Fresno /divisions/civil

Source: https://www.fresno.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil

Civil Division

Welcome to Fresno Superior Court Civil General Information page.

Effective, July 1, 2026 pursuant to Local Rule 1.1.19 and 2.2.4 the Order on Notice of Remote Appearance (RA-020) form is no longer required for hearings unrelated to trials only. Trial-related hearings, such as Mandatory Settlement Conferences and Trial Readiness, Jury Trials and Court Trials, and Orders to Show Cause hearings will continue to require the submission of the Order on Notice of Remote Appearance (RA-020) form and court approval for remote appearances.

When utilizing Zoom the party/attorney must update their name to read: Party First and Last Name, Full Case Number. Note: If counsel is appearing on behalf of their client they would still use the name of the party they are representing.

Our Mission

The Civil Department will serve our customers by providing accurate information and services in a timely, efficient manner, maintain a professional demeanor, treat our customers with respect and courtesy, commit to continual education to improve our performance, all of which will contribute to enhancing the public trust.

Civil Cases

Civil cases involve a lawsuit in which one party sues another to:

Recover money or property.

To enforce a contract.

To collect damages for injury.

To protect some civil right.

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Limited Civil Cases

Limited Civil cases are those involving $35,000 or less except small claims cases.

Unlimited Civil Cases

Unlimited Civil cases are all other cases except family law or probate cases.

Interpreting Services

Fresno Superior Court provides interpreting services to all trial court proceedings in criminal, traffic, and juvenile delinquency proceedings. For more information, click the button below.

Interpreter Services

Important Links

Tentative Rulings

Civil Jury Instructions

Unlawful Detainer Memo

Services of Official Court Reporters - 12-12-16

Request for Civil Jury Instruction (CACI)

Request for Civil Jury Instructions (BAJI)

Prepare your court documents - Online Document Help (eFile)

Interpreter Services

Effective 01/01/2024 a new mandated instruction form will be required to initiate any service by the Sheriff’s Department. See their website at Fresno County Sheriff's Office for additional information.

Attorneys for Civil Proceedings

In an effort to secure the right to access to the court without a personal appearance the Court is creating a list of attorneys willing to accept pro bono appointments.

The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is currently seeking applications from individuals interested in accepting appointments to represent parties pro bono in their civil proceedings. The Court is predominantly seeking attorneys interested in assisting incarcerated individuals with their civil actions. The Court is also seeking attorneys who may be interested in representing patients at the Coalinga State Hospital.

If you are interested in being placed on the civil indigent panel please complete the

application and return to:

Superior Court of California, County of Fresno

Research Division

1130 O Street, 5th Floor

Fresno, CA 93724-0002

Jeannie Goshgarian

Managing Research Attorney

Trial Readiness Calendar

Pursuant to Local Rule 2.5.8, all parties to Unlimited and Limited Civil Cases set for trial, absent prior approval from the CJAP or Civil Presiding Judge, are required to attend a Trial Readiness Hearing occurring the Friday immediately preceding their trial date at 9:30 a.m., in Department 501.

Inquiry will be made as to the case status, time estimates, whether a jury is still requested etc., and the parties will be assigned to a further mandatory settlement conference (see Local Rule 2.6.2). The settlement conference shall be subject to the provisions of Local Rule 2.5.5.

The parties will be expected to acknowledge that they have met and conferred as directed in Local Rule 2.6.1., and are prepared to provide all pre trial documents to the court including Trial Briefs, in limine motions, jury instructions etc.

The Trial Readiness hearing will be conducted in accordance with Local Rule 2.6.2. All parties, whether represented or in pro per, are expected to be familiar, and to comply, with the rules cited herein.

Electronic Service

Effective July 1, 2025, pursuant to Code Civ. Proc. §1010.6, a person represented by counsel, who has appeared in an action or proceeding, shall accept electronic service of a notice or document that may be served by mail, express mail, overnight delivery, or facsimile transmission. An unrepresented party may consent to receive service electronically. The necessary forms to confirm the appropriate electronic service address are available at our website in the Civil section. Please note that parties subject to mandatory electronic service, as well as unrepresented parties who consent to it, will receive electronic notices from a Fresno Superior Court email address.

Civil Court Locations

Civil Limited Court

1130 O Street

Fresno, CA 93724-0002

Telephone: (559) 457-1900

Law and Motion (559) 457-1900 (Press Option 2; then Option 1)

Fax: (559) 457-1624

Hours: Monday through Thursday: 8AM-3PM

Friday: 8AM-12PM

Civil Unlimited Court

1130 O Street

Fresno, CA 93724-0002

Telephone: (559) 457-1900

Law and Motion (559) 457-1900 (Press Option 2; then Option 2)

Fax: (559) 457-1624

Hours: Monday through Thursday: 8AM-3PM

Friday: 8AM-12PM Noon

For a map to the B.F. Sisk Courthouse location.

Civil Court Information

The following general interest topics are intended to assist you in civil matters:

Civil Limited

Civil Unlimited

Civil Harassment

Unlawful Detainer

Civil FAQs

General Trial Procedures

Minor's Compromise

Childcare