Sedgwick Public Records /Sedgwick County Divorce Records

Sedgwick County Divorce Records

What Are Sedgwick County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Sedgwick County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Kansas Statutes Annotated § 60-1610, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial petition for divorce, financial affidavits, property settlement agreements, and the final decree of dissolution.

The 18th Judicial District Court of Kansas, which serves Sedgwick County, maintains these records as part of its official court documentation. Divorce records serve multiple important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

These records contain sensitive personal information and are subject to specific access regulations under Kansas law, balancing the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns.

Are Sedgwick County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Sedgwick County maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq., which establishes the presumption that government records should be open for public inspection. However, this public access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The following aspects of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:

Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates)
Court hearing schedules
Final divorce decrees (with certain redactions)
General court proceedings

Conversely, certain components of divorce records may be restricted from public access:

Financial affidavits and detailed financial information
Records containing Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other personal identifiers
Child custody evaluations and related documents
Records sealed by judicial order for privacy or safety concerns
Records involving domestic violence allegations

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 65-2422d, these certificates are generally available only to the parties involved in the divorce and other authorized persons with a direct interest.

Members of the public seeking access to divorce records must balance their right to information with the privacy protections established under Kansas law.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Sedgwick County in 2026

Members of the public may locate divorce records in Sedgwick County through several established channels. The primary repositories for these records are the 18th Judicial District Court and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Office of Vital Statistics.

To obtain divorce records from the 18th Judicial District Court:

Visit or contact the Clerk of the District Court office at:

18th Judicial District Court - Clerk's Office
525 N. Main, Suite 125
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5900
18th Judicial District Court

Provide the clerk with essential information including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Pay the applicable search and copy fees (currently $12 for record search plus $1 per page for copies)
For certified copies, request this service specifically and pay the additional certification fee

Alternatively, for divorce verification certificates, contact:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Office of Vital Statistics
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-1400
Office of Vital Statistics

For divorce verifications through the state office:

Complete the Application for Certification of Divorce Record
Provide proper identification
Submit the required fee ($15 per certified copy)
Allow 2-4 weeks for processing if requesting by mail

Requestors should note that divorce records from 1951 to the present are maintained by the state vital records office, while earlier records may only be available through the district court.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Sedgwick County Online?

Sedgwick County provides limited online access to divorce record information through the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. This system allows for basic case information searches but does not provide full document access for most divorce cases.

To conduct an online search for divorce records:

Visit the Kansas District Court Records Search
Select "Sedgwick County" from the dropdown menu
Choose "Case Search" from the available options
Enter search criteria such as:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Case type (select "Divorce" or "Family Law")
- Filing date range (if known)
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
- Judge assigned

For more comprehensive record access, the Kansas Courts eCourt system provides registered users with enhanced capabilities, though access to family law documents remains restricted to authorized parties and their legal representatives.

It is important to note that online access to divorce records is limited by privacy protections under K.S.A. § 60-16,106, which restricts public access to certain sensitive information in family law cases. Complete divorce case files generally require in-person requests at the courthouse.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Sedgwick County?

Members of the public may access certain divorce record information in Sedgwick County without payment through several established channels, though comprehensive access typically involves fees.

Free access options include:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse

The 18th Judicial District Court provides public access computer terminals at:

Sedgwick County Courthouse
525 N. Main
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5800

These terminals allow visitors to search basic case information at no charge during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
Basic Online Case Information

The Kansas District Court Public Access Portal offers limited free searches for basic case information, including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
This information can be accessed at Kansas District Court Records Search.
Public Law Library Resources

Sedgwick County Law Library
Sedgwick County Courthouse, 7th Floor
525 N. Main
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5159

The law library maintains public records resources that may assist in locating divorce case information.

It is important to note that while basic case information may be available without charge, fees typically apply for:

Document copies ($1 per page)
Certified copies ($5-$12 per document)
Record searches requiring staff assistance ($12 per name)
Complete case file reviews

Researchers should be prepared to provide specific information about the divorce case they are researching to facilitate efficient searches.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Sedgwick County

Divorce records in Sedgwick County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components that document the entire divorce proceeding from initiation to conclusion.

The standard divorce file includes:

Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
Financial Affidavits - Sworn statements detailing each party's assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
Property Settlement Agreement - Document outlining the division of marital property and debts
Child Custody and Support Documents - If applicable, including:
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Custody evaluations
Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct during the pendency of the divorce
Motions and Responses - Requests for court action filed throughout the proceedings
Court Hearing Transcripts - Official records of testimony and arguments presented in court
Final Decree of Divorce - The court's final judgment dissolving the marriage and resolving all issues

The divorce decree specifically contains:

Names of both parties
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation
Grounds for divorce
Property division determinations
Spousal maintenance awards (if any)
Child custody arrangements (if applicable)
Child support obligations (if applicable)
Name restoration provisions (if requested)
Judge's signature and date of judgment

These records are maintained by the 18th Judicial District Court in accordance with Kansas Supreme Court Rule 108, which governs court record retention requirements.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Sedgwick County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Sedgwick County have two primary options for obtaining this documentation: the district court where the divorce was granted or the state vital records office.

For proof of divorce from the 18th Judicial District Court:

Visit or contact the Clerk of the District Court:

18th Judicial District Court - Clerk's Office
525 N. Main, Suite 125
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5900
18th Judicial District Court
Request a certified copy of the divorce decree by providing:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce record
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
Pay the required fee:
- $12 for record search
- $1 per page for copies
- Additional certification fee (typically $5-$7)
Present valid government-issued photo identification

Alternatively, for a divorce verification certificate from the state:

Contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Office of Vital Statistics
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-1400
Office of Vital Statistics
Complete the Application for Certification of Divorce Record
Submit the application with:
- $15 fee per certified copy
- Copy of government-issued photo ID
- Proof of direct interest if not a party to the divorce
Allow approximately 2-4 weeks for processing if requesting by mail

The state verification certificate confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain the detailed information found in the court's divorce decree. For most legal purposes requiring proof of divorce terms, the certified court decree is the preferred document.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Sedgwick County?

