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Family law guide

Divorce, custody, and parenting time

Find the correct local packets, parenting resources, and court department for a Kansas family case.

Official-source summary. Open the responsible agency for current records and instructions.

Information onlyNot legal adviceDated review
At a glance

Quick facts

Department
Family Law
Location
525 N Main · 7th floor
Form paths
With or without children
Self-help phone
316-263-2251
01

Choose the correct packet

DC18 publishes separate divorce packets for cases with minor children and without minor children. Existing cases may require post-decree motions rather than a new divorce packet. Use the current local forms and read every instruction before filing.

02

Cases involving children

Current local materials include parenting-plan, child-support, and Kids First requirements when children are involved. Custody and parenting decisions turn on law and case-specific facts; self-help staff cannot recommend a parenting arrangement.

  • Keep existing orders and the case number available.
  • Track school, medical, childcare, and parenting-schedule information.
  • Use respectful, child-focused communication.
  • Follow current orders unless a court changes them.
03

Waiting period and final orders

Current Kansas divorce materials describe a statutory waiting period before a decree can be entered, and contested cases may take longer. A filed petition is not a final divorce. Keep file-stamped copies of any decree, parenting plan, support worksheet, and other final orders.

Verified path

Official sources and next steps

These links open the government, court, or public-service organization responsible for the information.

FAQ

Common questions

Is filing the petition the same as being divorced?

No. A judge must enter a final decree.

Which packet do I use?

DC18 separates divorce forms for cases with children and without children. Existing cases may use post-decree forms.

Can self-help staff design a parenting plan?

No. They can explain procedure and forms, not recommend terms.

Can parents change an order by agreement alone?

Do not assume an informal agreement changes a filed order. Use the proper court process or obtain legal advice.

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