Fresno County
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Rules that apply here (county → circuit → statewide)
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Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 7: Probate Rules (Rules 7.15 to 7.23)
Chapter 7, Rules 7.15 to 7.23 (Conservatorships and Guardianships to Video Conferencing in Medication Capacity / Riese Hearings and Writ of Habeas Corpus Mental Health Hearings): the court to assess fees for the cost of investigations in guardianship and conservatorship cases unless waived, petitioners who do not qualify for a waiver may request a monthly installment plan (7.15.1); only those independent powers necessary in each case (7.15.2); temporary requests considered ex parte, the court generally to deny the ex-parte appointment of a temporary guardian unless a present emergency exists and the minor is currently residing with the petitioner (7.15.3); no conservator or guardian of the estate when the only asset or income is public assistance benefits, a separate case number for each minor in a guardianship of the estate, two additional copies of the following when a guardianship petition is filed by a self-represented litigant, and no guardianship ordinarily considered if a matter involving custody of the child is presently pending in the Family Law Court or the minor is subject to the Juvenile Court (7.15.4 to 7.15.7); the proposed conservator to view the video “With Heart: Understanding Conservatorships” before the hearing (7.15.8); the compensation of a court-appointed attorney paid by the conservator of the estate, the person represented, or the County under the Court's Claims Processing Policy, time detailed in .1 hour (6 minute) increments, requests submitted over six (6) months after services not eligible and those more than ninety (90) days after reduced by fifteen percent (15%) (7.15.9); attorney fees and commissions awarded based upon what is just and reasonable under California Rules of Court, Rules 7.750 through 7.752, or flat fees - $2,500.00 for establishment of a conservatorship or guardianship and the first account, $2,500.00 for a court confirmed sale of real property, $600.00 for income tax returns, $1,250.00 per year for each timely filed subsequent account, and for guardians and conservators 10% of the sales price of personal property up to $1,000.00 and $1,000.00 for a sale of real property - and no fees before an inventory is filed or ninety (90) days from the issuance of letters (7.16); costs advanced reimbursed without prior court permission and business expenses not reimbursable (7.17); extraordinary fees in decedent's estates without further justification - for attorneys $2,500.00 for court confirmed sales of real property, $2,000.00 for a Federal Estate Tax return and $500.00 for an Estate Income Tax return, and for personal representatives $1,000.00 for sales of real property (7.18); the proposed trust instrument attached to the petition, court confirmation of sales of trust real property, and no payment of fees without prior court approval under continuing court supervision (7.19); an overbid in court with ten (10) percent of the minimum overbid (7.20); financial account statements supporting conservatorship and guardianship accounts, filed separately as “confidential financial statements” (7.21); statutory attorney's fees to a personal representative who is an attorney only on petition filed within ninety (90) days of the initial appointment (7.22); and medication capacity and writ of habeas corpus mental health hearings held via video conference (7.23).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 7: Probate Rules (Rules 7.1 to 7.14)
Chapter 7, Rules 7.1 to 7.14 (Pleadings to Disclaimers and Assignments in Probate Estates): the Probate Code section that allows the requested relief below the title of the pleading, and a proposed Order with all pleadings that request relief, received ten (10) days before the hearing (7.1.1); a separate case number and a current filing fee for trust matters (7.1.2); parties required at all hearings unless the matter has been recommended for approval, to appear in person or remotely (7.2.1); remote appearances by Zoom, at no cost, on a Notice of Remote Appearance form (RA-010) filed at least five court days prior to the hearing with an e-mail address, e-filed as a separate document (7.2.2); all matters reviewed in advance by Probate Examiners and pre-approved when all procedural requirements have been satisfied, the Examiner Notes on the Court's website, and documents to cure irregularities up to two (2) court days before the hearing (7.3); matters not ready for hearing continued, the Probate Clerk's Office may grant a maximum of two continuances, and written objections filed and served no later than five (5) days before the continued hearing (7.4 to 7.4.5); a Status Hearing when a required account, report, or petition for distribution is not timely filed, verified Status Reports no later than five (5) days before the hearing (7.5); orders complete in themselves, monetary distributions stated in dollars, and nunc pro tunc orders correcting clerical errors (7.6 to 7.6.3); ex parte applications verified and accompanied by a separate order complete in itself, no testimony taken (7.7); blocked accounts in federally insured, interest bearing accounts, withdrawals requested by ex parte application and paid directly to the vendor or service provider, and the policy of the court to block all funds in Guardianship Estates (7.8 to 7.8.3); publication by city as listed, and anywhere else within the County of Fresno in the Fresno Bee or the Fresno Business Journal (7.9); the names and signatures of all appointed persons on each copy of the Letters, and a personal representative's birth date and driver's license number kept confidential (7.10 to 7.10.1); final, partial, supplemental and corrected inventory, and the Inventory and Appraisal to describe real property by legal description (7.11 to 7.11.2); petitions for distribution that list and describe all property, its character and the legal description and APN of all real property, no distribution in undivided interests without written consent or good cause, and an informal accounting of a closing reserve in excess of $5,000.00 (7.12 to 7.12.6); a waiver of accounting petition with the current status of all inventoried items (7.13); and disclaimers and assignments on file before the hearing on distribution (7.14).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 6: Juvenile Rules (Rules 6.8 and 6.9)
