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How To Find Court Records In Kansas

Court records in Kansas are official documents maintained by the state judicial system. These records cover a variety of case types and can serve as a formal account of actions taken within the courts.

If you are seeking these documents, CourtCaseFinder can provide a convenient solution. Our platform can help you locate case information without navigating the often complex court systems.

With our Instant Court Case Lookup, you can find case numbers, filing dates, parties involved, case status, and details about court decisions, when available. Having access to this information can allow you to understand the progression and resolution of legal matters in the state.

How To Access Kansas Public Court Records

CourtCaseFinder efficiently locates Kansas court records. It can simplify the search process by consolidating information from multiple sources and presenting it in a user-friendly format. You may also access court records directly through official government services. In Kansas, you usually have the following options:

In Person

Each county in Kansas maintains its own set of records through the district court clerk. These offices are the primary point of contact for case files, court dockets, and official documents.

To request access to court records in person, you must visit the location of the court where the case was filed. Additionally, you typically need to provide case details like party name, case type, case number (if known), etc.

The Kansas Judicial Branch website provides a tool where you can search for courthouse locations and contact information.

Online

Kansas allows the public to search district court records online via the Kansas District Court Access Portal. For appellate cases, the Kansas Appellate Court Access Portal can be utilized.

Through these platforms, users may look up records by case number, party name, or attorney information and view case summaries, filing dates, and the current status of cases when applicable.

Note that not all records are digitized on these systems. Also, an account is needed to access the database.

By Mail

You can also submit a request by mail to the appropriate court clerk in Kansas. Requests should include specific information such as the parties' names, the case number if known, and the requested record type.

Depending on the court and the record type, copying or certifying documents may incur fees, and processing times can vary.

Kansas Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Kansas court records are generally public, per the provisions of the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). Per this law, the following information is typically available for public access:

  • Case numbers
  • Filing dates
  • Parties involved
  • Case type
  • Current case status or final disposition
  • Summaries of court orders, rulings, and judgments
  • Hearing dates and case history

Although Kansas courts make much of their case information accessible, certain types of records are specifically exempt from disclosure. The common information that falls within this category is:

  • Juvenile court records
  • Unexecuted search or arrest warrants
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Records protected by attorney-client privilege or attorney work product
  • Medical, psychological, or treatment records of identifiable individuals
  • Personnel files and performance evaluations of public employees
  • Criminal investigation records, unless a court determines that disclosure is in the public interest
  • Records involving security procedures or emergency response plans
  • Information that would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

In practice, the KORA requires agencies to justify withholding information by citing the applicable exemption. The Kansas Attorney General and courts provide oversight to see if denials of access are lawful. In this way, the state seeks to maintain a balance between public transparency and the protection of confidential or sensitive information.

Who Oversees the Courts in Kansas?

The Kansas Supreme Court directly authorizes the state's unified judicial system. The Chief Justice is the senior justice in continuous service who leads the state's judiciary. Presently, Chief Justice Marla Luckert holds this position. She oversees all Kansas courts and ensures that judicial operations comply with constitutional and statutory mandates.

The Office of Judicial Administration (OJA) supports the Supreme Court's administrative responsibilities. According to the Kansas State Annotated Section 20-318(b), the OJA is charged with implementing the Supreme Court's rules, policies, and strategic goals regarding the administration and operation of Kansas courts.

More specifically, the OJA is tasked with managing various functions, which typically include legal services, fiscal operations, human resources, information technology, trial court services, judicial education, access-to-justice programs, and the operation of specialty courts.

What Types of Courts Exist in Kansas?

The Kansas court system consists of appellate courts at the top, trial-level courts throughout the state, and specialized courts that address unique legal needs.

At the highest level is the Kansas Supreme Court, which serves as the state's court of last resort. Below it is the Kansas Court of Appeals, which reviews lower courts' decisions and determines whether the law is consistently applied.

The state's trial-level courts are the Kansas District Courts. Each of the state's 105 counties has a district court that handles the majority of cases filed. At the local level, municipal courts address violations of city ordinances. In addition, Kansas also supports specialty courts, which provide tailored approaches to specific issues.

The table below summarizes Kansas's court types, jurisdictions, and the kinds of cases they most commonly handle.

Court Type Jurisdiction Common Case Types

Kansas Supreme Court

Highest appellate authority; reviews constitutional issues, death penalty cases, and select cases transferred from the Court of Appeals.

Constitutional questions, death penalty reviews, state law interpretation, and administrative oversight of the judicial branch

Kansas Court of Appeals

An intermediate appellate court with statewide jurisdiction; it reviews district court decisions unless reserved for the Supreme Court.

Appeals from district courts, reviews of administrative agency rulings, and civil and criminal appeals

Kansas District Courts

General jurisdiction trial courts are located in all 105 counties.

Felony criminal cases, civil disputes, divorce, child custody, probate, juvenile matters, small claims, and traffic violations

Municipal Courts

Limited jurisdiction courts created by cities handle violations of local ordinances.

