Fresno County Civil Case Information

Civil court records for Fresno County are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno. The court provides online access to case information through its public portal. You can search for civil cases, view registers of actions, and access certain court documents online. The court handles unlimited civil cases over $35,000, limited civil matters between $10,000 and $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. Fresno County is located in California's Central Valley and serves a large agricultural region. The court maintains archives for older records at a facility on E Street in Fresno with specific operating hours for public access.

Online Public Portal

Fresno Superior Court offers online access to civil case information through its public portal at publicportal.fresno.courts.ca.gov. The portal allows you to search for cases by case number or party name. You can view the register of actions and access available documents.

The system includes civil, family, probate, and other case types. Search results show basic case information including parties, filing dates, and case status. The register of actions lists all documents filed and hearings held. You can click on documents to view or download them if they are available in electronic format.

Not all documents are available online. Older cases may only have limited information in the system. For complete records on older cases, you may need to visit the courthouse or archives in person. The portal updates regularly with new filings and court activities.

Fresno Court Archives

The Fresno Superior Court maintains archives for older civil court records. The Archives are located at 1963 E Street in Fresno, CA 93706. You can call the Archives at (559) 457-4903. Archive hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Friday hours are 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Archives are closed on weekends and court holidays.

Older case files that are not available online are stored at the Archives. If you need records from cases filed many years ago, you will likely need to visit the Archives. Call ahead to make sure the records you need are at that location. Staff can help you locate files and make copies.

Bring photo ID when you visit the Archives. You may need to fill out a request form to access files. Copy fees apply for any documents you want to take with you. The standard copy fee is $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost extra.

Obtaining Court Records

You can get copies of civil court records through several methods. The online portal is convenient for cases with electronic documents. Search for the case and download available documents. Some documents may have fees while others are free to view.

For records not available online, visit the courthouse where the case was filed. Go to the clerk's office and request copies. Provide the case number or the names of the parties. The clerk will locate the file and make copies. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Bring cash or a check for payment.

Certified copies are available for official purposes. Certification costs $40.00 per document. Certified copies of marriage or domestic partnership dissolution judgments cost $15.00. Certification means the clerk stamps the document to verify it's a true copy from the court record. You need certified copies for appeals, government applications, and other official uses where authenticity matters.

Mail requests are accepted for copies. Write to the court and include the case number, what documents you want, and your return address. Send a check for estimated costs. The court will process your request and mail the copies. Processing times vary based on workload. Allow several weeks for mail requests to be completed.

Civil Case Types

Fresno Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases involving amounts over $35,000. These include personal injury lawsuits, business disputes, real estate litigation, and professional malpractice claims. Unlimited civil cases have formal procedures. Discovery can be extensive. Trials may last days or weeks. Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation.

Limited civil cases cover disputes between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include contract disputes, property damage claims, landlord-tenant issues, and collection actions. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil matters. Procedures are simpler than unlimited civil. Discovery is restricted. Cases typically resolve faster than unlimited civil matters.

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses. People use small claims for everyday problems like unpaid debts, security deposits, minor accidents, and consumer complaints. You don't need a lawyer in small claims court. Both sides present their case to the judge. The judge decides the case right away in most instances. Small claims provides a quick, affordable way to resolve disputes.

Note: Some case records have restricted access under California privacy laws, including certain family law and juvenile matters.

Filing Civil Cases in Fresno County

To file a civil case in Fresno County, prepare a complaint that describes your legal claims. The complaint must name all parties, state the facts, and explain what you want the court to do. File the complaint with the court clerk. Bring the original and copies for all defendants you are suing. The clerk will review your paperwork and collect the filing fee.

Filing fees follow the statewide California schedule. Unlimited civil complaints cost $435.00. Limited civil complaints for amounts over $10,000 up to $35,000 cost $370.00. Complaints for amounts under $10,000 cost $225.00. Small claims fees vary based on the amount claimed. Fee waivers are available if you can't afford the filing fee. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver application.

After filing, you must serve the defendants with copies of the complaint and summons. You cannot serve the papers yourself. Hire a process server, use the sheriff, or ask an adult friend who is not a party to serve the documents. The server fills out a proof of service form. File the proof of service with the court to show you completed service correctly.

The defendant has 30 days to respond after being served. If they don't respond, you can request a default judgment. If they file an answer, the case proceeds with discovery and moves toward trial or settlement. The court clerk can provide basic procedural information but cannot give legal advice about your case.

Court Services and Help

Fresno Superior Court provides various services to help people navigate the civil court system. Self-help services are available for people representing themselves. Self-help staff can explain procedures and help you fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to say in court.

Electronic filing is available for civil cases. Attorneys are required to file electronically in most instances. Self-represented parties can choose to file on paper or electronically. E-filing systems accept documents 24 hours a day. You register with an approved e-filing service provider. The provider charges a service fee in addition to court filing fees.

The court website has forms, local rules, and information about procedures. Local rules explain specific requirements for Fresno Superior Court that may differ from statewide rules. Read the local rules before filing to make sure you follow correct procedures. The court also provides calendars and tentative rulings online so you can track upcoming hearings.

Major Cities in Fresno County

Fresno County includes several cities in California's Central Valley. All civil cases from these cities are filed in Fresno Superior Court.

Nearby California Counties

Fresno County is surrounded by other Central California counties. Each has its own Superior Court system.