Chapter 6, Rules 6.8 and 6.9 (Juvenile Justice, and the Competency Protocol): a challenge of a judicial officer hearing Juvenile Justice matters reported to the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court (6.8.1); motion papers that display the hearing date, time, and department and a time estimate, moving papers served at least five (5) court days before the hearing when the minor is in custody and ten (10) when not, opposing papers two (2) or five (5) and reply papers one (1) or two (2) court days before, motions to suppress under Welfare & Institutions Code § 700.1, and no memorandum of points and authorities exceeding fifteen (15) pages without an order (6.8.2); ex parte applications to calendar on the applicable Fresno County Superior Court Local Form with at least two (2) alternative dates (6.8.3); County Probation's ex parte application filed five (5) court days before the requested hearing, or by 10:00 a.m. the day before the court day prior to it when the minor is in custody (6.8.4); a petition to terminate sex offender registration under Local Rule 3.1.14 (6.8.5); the duties of counsel (6.8.6); and the Juvenile Competency Protocol under Welfare & Institutions Code § 709 and California Rules of Court, rule 5.645 - an informal resolution generally no longer than six months, the proceedings suspended when the court finds substantial evidence that raises a doubt as to the minor's competency, an evaluator appointed from the court's panel, the evaluator's report two (2) court days before a Juvenile Competency Hearing held within 30 calendar days for a detained minor and within 45 calendar days otherwise, a rebuttable presumption that the minor is competent, remediation services in the least restrictive environment, the court to review the minor's progress every 30 or 45 calendar days, a remediation hearing within six months of the finding of incompetence, detention beyond six (6) months only on findings, referral to the Central Valley Regional Center, and statements to a competency evaluator not used in any hearing not related to competency (6.9).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 6: Juvenile Rules (Rules 6.5 to 6.7)
Chapter 6, Rules 6.5 to 6.7 (Dependency Motions and Orders, Coordination of Court Proceedings, Medical Matters): a motion to challenge the legal sufficiency of the petition made as early in the proceedings as possible (6.5.1); ex parte applications to calendar hearings on the Ex Parte Application to Calendar and Order form, with seven (7) calendar days written notice of the hearing date or the other parties' consent (6.5.2 to 6.5.3); routine ex parte applications for out-of-state travel or medical/dental care filed no less than fifteen (15) calendar days before (6.5.4); non-routine ex parte applications heard at 8:30 a.m., the applicant to advise the judicial officer by 3:00 p.m. and give notice to all counsel by 4:00 p.m. on the day before, on the Declaration Re Notice of Ex Parte Application form (6.5.5); noticed motions with ten (10) calendar days written notice (6.5.6); a motion for more or less restrictive placement (6.5.7 to 6.5.8); a “388” consent calendar on a designated day of each week with at least five (5) court days' advance notice (6.5.9); visitation as frequent as possible, with the definitions of supervised, reasonable, liberal and extended visits (6.5.10); the care provider may authorize travel within California, out of state only with prior court approval (6.5.11); an application to DSS to file a petition under Welfare & Institutions Code § 329, DSS to respond within three (3) weeks (6.5.12); the party requesting a rehearing to serve a copy on the referee within one (1) judicial day (6.5.13); the court to identify and coordinate custody proceedings involving the same minor, the parties to inform the Court of protective, custody and visitation orders, and criminal protective orders to take precedence (6.6.1); family law and probate custody and visitation proceedings suspended for eighteen (18) calendar days after a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, and on a Welfare & Institutions Code § 300 petition (6.6.4); medical consent by DSS or the Probation Department, emergency medical consent twenty-four (24) hours a day (6.7.1); and court authorization for psychotropic medication on the JV-220 Application, an opposition within two (2) court days after notice, and an order to expire no later than six (6) months from date of issuance (6.7.2 to 6.7.3).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 6: Juvenile Rules (Rules 6.3 and 6.4)
Chapter 6, Rules 6.3 and 6.4 (Dependency – Attorneys and Parties, and Dependency Court Proceedings): peremptory challenges reported to the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court (6.3.2); the Court to appoint new counsel on a declaration of conflict (6.3.3); each party and attorney to attend each scheduled Juvenile Court hearing unless excused (6.3.4); all minors ten (10) years old or older to attend court hearings unless excused (6.3.5); the duties of counsel - a conflict inquiry, the information for notice, inquiry as to ICWA and paternity (the “Statement Regarding Parentage” form, Judicial Council form JV-505), complete familiarity with the facts, and settlement - and counsel for children to separately interview each child four years of age or older (6.3.6); no party or attorney to interview the minor about the allegations without permission of the minor's attorney or court order, or cause an examination without court approval (6.3.7); the minor's attorney deemed the guardian ad litem, and a GAL for any incompetent parent (6.3.9 to 6.3.11); a care provider, de facto parents and relatives (6.3.12 to 6.3.14); repayment of costs of court appointed counsel, the account balance forwarded to an outside collections agency when ninety (90) days in arrears (6.3.16); referrals to the CASA Program, the Child Advocates Office to deliver copies of CASA reports at least two (2) court days before the hearing, and distribution only to parties and their counsel (6.3.17); child advocates sworn in, each an officer of the Court, with access to records, timely notice and the right to appear (6.3.18 to 6.3.24); paternity determined in a Juvenile Court proceeding (6.4.1); informal discovery, a noticed discovery motion served at least five (5) court days before the hearing, and case records available at least ten (10) calendar days before a contested hearing (6.4.2 to 6.4.3); Jurisdictional and/or Dispositional reports due at least forty-eight (48) hours and status review reports at least ten (10) calendar days before the hearing (6.4.4); settlement conferences before every contested hearing, a representative of DSS with authority to settle present (6.4.5); a reporter's transcript at court expense on a request in writing or an oral request at a court hearing (6.4.6); and strictly to comply with the timelines for dependency hearings (6.4.7).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 6: Juvenile Rules (Rules 6.1 and 6.2)
Chapter 6, Rules 6.1 and 6.2 (General Provisions, and Confidentiality): these Juvenile Rules apply to matters heard in Juvenile Court, except juvenile traffic hearings, and juvenile justice actions were formerly called “delinquency” actions (6.1.1); one Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, selected by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, and a Supervising Judge of both the dependency and juvenile justice actions (6.1.2 to 6.1.4); cases assigned on a direct calendar system for all purposes (6.1.5); remote proceedings by Zoom, confidentiality maintained, a party appearing remotely at 8:00 a.m. available until 12:00 p.m. and at 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., the camera turned on, the court's discretion to require an in-person appearance, dependency parties authorized to appear remotely without filing a notice, trials and evidentiary hearings in person unless otherwise ordered, a request to compel physical presence no later than three (3) court days before the hearing, and juvenile justice hearings presumptively in person (6.1.7); Juvenile Court records confidential, disclosed only by an order of the Juvenile Court under Welfare & Institutions Code § 827 and California Rules of Court, rule 5.552, unless otherwise authorized, juvenile records that cannot be obtained by civil or criminal subpoena, the listed agencies that may share records not otherwise confidential, and the petition procedure, the Request for Disclosure of Juvenile Case File (Judicial Council form JV-570) served on all parties after good faith efforts to meet and confer (6.2.1); juvenile proceedings closed to the public unless the courtroom judicial officer grants access, a non-party's request filed at the Juvenile Court Clerk's Office (6.2.3); the Consul's right to appear for a citizen of a foreign nation (6.2.4); and juvenile records given to court approved evaluators and experts, who shall destroy or return them within 7 days upon the completion of the case (6.2.5).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 5: Family Law Rules (Rules 5.9 to 5.12)