Traffic infractions, misdemeanor offenses, and city code violations

Specialty Courts

Operate within the district courts to address specific recurring issues using treatment-focused or rehabilitative programs.

Drug-related cases, DUI matters, mental health dockets, and other problem-solving initiatives

What Federal Courts Are In Kansas?

Federal courts differ from Kansas state courts in both jurisdiction and purpose. While Kansas state courts handle matters under state law, federal courts have authority over issues governed by the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and treaties.

Federal courts also extend their jurisdiction to cases involving the United States government, disputes between citizens of different states when the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, and specialized matters such as bankruptcy, admiralty, and immigration.

The federal courts located in Kansas include the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas.

Refer to the table below for an overview of the federal courts in Kansas, their jurisdiction, and their location and contact information:

Federal Court Jurisdiction Location & Contact Information

U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas

General federal trial jurisdiction in Kansas: Handles civil cases under federal law, criminal prosecutions for federal offenses, civil rights claims, interstate disputes, and federal agency reviews.

Kansas City Courthouse

500 State Ave

Kansas City, KS 66101

Phone: (913) 735-2200

Topeka Courthouse

444 S.E. Quincy

Topeka, KS 66683

Phone: (785) 338-5400

Wichita Courthouse

401 N. Market

Wichita, KS 67202

Phone: (316) 315-4200

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas

Exclusive jurisdiction over federal bankruptcy cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 filed in Kansas.

Kansas City Courthouse

500 State Avenue, Rm. 161

Kansas City, KS 66101

Phone: (913) 735-2110

Topeka Courthouse

444 SE Quincy, Rm. 240

Topeka, KS 66683

Phone: (785) 338-5910

Wichita Courthouse

401 N. Market, Rm. 167

Wichita, KS 67202

Phone: (316) 315-4110

Appeals from the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas are heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which is based in Denver, Colorado.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Kansas Courts?

The number of cases handled annually in Kansas varies. According to the 2024 Kansas Judicial Branch Annual Report, there are approximately 334,000 cases filed in district courts across the state's 105 counties in the fiscal year 2023-2024. These filings cover a wide range of civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and family law matters.

The table below highlights a breakdown of filings by some of the most common case categories for fiscal year 2024:

Case Type Approx. Annual Volume

Adoption Cases

~2,000

Real Property Disputes

~3,000

Child in Need of Care

~5,000

Divorce Cases

~9,000

Seeking Protection Cases

~15,000

Contract Disputes

~96,000

Misdemeanor Cases

~12,000

Felony Cases

~20,000

Probate Cases

~10,000

Note: The table depicts case filings for a few common categories. Other case types included in the total number of cases but not listed are fish and game violations, juvenile offender proceedings, traffic infractions, and miscellaneous matters such as small claims and care and treatment cases.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for statistics on appellate courts, inquire directly with the clerk, as this information is not included in the annual report.

How Do I File a Case in Kansas Courts?

Filing a case in Kansas courts is governed by state law and rules established by the Kansas Supreme Court. Understanding the process and complying with these requirements is essential if you intend to initiate a legal action.

To help you navigate the process, the procedure outlined below will walk you through the steps of filing a case in Kansas:

Identify the Proper Court for Your Case

The first step in filing a case in Kansas is determining which court has jurisdiction over your matter. Kansas has a unified court system, but different courts handle different cases.

For example, the Kansas District Courts are the courts of general jurisdiction and hear most case types. Municipal Courts, on the other hand, handle violations of city ordinances. If your case involves an appeal, it may ultimately be reviewed by the Kansas Court of Appeals or the Kansas Supreme Court, depending on the circumstances.

Identifying the proper court is crucial because filing in the wrong court can delay or dismiss your case.

Prepare Your Case Documents

Once you have identified the correct court, the next step is preparing the documents required to initiate your case. The specific forms and documents you must file depend on the type of case.

The Kansas Judicial Branch provides access to many standardized forms through its Find Court Forms page. It will direct you to resources like the Kansas Judicial Council Legal Forms, where you can find forms for most case types. Note that these forms must be completed in compliance with the Kansas Rules of Civil Procedure to avoid delays or rejection.

File Your Case

In Kansas, you can file a court case either in person at the clerk of the district court's office or electronically through the state's eFile system. If you prefer to file electronically, an account is needed.

When filing, you must also pay the required filing fee, which varies depending on the case type. The most common cases and their corresponding fees are:

  • Civil Cases: $195
  • Divorce: $195
  • Misdemeanor: $158
  • Felony: $193
  • Juvenile Offender: $56
  • Small Claims: $47.50 - $67.50 (depending on the amount of the claim)

For more information on the updated filing fees in Kansas, check the District Court Filing Fees page.

Serve the Other Party

Kansas law requires that the other party receive copies of the filed documents so they are aware of the legal action and have an opportunity to respond. You can complete the service by the sheriff, a process server, or, in some cases, by certified mail.

Proof of service must then be filed with the court to confirm that notice has been appropriately given. Failure to serve the other party correctly may delay your case or even result in dismissal.

How Is the Kansas Court System Unique?

