Disclaimer: This website does not give you legal advice. This website is created to further provide resources, links and general information.
If you live or are filing a claim in Fresno County, the Small Claims and Civil Advisors can help you navigate through the Fresno County Court system.
The Small Claims and Civil Advisory program offers free help to people who are representing themselves in court in certain types of civil cases. Trained, knowledgeable staff can help you find court forms, answer questions on how to proceed with your case, help you understand the court process, and refer you to other resources to save time and reduce frustration.
Where are the Small Claims and Civil Advisors offices?
The Fresno County Small Claims and Civil Advisors are located inside the B.F. Sisk Courthouse building located at 1130 "O" Street. Click here for directions and hours advisors are available.
Do I Need An Appointment to Speak with a Small Claims Advisor?
We help people on a first come, first served basis. If you are coming into town or have extenuating circumstances, then you may call for an appointment. Advisors are also available to answer questions via email, over the phone and the web.
How can a Small Claims Advisor help me?
The Small Claims Advisor can refer you to the resources you need for your court case. We may:
• Give you information.
• Refer you to other court resources or a private agency.
• Recommend you talk to a lawyer and provide contact information for the Fresno County Bar Referral Service (fees may apply).
Can I get help with forms?
Yes. We can show you:
• What forms are needed to file your case and answer any questions you may have.
• Through the process and review your forms for accuracy and completion. Forms must be completed to the best of your abilities for our advisors to review.
Are there lawyers at the Small Claims Advisory Center?
Although a lawyer supervises the program for quality assurance and legal standards, the attorney is not permitted to provide individual consultations, give legal advice or tell you the best way to deal with your case. Our staff can only give you information and options about a limited number of issues. We will either:
• Help you at the Center.
• Refer you to other organizations that can help you.
• Refer you to a private attorney.
The Small Claims Advisors can assist with:
• Small Claims
• Unlawful Detainer (Evictions)
• Civil Harassment (restraining orders)
• Name Changes
• Consumer Credit and Protection
• Personal Injury (subject to limitations)
• Property Damage (subject to limitations)
• Emancipations
Do I need to bring anything with me when I visit the Small Claims Advisors?
If you are filing or responding to a lawsuit, bring all documents you have related with your case to file with the clerk's office. If you already have a court case, bring all copies of papers in your court file. Prior to filing with the clerk's office we can review your Judicial Council Forms but we cannot review documents pertaining to your case.
What if I don’t speak English?
Our Advisors are bilingual and can assist you with general information pertaining to the proper court forms for your needs. We request that you bring an interpreter of your choice to assist you in filling out your forms, as we are prohibited from doing this for you.