Chapter 5, Rules 5.9 to 5.12 (Adoptions, Parental Rights, Arbitration, and the Family Law Facilitator): stepparent and domestic partner adoptions filed with the Family Law Examiner's Office, an investigation by Family Court Services, the following documents forwarded no later than fifteen (15) calendar days from notification, and the adoption calendared after the report is filed (5.9.1); independent adoptions, the State Department of Social Services conducting the investigation (5.9.2); agency adoptions with the report or findings of the licensed adoption agency (5.9.3); a resident who adopts a child through intercounty adoption finalized in a foreign country may readopt the child in this county (5.9.4); adoptions of adults on a Petition for Approval of Adoption Agreement, with the consent of the spouse (5.9.5); the petition to terminate parental rights of the father and the petition for Declaration of Freedom from Parental Custody and Control, with an investigation by Family Court Services (5.10 to 5.10.2); arbitration, the parties with the consent of the arbitrator may stipulate to one (1) continuance, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days (5.11); and an office of the family law facilitator under Family Code § 10000 et seq. (5.12).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 5: Family Law Rules (Rules 5.5 to 5.8)
Chapter 5, Rules 5.5 to 5.8 (Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling, Family Centered Case Management, Settlement Conferences, and Matters Set for Trial or Evidentiary Hearing): the services of Family Court Services (FCS) - confidential mediation (Tier I) made available in all cases in which child custody is at issue, without charge, at-court CCRC sessions to which children five years of age or older must be brought, a Tier II summary report without recommendations, Tier III CCRC sessions with a report and recommendation available two (2) court days before the court hearing, and Family Code § 3111 custody evaluations only when all other services have been insufficient (5.5.1 to 5.5.2); both parties to complete the online orientation before their Tier 1 - Confidential Mediation appointment, presented in the Family Court Services lobby on Fridays for any party without access to the Internet (5.5.3); a request for remote participation by Zoom at least three (3) calendar days before the FCS appointment, for a parent who resides beyond a 150-mile radius from the B.F. Sisk Fresno Superior Court building, a child who resides primarily outside the State of California, a court order or good cause, under the rules for Zoom participation, a request to reschedule sent to FresnoFCS@fresno.courts.ca.gov, and cancellation by both parties (5.5.4); the mediator who cannot testify about confidential Tier I mediation, the official information privilege belongs to the Court, and a CCRC counselor subpoenaed by personal service on FCS at least ten (10) calendar days before the hearing with a check of $275.00 as a deposit (5.5.5); no contact with the Mediator or CCRC counselor before or after the appointment, and a request for a new mediator only for a conflict of interest, no later than five (5) calendar days from the order (5.5.6); children five (5) and older brought to court only for an at-court recommending counselor session (5.5.7); one peremptory challenge to a Child Custody Evaluator, withdrawal and complaints through Family Court Services, faxed letters not accepted (5.5.10); an initial Status Conference hearing approximately one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of filing the first paper, in the department of the Presiding Judge of the Family Law Division, follow-up Status Conferences, and Family Centered Case Resolution, a conference requested on form TFL-15, and attendance at the Status Conference mandatory (5.6 to 5.6.6); Settlement Conference Statements filed and served at least ten (10) calendar days before the conference, with an Income and Expense Declaration when support or attorney's fees are requested, and the minimum information for dissolution or legal separation, Uniform Parentage Actions and section 217 evidentiary hearings (5.7); and a family law case assigned to one judicial officer for all purposes to the extent possible, trials set in the department of origin unless the time estimate exceeds that available, all parties to regard the time estimate as certain, stipulated and disputed facts, a detailed list of each exhibit, a witness list and a trial brief filed and exchanged at least ten (10) calendar days before trial, and motions in limine in writing (5.8).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 5: Family Law Rules (Rules 5.1 to 5.4)
Chapter 5, Rules 5.1 to 5.4 (General Provisions, Moving and Responsive Pleadings and Other Non-Trial Hearings, Judgments, and Child Support): failure to comply with these Family Law Rules may result in an order based solely on the pleadings, continuing the matter, attorney's fees and costs against the non-complying party, or removing the matter from calendar (5.1.1); remote appearances by Zoom, CourtCall, or Direct Telephonic appearance as ordered by the Court, requests submitted as set forth in Rule 1.1.19 except telephonic appearances for Case Management Conferences, CourtCall at (888) 882-6878 (5.1.3); the moving party first contacting the opposing attorney to obtain a mutually agreeable hearing date (5.2.1); an absolute duty to disclose that a requested ex parte order will change the status quo, the exigent circumstances in the first paragraph of the declaration, and for custody/visitation a completed UCCJEA declaration, the practices of the last twelve (12) months and the current custody order attached (5.2.2); a request for an order shortening time to follow the procedure in Rule 5.2.2 (5.2.3); all moving and responsive pleadings filed and served, the DCSS served if public assistance is being paid, and a late responsive pleading delivered to the Judicial Officer's Clerk no later than 2:00 p.m. on the date before the hearing (5.2.4); the parties to confer before the hearing to resolve or limit the issues (5.2.5); the moving party to contact the Judicial Assistant of the Department to take a hearing off calendar or to continue it, continuances strongly disfavored, and continuances of contempt hearings in open court or by written stipulation signed by the citee (5.2.6 to 5.2.7); law and motion calendars limited to matters of no more than fifteen (15) minutes per side (5.2.9); notification to the bailiff by 12 noon on the day before the hearing that a prisoner in a Fresno County Detention Facility is a party (5.2.10); the moving party