Divorce Lawyer in Fresno, CA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Fresno, California can greatly influence the outcome of your case — especially when dealing with children, real estate, farm or agricultural assets, or complex financial issues. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about divorce in Fresno, including court locations, attorney fees, state requirements, and more affordable alternatives for uncontested divorces.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Fresno?

A Fresno divorce lawyer may be necessary if your case involves:

• Disputes over custody, visitation, or co-parenting

• High-conflict or uncooperative communication

• Real estate holdings, farmland, or investment property

• Disagreements over alimony

• Business ownership or agricultural operations

• Domestic violence or TRO needs

• Suspected hidden income or assets

• A case likely requiring hearings, mediation, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if the divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Parenting schedules and custody

• Child support and alimony

• Division of property and debts

• Retirement & pensions

• Who stays in the marital home

For uncontested cases, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Fresno divorce paperwork at a fraction of the price of using a law firm.

Where to File for Divorce in Fresno, CA

Fresno divorces are handled by the Superior Court of California – Fresno County.

Primary Filing Location

Fresno County Superior Court — B.F. Sisk Courthouse
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 457-2100

This courthouse manages:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & visitation

• Child & spousal support

• Domestic violence restraining orders

• Settlement conferences

• Mediation & trial

Fresno County supports e-filing, which simplifies uncontested filings.

California Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Fresno:

• You or your spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months, AND

• Lived in Fresno County for at least 3 months

If you haven’t met the residency requirement, you can file for a legal separation first and convert it later.

How Divorce Works in Fresno, CA

Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. File the Petition (FL-100) & Summons (FL-110)

This begins your divorce case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

They have 30 days to file a Response.

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosures

California requires both spouses to exchange:

• Declaration of Disclosure

• Income & Expense Declaration (FL-150)

• Schedule of Assets & Debts (FL-142)

These documents must include:

• Real estate holdings

• Business interests

• Agricultural property (common in the Valley)

• Retirement accounts

• Income sources & tax returns

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Fresno requires:

• Mediation through Family Court Services (FCS)

• A parenting plan

• Possible co-parenting classes

5. Settlement or Litigation

Uncontested cases often finalize quickly.
Contested cases may require:

• Temporary hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Business valuations or property appraisals

• Mediation

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Dissolution

A judge signs the final order once all issues are resolved.

⚠️ Mandatory Waiting Period

California requires a 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Fresno, CA?

Attorney fees in Fresno are typically lower than in California’s coastal metros but still vary widely by complexity.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $300–$500

• Uncontested divorce with an attorney: $3,500–$7,500

• Contested divorce: $12,000–$30,000+

• High-asset or agricultural cases: $40,000–$100,000+

Cases involving rural property, investment land, and business interests increase the total cost.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Fresno, CA

Here are trusted Fresno divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. The Law Offices of Glen L. Gates

https://www.glenglateslaw.com

2. Amanda Patterson, Attorney at Law

https://www.pattersonfamilylawfresno.com

3. The Binder Firm

https://www.thebinderfirm.com

These firms handle contested custody cases, agricultural property disputes, financial disclosure issues, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you can avoid high attorney fees with simpler solutions.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all California divorce forms.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file everything with the Fresno County Superior Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated divorce specialist supports your entire case from start to finish.

These solutions are ideal for couples with low-conflict or uncontested divorces.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Fresno divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or visitation is disputed

• Significant or agricultural assets are involved

• You suspect hidden income or assets

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• There is domestic violence

• The case will require hearings or trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Fresno Couples

• California-specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Much cheaper and faster than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested, low-conflict cases

Divorce.com helps Fresno couples complete their divorce with support, clarity, and confidence.

Start Your Fresno Divorce Today

Whether you choose to hire an attorney or use an online platform, the most important step is getting started. Divorce.com makes the Fresno divorce process affordable, clear, and stress-free.