Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Kansas

Residency Requirements

At least one spouse must have been a Kansas resident for at least 60 days before filing.

Waiting Period

60 days after filing before divorce can be finalized.

Grounds

Kansas is a no-fault state with incompatibility as the sole ground.

Mandatory Parenting Class

Parents with minor children must attend a parent education class.

Family Courts in Kansas

Family law cases are heard in District Court.

Court Structure

• 105 counties


• 31 judicial districts

Major Courts

• Johnson County: 10th Judicial District


• Sedgwick County (Wichita): 18th Judicial District


• Shawnee County (Topeka): 3rd Judicial District

Self-Help

Kansas Courts Self-Help Center provides forms and guidance.

Filing Fees in Kansas

Fee Schedule

• Divorce filing fee: $179


• Service fees: Additional costs vary

Fee Waiver

Affidavit of Indigency available for those who cannot afford fees.

Typical Costs

• Uncontested: $500-$2,000


• Contested: $5,000-$20,000+

Free Legal Resources in Kansas

Kansas Legal Services

• Website: kansaslegalservices.org


• Phone: 1-800-723-6953

Online Resources

• Kansas Free Legal Answers: kansas.freelegalanswers.org


• KS Courts Self-Help: kscourts.org

Critical Deadlines in Kansas

Waiting Period

60 days after filing before divorce can be finalized.

Response Deadline

21 days to respond after being served (30 days if out of state).

Residency

60 days residency required before filing.

Kansas's Unique Family Law Features

Terminology

Kansas uses "residency" instead of "physical custody" to reduce conflict.

Joint Legal Custody Presumption

Kansas presumes joint legal custody is in the child's best interest.

No-Fault Only

Kansas is a pure no-fault state - incompatibility is the only ground.

Mandatory Parent Education

Parents with minor children must complete a parent education class.