Ready to file your divorce papers in Kansas? Reach out for further assistance or consult with a local attorney to ensure you have everything in order.
Get your divorce papersWhat Divorce Papers needs to be valid in Kansas
- You or your spouse must have lived in Kansas for at least 60 days before filing.
- You'll need to provide specific information about your marriage, such as the date and place of marriage.
- If you have children, you'll need to include details about custody, parenting time, and child support.
- You must complete a Domestic Relations Affidavit (DRA) if you have minor children.
- All financial disclosures, including assets, debts, and income, must be accurately reported.
- You must sign the divorce forms in front of a notary public (or as otherwise required by the court).
How to set up a Divorce Papers in Kansas
- Determine your eligibility: Make sure you or your spouse meet the Kansas residency requirement (60 days).
- Gather the necessary information: Collect details about your marriage, assets, debts, and any children.
- Complete the divorce forms: Fill out the appropriate petition and supporting documents, which can be found on the Kansas Judicial Branch website or your local district court.
- Notarize your forms: Take the forms to a notary public to have them signed, as required.
- File the forms with the district court: Bring the completed forms to the district court in the county where you or your spouse resides, and pay the filing fee.
- Serve your spouse: Arrange for your spouse to be officially served with the divorce papers, unless you file a joint petition or your spouse signs a waiver.
How much it costs
The filing fee for a divorce in Kansas varies by county but typically ranges from $150 to $200. Additional costs may include fees for certified copies, service of process, and if you hire an attorney, legal fees. If you cannot afford the fees, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Before You Begin: Kansas Divorce Checklist
Make sure you meet Kansas residency requirements and have all necessary information before starting your divorce paperwork.
- Verify you or your spouse has lived in Kansas for at least 60 days before filing.
- Gather marriage certificate, addresses, and social security numbers for both spouses.
- Decide on grounds: no-fault (incompatibility) or fault-based, and understand how it affects the process.
- If you have children, be ready to propose a parenting plan and child support calculation.
- Plan for notarization: Kansas requires notarization on many divorce documents; check if your county requires witnesses.
- File in the correct district court: the county where either spouse resides if the other lives in Kansas, or where the petitioner resides if the respondent is out of state.
Questions people ask
How long do I have to live in Kansas before filing for divorce?
You or your spouse must have been a resident of Kansas for at least 60 days before filing for divorce. However, for the court to have jurisdiction over issues like property division, you should be a resident at the time of filing.
What is an uncontested divorce in Kansas?
An uncontested divorce in Kansas is when both spouses agree on all major issues, including division of property, debts, and if there are children, custody and support. This can make the process faster and less expensive, as you may not need a court hearing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Kansas?
No, you can file for divorce in Kansas without a lawyer (pro se). The Kansas Judicial Branch provides self-help forms and resources. However, if your case is complex or you have significant assets or disagreements, consulting with an attorney is recommended.
Are divorce papers in Kansas the same in every county?
The basic forms are standardized statewide by the Kansas Judicial Branch, but some counties may have additional local forms or procedures. It's best to check with your local district court for any specific requirements.