to prepare the Order After Hearing and mail it to the responding party for approval within ten (10) calendar days, a second letter if no response, and service on DCSS and/or FCS within fifteen (15) days after filing (5.2.13); stipulations signed by each of the parties and their respective attorneys (5.2.14); written complaints about minor's counsel to the Presiding Judge of the Family Court (5.2.15); every judgment with the case name, case number, and page number, judgments involving children cleared by DCSS, the Notice of Entry of Judgment with two (2) large stamped addressed envelopes, default judgments with forms FL-165 and FL-170 and a supplemental declaration, the defaulted party's signature on a Marital Settlement Agreement notarized, bifurcated status only judgments, and Uniform Parentage Act judgments (5.3 to 5.3.8); a signed Family Code § 4065 Waiver with any stipulation that deviates from the statewide uniform guideline (5.4.1); a current (less than three (3) months old) Income and Expense Declaration form FL-150 with the two (2) most recent months of pay stubs, or form FL-155 if only child support is at issue (5.4.2); and copies of orders mailed to DCSS within ten (10) days, and moving papers to determine arrears that specify the nature and amount of the dispute with DCSS (5.4.3 to 5.4.5).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 4: Miscellaneous Rules
Chapter 4 (Rules 4.1 to 4.2.5): facsimile filing under rule 2.300 et seq. of the California Rules of Court by self-represented litigants in civil, probate and family law, of specified documents in juvenile cases, and of only the following documents in a criminal case, fax filings accepted during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.), and a fee of $1.00 for each page (4.1.1); mandatory electronic filing by represented parties in all civil (including unlawful detainer initial filings), family law, and probate actions under Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6(g), self-represented parties encouraged, a prosecuting agency's charging documents and arrest warrants and dependency filings by the Department of Social Services electronically, permissive electronic filing in juvenile criminal, infraction and criminal motion cases, no electronic filing of amended charging documents, Criminal Protective Orders or subsequent filings into confidential case types, a document received electronically on a court day deemed filed that court day, a fully searchable .pdf with electronic bookmarks, the documents that may not be filed electronically, the original will deposited within ten (10) court days, and a Labor Commissioner appeal bond delivered within ten (10) court days (4.1.2); a Notice of Remote Appearance (form RA-010), with the Declaration of Notice or a proof of service, for each hearing at which a party intends to appear remotely, a proposed Order Regarding Remote Appearance (form RA-020) not required, the camera on, a party appearing by “CourtCall” to contact CourtCall by 11:00 a.m. the day of the hearing, and all attorneys and parties personally present for Mandatory Settlement Conferences, Trial Readiness, and Trial (4.1.2(D)); confidential records designated through the “confidential security group” option, the filing party to indicate in the “Comments to Court” field the legal authority that mandates the confidentiality, or the records submitted physically with a cover sheet (4.1.3); lodged records clearly identified with a cover sheet, and no electronic storage media lodged in any unlimited or limited civil action without a court order (4.1.4); no records filed under seal without a court order, the records lodged conditionally under seal and a public redacted version filed (4.1.5); a document preparer to print the preparer's name, address and telephone number on a separate sheet of paper, served and filed (4.1.6); no attorney or party to contact any judge directly by e-mail concerning a pending case (4.1.7); requests for media coverage under California Rules of Court, Rule 1.150 (4.1.8); proposed jury instructions submitted on the first day of trial, CALCRIM or CACI wherever applicable (4.1.9); the party to prepare and serve a transcript of a sound recording, with a copy of the recording, at least two (2) weeks before trial (4.1.10); permission of the judge before a party may bring dangerous, large or bulky exhibits into the courthouse, and each exhibit securely sealed, identified and individually tagged (4.1.11); juror lists not reproduced and returned to the Court (4.1.12); access to jurors' declarations on application (4.1.13); court reporters to file all appellate and court ordered transcripts electronically via YesLaw (4.1.14); the court communication protocol for Domestic Violence and Child Custody Orders, criminal protective orders to take precedence over other contact orders (4.1.15); and appeals to the Appellate Division decided by a majority of a three (3) judge panel, briefing and hearing dates set by the court, the court elects to use the original trial court file as the record, and no hearing calendared when no oral argument is requested in appropriate cases (4.2 to 4.2.5).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 3: Criminal Rules
Chapter 3 (Rules 3.1 to 3.6.4): emergency search or arrest warrant requests during non-court hours to the designated duty judge, non-emergency warrant requests during regular court hours (3.1.1); motions regarding release on own recognizance or bail modification before the arraignment department judge or commissioner (3.1.2); a subsequent motion for the same relief accompanied by a declaration of the prior motion and the new or different facts (3.1.3); no continuances unless the court is presented convincing proof of good cause in accordance with Penal Code § 1050, a stipulation of counsel not necessarily good cause (3.1.5); petitions for writ of habeas corpus filed with the Clerk, priority to emergency petitions (3.1.6); writs of mandate and prohibition in misdemeanor or traffic cases filed in the Appellate Division (3.1.7); the Clerk to retain custody of any exhibit introduced into evidence until the final determination or dismissal of the action (3.1.9); a petition for dismissal under Penal Code §§ 1203.4, 1203.4a or 1203.41 without a calendared hearing date with an income and expense declaration (form TCR-105A), and proof of service on the Office of the District Attorney (3.1.11); court staff authorized to grant one sixty (60) day continuance for the initial payment of criminal fines, with a thirty dollar ($30.00) administrative fee or a fifty dollar ($50.00) installment fee (3.1.12); involuntary medication hearings via video conference (3.1.13); petitions to terminate sex offender registration served on the law enforcement agency and the Fresno County District Attorney's Office within 15 court days, proof of service on form PJV-61 in Juvenile Justice Court and form CR-416 encouraged in Superior Court (3.1.14); the court to endeavor to dispose of misdemeanor cases 90% within thirty (30) days after the first court appearance, 98% within ninety (90) days and 100% within 120 days (3.2.1); a misdemeanor case assigned to a specific department for all remaining aspects, including trials estimated to last two (2) days or less, a pretrial hearing for all motions for continuance, waiver of jury and change of plea, and misdemeanor trials called at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday (3.2.2 to 3.2.5); misdemeanor motions made in the assigned department and filed in writing no later than ten (10) court days before the hearing, opposition papers five (5) and reply papers two (2) court days before, and items electronically submitted as a PDF file no larger than 5 GB (3.3.1 to 3.3.5); the court to endeavor to dispose of felony filings 90% within thirty (30) days after the first court appearance, 98% within forty-five (45) days and 100% within ninety (90) days, all proceedings from arraignment through settlement conference in a Designated Department assigned alphabetically by last name of defendant, reciprocal informal discovery ordered at arraignment, and felony Settlement Conferences on Thursdays two (2) weeks before trial (3.4 to 3.4.7); felony motions made in the Designated Department, Penal Code § 995 motions and special hearings on motions to suppress set in the department of the supervising judge of the Criminal Division, motions filed not less than ten (10) court days before the hearing, opposition papers five (5) and reply papers two (2) court days before, and motions to suppress and for traverse of a search warrant to comply with the filing, notice, and content requirements (3.5 to 3.5.2); and a trial by written declaration under Vehicle Code § 40903 for a defendant who fails to appear, post bail, request an extension or pay, and on timely request under rule 4.210 of the California Rules of Court, appeals to the Appellate Division, the Notice of Appeal (form TR1-55) filed within thirty (30) CALENDAR DAYS after the rendition of judgment, a pilot program of online adjudication and ability to pay determinations, and infraction arraignments, trials and related proceedings by Zoom, a request to attend remotely at least three (3) court days and documents or evidence at least two (2) court days before the hearing (3.6 to 3.6.4).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 2: Civil Rules (Rules 2.5 to 2.10)
Chapter 2, Rules 2.5 to 2.10 (Mandatory Settlement Conference, Trial Readiness, Ex Parte Applications, Miscellaneous Civil Rules, Unlawful Detainer Cases, and Small Claims Cases): a mandatory settlement conference for every civil case set for trial on the master calendar, except small claims, unlawful detainers, family law cases and short cause cases, or by stipulation or order (2.5.1); the parties to meet and confer before the settlement conference, face-to-face or in mediation, communication by writing not to suffice (2.5.2); all parties, the trial attorney and an insurance carrier employee with full authority to settle personally present (2.5.5); settlement conference statements to the ADR Department no later than five (5) court days before the conference (2.5.6); the attorneys to meet and confer at least five (5) days before trial and exchange in limine motions, jury instructions or trial briefs and exhibit lists, a trial readiness hearing on the Friday prior to the date set for trial, no party to appear remotely unless previously approved, and a mandatory settlement conference at the Trial Readiness Hearing (2.6.1 to 2.6.2); the party seeking an ex parte order to submit the application and supporting papers to the Clerk for filing not later than 2:00 p.m. on the day preceding a morning hearing and 9:00 a.m. on the date of an afternoon hearing (2.7.1); an ex parte application considered without a hearing in the following cases, among them a stipulation by the parties for an order, an order extending time to serve pleading, an application to serve by publication and a motion to continue trial (2.7.2); the nonrefundable jury fee under Code of Civil Procedure section 631 due on or before the date scheduled for the initial case management conference, failure to timely pay a waiver of trial by jury (2.8.1); interpreter services in civil or small claims matters in the priority order of case types listed (2.8.2); attorney's fees in default cases fixed in accordance with Appendix A1 (2.8.3); petitions to compromise the claims of minors or incompetent persons, an order to show cause hearing within ninety (90) days after an Order to Deposit Funds in Blocked Account (MC-355), off calendar if form MC-356 is filed at least ten (10) court days before (2.8.4); the parties' pro rata shares of the fee for official reporting services deposited for a trial or hearing of more than one (1) hour (2.8.5); the agency to file its default petition in a firearms forfeiture ten (10) court days preceding the hearing (2.8.6); all parties to a petition for approval of a transfer of structured settlement payments, including the payee and the payee's counsel, to appear (2.8.7); the court to endeavor to dispose of unlawful detainer cases 90% within thirty (30) days and 100% within forty-five (45) days after filing, the plaintiff to serve all named defendants within fifteen (15) days and file a Request to Set Case for Trial within twenty-five (25) days, the Clerk to issue a Notice of Dismissal Hearing, an undertaking for immediate possession of ten (10) times the monthly rental but not less than $500.00, and a stamped, legal-size envelope for each defendant and one to “All Occupants” for the Notice of Restricted Access (2.9 to 2.9.10); and the court to endeavor to dispose of small claims cases 90% within seventy (70) days and 100% within ninety (90) days after filing, and no notice of appeal from a small claims judgment accepted after the statutory period unless a writ of mandate has been issued (2.10 to 2.10.3).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 2: Civil Rules (Rules 2.11)
Chapter 2, Rule 2.11 (Cases Involving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)): the Civil Case Cover sheet to indicate a CEQA case, assigned to a single judge for all purposes including trial, the petitioner to serve the notice of assignment and the case management conference notice on each named respondent, and all subsequent documents to state on the face page the judge and department assigned for all purposes (2.11.1); a case management conference approximately 120 days after the filing of the petition, which does not excuse compliance with Public Resources Code section 21167.4, subdivision (a), and written case management conference statements seven (7) court days before it (2.11.2); the public agency to serve a preliminary cost notification within twenty (20) days after the request to prepare the record, a petitioner who elects to prepare the record to notify the agency within five (5) days and serve a detailed document index within forty (40) days, and the record lodged with or within five (5) days of the agency's certification (2.11.3); the administrative record submitted electronically, through e-filing, the court prefers a searchable PDF with bookmarks (2.11.4); the opening memorandum filed at least forty-five (45) calendar days, the opposition twenty-five (25) and the reply fifteen (15) calendar days before the hearing, the opening and opposition memoranda not to exceed thirty (30) pages and the reply twenty (20) pages with double-spaced lines (2.11.5); and a separate “hard copy” trial notebook and appendix of excerpts, neither lodged nor filed, the party to call the Research Department Office Assistant at (559) 457-4945 to arrange delivery (2.11.6).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 2: Civil Rules (Rules 2.1 to 2.4)
