Why Fresno Courts Ask You to Arrange Childcare: How Families Can Plan

If you're juggling school pickup, work, or a babysitter, start by checking which Fresno court location you need and when it's open. The "M" Street Courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The clerk's office there has shorter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For matters at the Jail Annex Criminal Courts, Departments 95 and 96 are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Juvenile Justice Court keeps the same schedule. Knowing these windows helps you arrange childcare that covers check-in, waiting, and the trip home, not just your hearing time.

When a court says you're "strongly encouraged" to arrange childcare, treat it as a practical warning: court buildings and schedules aren't designed with kids in mind. Even if you expect a quick visit, court time is unpredictable. You might wait for your case to be called, get sent to the wrong line, or discover paperwork needs handling before or after your hearing. Courtrooms also demand quiet and attention, which can be hard on children, especially during a long morning. Planning childcare protects you, too. You'll have space to focus on what the judge says, take notes, speak with an attorney if you have one, and handle next steps without managing a stressed child in a high-pressure setting.

Practical Steps

• ✓ Confirm your hearing date, time, and location from your paperwork (and re-check it the day before if anything has been changing).
• ✓ Plan childcare for a wider window than the scheduled start time, since you may need time for check-in, waiting, and any follow-up at a counter.

• ✓ Ask a trusted friend or relative first, especially someone who can handle short-notice schedule changes.
• ✓ If a co-parent or family member is involved, coordinate drop-off and pickup ahead of time so you are not negotiating it on the courthouse steps.

• ✓ Tell your employer as early as you can that you have a court obligation and may need flexibility.
• ✓ If you can, build a backup plan for childcare in case your hearing runs longer than expected or gets continued to another date.

• ✓ If family and friends are not available, look for paid care that can cover partial days, early mornings, or last-minute requests.
• ✓ For short-notice situations, line up two options (for example, a primary sitter plus one backup) so a single cancellation does not derail your appearance.

1. Call General Information: Use Fresno Superior Court’s General Information number, (559) 457-2000.
2. Call during open hours: The "M" Street Courthouse lists public hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, which is a good window for reaching the court.
3. Ask to be directed to the right office: Explain where your case is set (if you know) and ask for the best contact for your department or calendar.

When you reach someone by phone, be direct about your situation. Ask what time to arrive, how long you should expect to be at court, and whether your matter will likely take a full morning or just a brief appearance. If you truly can't arrange childcare, ask about your options. Can you request a new date? What happens if you arrive without childcare? Results vary by case type and timing, but a quick call beats guessing and risking a missed appearance.