not valid as identification. Newborn birth certificates are typically available four to six weeks after birth. Call (559) 636-5051 to verify availability before submitting a request.
Tulare County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Superior Court handles the administration of decedents’ estates, trust disputes that come before the court, guardianships of minors, and conservatorships of adults. Probate matters are filed and heard at the Visalia and Porterville courthouses.
Probate Division Locations
Visalia Division
221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 201
Visalia, CA 93291
Phone: (559) 730-5000
South County Justice Center
300 E. Olive
Porterville, CA 93257
Phone: (559) 782-3700
Hours at both locations: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case dockets are searchable through the Public Case Index Search Portal by case number or party name. In-person inspection is available at the clerk’s counter or at public-access terminals during business hours. The same viewing policy that applies to civil and family law files — including the photo-ID requirement, viewing-log sign-in, and five-file limit — governs probate file access.
Requesting Copies
Copies can be obtained in person, by mail, or through the court’s online records request form. Standard copy fees apply: $0.50 per page for uncertified copies and $40.00 per document for certification (plus per-page charges). Mail requests should follow the same procedures described above — case number, check payable to Tulare County Superior Court, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Guardianship Investigations
Family Court Services in Tulare County conducts all court-appointed investigations for relative guardianships and probate conservatorships. Their office is located at 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 204, Visalia, CA 93291, and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Filing Probate Documents
All court forms must be typed or printed in blue-black or black ink. Filing a petition with the Legal Filings Department initiates the probate proceeding. The court accepts electronic filing in probate cases through approved e-filing service providers. Judicial Council probate forms and local forms are available through the court’s Forms & Filing page. Parties who are self-represented can also get free assistance with probate matters from the court’s Self-Help Resource Center, located in the Visalia courthouse at 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 203, and at the South County Justice Center in Porterville.
Property Records Related to Probate
Real-property documents connected to a probate proceeding — such as grant deeds, affidavits of death of trustee, and transfers on death — are recorded with the Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder. The Recorder’s Official Records Search portal allows online searches by owner name, document type, recording date range, or book and page number. Uncertified copies can be purchased online with a credit card ($3.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page); certified copies ($2.00 per document additional) must be obtained in person or by mail at 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 103, Visalia, CA 93291.