Chapter 2, Rules 2.1 to 2.4 (Administration of Civil Cases, Civil Law and Motion, the Early Mandatory Mediation Pilot Program, and Alternative Dispute Resolution): the court to endeavor to dispose of all general civil cases 90% within twelve (12) months after filing, 98% within eighteen (18) months and 100% within twenty-four (24) months (2.1.2); the Clerk to issue a Notice of Case Management Conference when the complaint is filed, for a conference no less than 120 days after filing, served with the summons and complaint (2.1.4); the plaintiff to serve all named defendants and file proof of service within sixty (60) days (2.1.5); case management plans - Plan 1 within 12 months, Plan 2 within 18 months, Plan 3 within 24 months, and exempt complex litigation - general civil cases deemed assigned to Plan 1 (2.1.7); all parties required to appear at the Case Management Conference with sufficient authority, all at issue cases assigned a date for trial, mandatory settlement conference, and trial readiness hearing (2.1.9); Plan 1 cases assigned a trial date approximately 330 days after the complaint was filed, Plan 2 cases 480 days and Plan 3 cases 630 days, no trial date continued merely on stipulation of the parties, and a letter to the Civil Supervising Judge and all other parties immediately upon knowledge of a conflict with the trial date (2.1.10); complex litigation referred to the Civil Supervising Judge, and class actions assigned to one judge for all purposes with an initial Case Management Conference within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days (2.1.11); written notice of settlement on the Notice of Settlement form, and a Rule 3.1385 hearing when a settled case has not been dismissed within 45 days (2.1.13); default judgment applications preferably on written declarations under Code of Civil Procedure section 585, subdivision (d), papers filed no later than 16 calendar days before any hearing, live testimony not to exceed 10 minutes without prior approval, and a “Default Prove Up Brief” (2.1.14); no discovery motion heard in a civil unlimited case unless the moving party has first requested an informal Pretrial Discovery Conference, after a “meet and confer” process, on the approved form, the request tolls the time for filing a motion to compel, and refusal to participate grounds for an adverse order - except motions to compel a deposition, initial responses or initial disclosures and motions regarding a subpoena served on a nonparty (2.1.17); a law and motion hearing date reserved with the law and motion clerk before filing (2.2.1); a hearing taken off calendar or continued on written notice or request at least five (5) court days before the scheduled hearing (2.2.2 to 2.2.3); remote appearances on the designated audio or video platform identified by the Court, or by “CourtCall” at (888) 882-6878 (2.2.4); tentative rulings under Rule 3.1308(a)(1) by telephoning the court at (559) 457-4943 or on the court's website (2.2.5); out-of-state, “Lexis” or “Westlaw” authority lodged in a separately bound appendix of authorities (2.2.6); the Early Mandatory Mediation Pilot Program repealed (2.3); and all parties to engage in some form of Alternative Dispute Resolution completed before the Mandatory Settlement Conference, a Stipulation regarding Alternative Dispute Resolution (TADR-01 form) and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Status Report (TADR-03 form) each at least ten (10) court days before (2.4 to 2.4.4).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Chapter 1: Administrative Rules
Chapter 1 (Rules 1.1 to 1.2.9): these rules known and cited as the “The Superior Court of Fresno County, Local Rules.” (1.1.1); construed to secure the efficient administration of the business of the court, these rules to govern all proceedings in the court, supplementary and subject to California statutes, the California Rules of Court and other rules adopted by the Judicial Council (1.1.3); the definitions - “business day” days excluding weekends and Court holidays, “meet and confer” a telephone conference or, whenever reasonably possible, a face-to-face meeting, not satisfied by an exchange of letters, and a “short cause case” one in which the time estimated for trial is five (5) hours or less (1.1.4); the failure of any party to comply with these rules, unless good cause is shown, may be punishable by contempt, with reasonable expenses and counsel fees and any other sanctions authorized by law, and the appearance of a party in pro per does not excuse compliance (1.1.6); security in courtrooms maintained by the Sheriff of the County of Fresno (1.1.7); no person to appear in court without a shirt, or barefoot, or wearing a tank top (1.1.8); papers typewritten or legibly printed, the Clerk not to accept papers not in compliance (1.1.10); personal checks drawn on a banking institution located in California, the exact amount of the fee, fine or bail, no two-party checks, and coinage of more than $50.00 counted and rolled (1.1.11); no papers, exhibits, or evidence taken from the Clerk's Office except by order of the court or in response to a subpoena duces tecum, and signed orders filed immediately (1.1.12); papers not subject to mandatory electronic filing submitted at the Clerk's Office during normal business hours, acceptance deemed to occur on the date submitted or, if submitted after normal business hours, on the next Court day (1.1.14); notices of appeal not accepted for filing in any individual courtroom (1.1.15); a “returned check hold” placed on all accounts and cases of the person whose check is returned, to remove it the party to pay in cash or with certified funds the original check amount plus a returned check fee (1.1.16); no photographing, recording, broadcasting, or activating any camera, microphone, recorder or broadcasting device in Court or in any courthouse except as permitted by California Rules of Court, rule 1.150, by a judge's order or permission, or in a designated media area, devices silenced before entering a courtroom, and a violation subject to seizure of the device, monetary sanctions, contempt or arrest (1.1.17); court reporters provided for the designated family law departments but not routinely for the unlimited civil, limited civil, probate (except mental health cases) or family support departments, a party who wishes to provide its own official court reporter to file a statement before the hearing, and a party with a fee waiver to request an official court reporter on the mandatory “Request for Presence of a Court Reporter” form at the time the hearing is set (1.1.18); remote appearances under Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75 and California Rules of Court, rule 3.672 - a remote court appearance a court appearance, by Zoom, CourtCall or telephonic appearance, the judicial officer's discretion to require an in-person appearance, the requirements and deadlines listed on the Court's website, Civil and Family Law requests to include a proposed order (Judicial Council Form RA-020), and any recording or re-broadcasting of a remote proceeding strictly prohibited (1.1.19); and the court's organization - the Presiding Judge elected by a majority of all judges by secret ballot to a two-year term, the Assistant Presiding Judge selected by the Presiding Judge, the judges' meetings, an Executive Committee of seven (7) judges, the Court Executive Officer as Clerk, and as Jury Commissioners, Court Commissioners selected by the Executive Committee, and a judicial vacation day (1.2 to 1.2.9).