While the Kansas court system operates with both trial and appellate courts like other states, it has several features that make it unique.

First, the state has 31 judicial districts that cover all 105 counties. This makes access to district courts widely available to residents. In addition, Kansas maintains municipal courts that handle city ordinance violations, a feature not present in every state system.

Kansas also invests in specialty courts to emphasize rehabilitation and address underlying issues rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Among the most common specialty courts in the state are drug courts, veterans treatment courts, behavioral health courts, and youth courts.

Kansas Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

Where to Find Additional Information About Kansas Courts?

FAQs

Where Should I File for a Divorce?

In Kansas, divorce cases are filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resides. Each county has a district court clerk's office where you can submit the appropriate divorce forms and pay filing fees.

Which Court Handles Felony Criminal Charges?

District courts handle felony criminal charges in Kansas. These general jurisdiction courts hear felony cases from preliminary hearings through trial and sentencing.

What Court Should I File Charges in if I Am Being Evicted?

Eviction cases in Kansas are filed in the county's district court where the rental property is located. You can use the Evictions and Landlord-Tenants Forms when filing. To learn more about this case type, check the Eviction Resources provided by the Kansas Judicial Branch.

How To Sue Someone for Less Than $4,000, Which Court to Use?

In Kansas, you can sue someone for less than $4,000 via the Small Claims Court, which is a division of the state's district court. These specialized courts provide a simplified process for settling cases involving small amounts.

Can I Represent Myself in Courts Without an Attorney?

Kansas courts allow self-representation in legal proceedings. However, you must abide by the same rules and procedures as a licensed attorney when doing so. Check the Rules Relating to Self-Represented Litigants for more information.

What Happens if I Miss a Court Date?

You must not miss a court date in Kansas to avoid serious consequences. If you fail to appear, the court may dismiss your case or rule against you in civil matters. In criminal cases, missing a court date can lead to a warrant being issued for your arrest.

How Can I File an Appeal if I Disagree With a Court's Decision?

If you disagree with a Kansas court's decision, you may file an appeal to an appellate court. You can check the Kansas Appellate Procedure for the outline of the appeals process.

Are Court Proceedings Open to the Public?

In accordance with KORA, most court proceedings in Kansas are open to the public. However, juvenile cases or sensitive family matters may be closed by law.

How Long Does It Typically Take for a Case To Be Resolved in the Trial Court?

Kansas district courts do not have a specific timeframe for case resolution. The length of time it takes depends on the type and complexity of the case. Typically, simple matters like small claims may be resolved in weeks, while criminal or civil disputes may take longer.

How Can I File a Complaint Against a Judge or Court Staff?

Complaints against Kansas judges are filed with the Commission on Judicial Conduct. This process requires completing and submitting the Complaint Against a Judge Form. Meanwhile, complaints about court staff should be directed to the chief judge of the district court.

Can I Access Court Hearings Remotely, and How?

Kansas courts allow remote access to hearings through videoconferencing platforms like Zoom, especially for certain civil and procedural matters. Availability depends on the county and case type. To confirm, check with the local district court website.

Are There Specific Courts That Handle Environmental or Business Disputes?

Kansas does not have separate environmental or business courts. Instead, such disputes are generally handled by the district courts, which have jurisdiction over civil matters, including environmental claims and complex business disputes.

Can I Access Court Records for Free?

You can access Kansas court records for free via the access portal provided by district courts and appellate courts. However, a fee may be required for detailed or certified records.

How Can I Search Kansas Court Records by Name?

To conduct a Kansas court records search using a name, visit either the online portal provided by the district court or the appellate court. Register or log in to your account, then use the party name to search.

How Far Back Do Online Kansas Public Court Records Go?

There is no specific timeframe for how far back Kansas online court records go, as availability depends on the court and case type. Some older records are not digitized and may only be accessible through an in-person request at the clerk's office.

Are Civil and Criminal Case Records Accessed Through the Same Online System?

Yes, both civil and criminal case records in Kansas are accessible through the district and appellate court online portals. These systems offer advanced search options, allowing users to filter and locate available civil or criminal case records.

Is There a Way To Be Notified of Updates to a Court Case I'm Following?

The availability of case notifications in Kansas varies by court. If your district court offers this service, you will usually need to register for an account to receive email alerts when updates occur. To confirm availability, visit your district court's website.

Are Probate and Family Court Records (e.g., Divorce, Custody) Fully Public?

According to KORA, probate and family court records in the state, including divorce and custody cases, are generally public. However, certain details, such as financial records, juvenile information, or sensitive personal data, may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy.

Can I Request Redacted Copies of Court Records That Contain Sensitive Information?

Yes, you may request redacted copies of Kansas court records if they contain sensitive or confidential information. Such requests are typically made through the clerk of the court that maintains the record.

Can I Request Bulk Access To Court Records or Data for Research Purposes?

Researchers or organizations may request bulk access to Kansas court records for academic or research purposes. These requests must be submitted to the Office of Judicial Administration and are subject to review, privacy rules, and potential fees.

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