Fresno County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Appendix A1: Attorneys’ Fees upon Default Judgment
Appendix A1, attorneys' fees upon default judgment in actions on promissory notes, contracts, and foreclosures, which provide for attorneys' fees: on a note or contract 20% of the first $5,000.00 in principal, or $400.00, whichever is greater; 15% of the next $10,000.00; 10% of the next $10,000.00; 5% of the next $25,000.00; 2% of the next $50,000.00; and 1% of the principal amount over $100,000.00; on a foreclosure the same amount increased by 10%, or $750.00, whichever is greater; a petition for compensation for additional services with an itemized statement of the services; and an action on a book account, when Civil Code § 1717 does not apply, governed by Civil Code § 1717.5.
Fresno County Superior Court — Policy on Special Circumstance Case Appointments
The court's policy on special circumstance case appointments (Penal Code section 190.2): a panel of qualified attorneys for indigent defendants, administered by the Presiding Judge or designee, the materials submitted confidential; appointed counsel to provide complete legal defense services within the applicable case category attorney fee, fees for investigators, experts and other persons paid from the section 987.9 funds within the hourly rates in Appendix C; the case categories and fees determined by the Court at the time of approval of an appointment; lead and associate counsel panels, an attorney added on an “Application and Agreement” (Appendix A) with a waiver under Code of Civil Procedure section 360.5 (Appendix B), the minimum qualifications under California Rules of Court 4.117; appointments by rotation, no attorney appointed while on three pending special circumstance cases, an initial case review of up to 25 hours (up to 15 hours for the next attorney) at the approved hourly rate, appointment at the Category 1 level and a written declaration within 10 court days for a higher category; the payment schedule - acceptance of appointment 15%, preliminary hearing 25%, trial confirmation 15%, conclusion of People's case 15%, completion of trial 20% and completion of the case at trial court level 10% of the category attorney fee - requests submitted over six (6) months from the event not eligible and those more than 90 days after reduced by 15%; an additional amount if the death penalty is sought (Category 1-$30,000; Category 2-$40,000; Category 3-$50,000); 20% of the approved category attorney fee advanced for section 987.9 expenses; requests for additional compensation; a final billing and final accounting within 60 days of termination of the case, the accounting records retained for five (5) years; and Appendix C - the approved hourly rate of $102/hr, Category 1 $60,000, Category 2 $95,000 and Category 3 $130,000, the policy percentage chart, and the section 987.9 compensation guidelines for experts, investigators (up to $65/hr) and paralegals and law clerks (up to $35/hr).
Fresno County Superior Court — Policy pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.956
The court's policy pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.956: effective May 1, 2023, official court reporters no longer available for Probate matters or Family Law matters, with few limited exceptions, nor routinely assigned to any Department in the B.F. Sisk Courthouse; official court reporters prioritized for criminal felony cases, juvenile cases and statutorily mandated hearing types, and routinely provided for proceedings under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act and for proceedings to declare a minor free from parental custody (Departments 202 and 303); not normally available in unlimited civil cases or in limited civil, misdemeanor or infraction cases, where Electronic Recording creates the official record (Government Code 69957), and not provided for hearings in the Appellate Division; a party to file a statement requesting the presence of an official court reporter before the hearing or trial date, or to arrange a court-approved official reporter pro tempore (form PGN-59) or, by stipulation, a privately retained certified shorthand reporter (form PGN-63) at the arranging party's expense; and a party with a fee waiver to request an official court reporter on form PCV-59, with a Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001 or form FW-001-GC) if none has been granted, 10 calendar days before the proceeding or as soon as practicable, notice of a reporter's availability possibly not given until the day of the trial or hearing.
Fresno County Superior Court — Standing Order No. 20-0701: Standing Order Regarding the Traffic Division
A standing order of the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, Standing Order No. 20-0701 regarding the traffic division, dated the 1st day of July, 2020 and signed by Hon. Arlan L. Harrell, Presiding Judge: court staff authorized to grant one ninety (90) day continuance for the initial payment of traffic fines, one ninety (90) day continuance once monthly payments have been established and one change of the day of the month the payment is due, requests for a continuance of more than ninety (90) days made to a judicial officer in writing or in person; the bail reduced by half for a defendant charged under Vehicle Code § 16028, subdivision (a) who obtains proof of insurance after the date of the violation; sixty (60) days to complete traffic school and one ninety (90) day continuance; proof of completion accepted when traffic school is completed by the due date; requests to attend traffic school within one hundred and eighty (180) days of payment of the fine, bail forfeiture or a guilty verdict, with the sixty-seven dollar ($67.00) administrative fee; citations with errors returned to the issuing agency for correction, and an incomplete filing stricken if no corrected citation is received within six (6) months; the payment options - in full on the date of the appearance, in full by a future date with a thirty dollar ($30.00) administrative fee, or a monthly or traffic school payment plan with a thirty-five dollar ($35.00) installment fee - and the conversions between them; overpayments refunded, or transferred to another case with an outstanding balance; and Standing Order 16-0701 revoked.
Fresno County Superior Court — Unlawful Detainer Court Trial Exhibits Notice (Department 404)
The exhibits notice of the court's Civil Limited Division for unlawful detainer court trials in Department 404 (1130 “O” Street): a party appearing via Zoom to have any documents to be presented as evidence received by the Court at least two (2) Court days before the hearing date, by mail or through the Drop Box inside the Sisk Courthouse (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), on form PCV-75 (Notice of Exhibits Unlawful Detainer Court Trial); and the rules for exhibits for Department 404 - three (3) sets of copies of documents, the pages not numbered, marked or written on; no text messages, photographs or recordings on a cell phone considered as evidence unless downloaded, three (3) copies of a text message or photograph and a recording on a flash drive or CD, the party responsible for bringing any necessary equipment to play the recording; and a party appearing via Zoom to supply the opposing party (or its attorney's office) and the Court with any evidence at least 2 days before the hearing, or it may not be considered.
Fresno County Superior Court — Unlawful Detainer
The unlawful detainer court at 1130 O Street; ten days to respond in writing to the landlord's complaint, a fee waiver application filed with the answer; once the answer and an At Issue Memorandum filed by the plaintiff are filed, both parties notified by mail of the time and place of trial; a jury trial requested by filing an At Issue Memorandum, the other party having five days from the mailing date of an At Issue Memorandum that requests no jury to file a Counter At Issue Memorandum requesting one, a Notice of Calendar Setting mailed with the trial date, and the jury fee deposit posted with the court five days before the trial date; a trial date changed by a motion for continuance, a written stipulation with a declaration and an order, or a declaration and an order, filed as soon as the need is known, with a filing fee; witnesses subpoenaed by personal service; on the trial date the Unlawful Detainer Trial Exhibit Rules reviewed and the UD Court Trial Exhibit Form (PCV-75) submitted, with at least two copies of all documents; five days to move after the Sheriff serves the Notice to Vacate; and a default judgment on a failure to respond or to appear for trial.
Fresno County Superior Court — Traffic — Collections
On a Failure to Appear Notice, within 25 days from the post-marked date on the mailing envelope, the bail paid or an appearance in court on or before the due date with a yellow card from the clerk on the day; ability to pay considered only on an appearance with the completed “Petition For Consideration re Ability to Pay” form (TR-105RC); payment online by credit card, by mail to the Traffic Division or in person at the “M” Street Courthouse, installment plans and traffic school by mail or in person only; a failure within 25 days deemed willful and referred to a collection agency, and possibly deemed consent to proceed as an infraction and election of a trial by declaration (VC Section 40903 and Fresno Superior Court Local Rule 3.6.2) with a waiver of rights; on a Failure to Pay Notice, within 25 days an appearance before a judge - traffic infractions at the M Street Courthouse with a yellow card, criminal cases at the Fresno Central Division - or the license may be suspended and the case referred to collections; and a case at collections - payment arrangements with the agency, a hardship letter with form TR-320/CR-320 or MyCitations, cases with GC Services through the court directly.
Fresno County Superior Court — Traffic
The bail paid or an appearance in court on or before the due date, a defendant who wishes to appear to place themselves on calendar by 9:30 a.m. on the day, and a defendant who fails to address a citation by the due date possibly deemed to elect a trial by written declaration (Vehicle Code section 40903); the Clerk's Office open Monday - Friday 8am-4pm, the Call Center at (559) 457-1700, requests by fax, email or mail, and a drop box inside the “M” Street Courthouse; the morning arraignment calendar Monday - Wednesday at 9:30 AM, check-in at the Traffic Clerk's Office at 2317 Tuolumne Street by 9:30 a.m.; Court ACCESS locations in Orange Cove, Mendota, and Coalinga; Zoom requests at least three (3) court days before the hearing; ability to pay by letter with form TR-320/CR-320 or on MyCitations; one 90-day extension to appear or pay bail by the Clerk's Office, further extensions by a judicial officer; a written not guilty plea or a trial by written declaration with a deposit of bail (Vehicle Code sections 40519(b) and 40902; form TR-205), a trial de novo requested within 20 days (form TR-220); monthly installment plans at a minimum of $50.00/monthly; correctable violations dismissed on proof of correction and a $25.00 transaction fee per correctable violation; traffic school - no online payment, 90 days from sign-up to complete, one 90-day extension if requested before the original due date; and juvenile traffic correctable violations cleared at any Traffic counter or by mail with the $25.00 fee.
Fresno County Superior Court — Small Claims
Claims for money for actual damages of no more than $6,250 for a business or public entity or $12,500 for a natural person, the parties at least 18 years old and no lawyer in court; a claim filed at any Fresno County Superior Court location if the dispute or injury occurred, or the defendant lives or does business, in Fresno County - the original claim and one copy, with two copies for each defendant; service by a law enforcement officer, personal or substitute service, or certified mail by the clerk ($15.00 for each defendant, the court to be contacted two weeks before the hearing), the proof of service at least 5 days before the trial date; one written request to reschedule by either party at least 10 days before the court date, with a fee; on the day of trial roll call and the oath, a temporary judge (an attorney of at least five years with small claims training) by stipulation, cases not necessarily called in the order listed, and a Dispute Settlement Center mediator at court; an appeal by the defendant only; rulings taken under advisement within ninety (90) days, by mail; and original exhibits picked up from the Small Claims Department of the B.F. Sisk Courthouse after the judgment becomes final.
Fresno County Superior Court — Requests from Law Enforcement for Destruction, Disposition or Return of Seized Property - Checklist
The court's checklist for requests from a law enforcement agency to destroy, return or otherwise dispose of property in its possession (usually blanket requests for seized property), not for an item of evidence in a specific court case, which is requested in that case: requests submitted only electronically by e-mail to the court's address for them; each request an application, supporting evidence (usually a declaration) and a proposed order, captioned for the evidence in the agency's possession, or with the proper caption of the case when the request is specific to a case; the proposed order a standalone document with a proper caption, a line for the Presiding Judge's signature and the list of the property attached; exhibits attached to the declaration, with numbered lines; the legal authority for the proposed disposition of each piece of property, not a laundry list of statutes; declarations specific and compliant with CCP §2015.5; a Superior Court case number for each item allegedly associated with an adjudicated case; the warrant number and a copy of the warrant for items seized pursuant to a search warrant; the exact proposed disposition of each item; and, for items to be returned, the person to whom they will be returned.