While divorce proceedings in Sedgwick County are generally matters of public record, Kansas law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with legitimate privacy and safety concerns.

Under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 123, the following divorce-related records may be subject to confidentiality protections:

Sealed Records - The court may order entire case files or specific documents sealed upon motion by either party demonstrating compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access. Common grounds include:
- Protection of minor children's privacy
- Prevention of identity theft
- Safeguarding sensitive financial information
- Protection from domestic violence
Redacted Information - Pursuant to K.S.A. § 60-16,106, certain personal identifiers must be redacted from publicly accessible divorce documents, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Dates of birth
- Financial account numbers
- Children's names and identifying information
Domestic Violence Protections - In cases involving domestic violence, the court may implement additional confidentiality measures under the Protection from Abuse Act, K.S.A. § 60-3101 et seq., including:
- Sealing address and contact information
- Restricting access to testimony regarding abuse
- Implementing heightened security for case records
Alternative Dispute Resolution - Mediation sessions and settlement negotiations remain confidential by law, with only the resulting agreements becoming part of the public record.

To request confidentiality protections, parties must file a formal motion with the court demonstrating specific grounds for restricting public access. The court weighs these requests against the presumption of openness in judicial proceedings. Even when granted, confidentiality orders typically apply only to specific sensitive information rather than the entire divorce case.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Sedgwick County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Sedgwick County varies significantly based on several key factors. Under Kansas law, specifically K.S.A. § 60-1608, a mandatory 60-day waiting period exists between the filing of the petition and the final decree, establishing the minimum timeframe for any divorce in the county.

The actual timeline typically depends on:

Uncontested Divorces

Simple cases with no children and limited assets: 60-90 days
Cases with children but agreed parenting plans: 90-120 days
Cases requiring standard financial disclosures: 90-150 days

Contested Divorces

Cases with disputed property division: 6-12 months
Cases with contested child custody issues: 9-18 months
Complex asset cases requiring valuation experts: 12-24 months
Cases proceeding to full trial: 12-24+ months

Procedural Factors Affecting Timeline

Court docket congestion in the 18th Judicial District
Availability of mandatory mediation appointments
Completion of required parenting classes when children are involved
Discovery compliance between parties
Motion practice and resulting hearings
Judicial caseload and scheduling constraints

According to the Kansas Judicial Branch Annual Report, the average time to disposition for domestic relations cases in the 18th Judicial District is approximately 7.2 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.

Parties seeking expedited proceedings may utilize collaborative divorce processes or mediation to reach settlement more quickly, potentially reducing the timeline to the statutory minimum plus processing time.

How Long Does Sedgwick County Keep Divorce Records?

Sedgwick County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Kansas Supreme Court and state law. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.

Under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 108 and the Kansas Records Retention Schedule, divorce records are retained as follows:

District Court Records (18th Judicial District)

Final Divorce Decrees: Permanent retention
Case Files with Property Settlements: 30 years from date of final decree
General Divorce Case Files: 30 years from date of final decree
Exhibits and Evidence: Returned to parties after appeal period or retained 5 years
Docket Books and Case Indices: Permanent retention
Financial Affidavits: 5 years after final judgment

Vital Records Office

Divorce Certificates/Verifications: Permanent retention at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Office of Vital Statistics (records from 1951 to present)

Electronic Records

As the court system has transitioned to electronic filing and storage, newer divorce records (approximately 2010 forward) are maintained in digital format indefinitely
Older paper records may be microfilmed or digitized for permanent preservation

Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that cases predating 1951 may not be available through the state vital records office and would require direct court research. Additionally, pursuant to K.S.A. § 20-159, certain older court records may be transferred to the Kansas State Historical Society for archival preservation after their active retention period with the court has expired.

How To Get a Divorce In Sedgwick County

Obtaining a divorce in Sedgwick County requires adherence to specific legal procedures established under Kansas law. The process involves several distinct steps that must be completed in sequence.

To initiate a divorce in Sedgwick County:

Establish Residency Requirements
- At least one spouse must have been a Kansas resident for a minimum of 60 days before filing, as required by K.S.A. § 60-1603
Prepare and File Initial Documents
- Petition for Divorce
- Domestic Relations Affidavit
- Civil Information Sheet
- Request for Service
- Filing location:
18th Judicial District Court - Family Law Department
525 N. Main, 5th Floor
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5900
18th Judicial District Court
Pay Filing Fees
- Current filing fee: $195.00
- Additional fees for service of process if using sheriff's service
- Fee waiver applications available for qualifying low-income individuals
Serve the Other Party
- By sheriff's service
- By certified mail, return receipt requested
- By special process server
- By publication (in limited circumstances)
- By voluntary entry of appearance
Wait for Response
- Respondent has 21 days to file an Answer
- Case proceeds as contested or uncontested based on response
Complete Required Education
- If minor children are involved, both parties must complete approved parenting classes
Exchange Financial Information
- Complete mandatory disclosure of assets, debts, income, and expenses
Participate in Mediation
- Required in contested cases with children
- Voluntary but encouraged in other cases
Attend Court Hearings
- Case management conferences
- Temporary orders hearings (if requested)
- Pre-trial conferences (in contested cases)
- Final hearing or trial
Obtain Final Decree
- Must wait minimum 60 days from filing date
- Judge must approve all agreements or make final determinations
- Decree must be filed with the court to finalize divorce

Self-represented litigants may obtain forms and guidance from the Kansas Judicial Council or seek assistance from the Sedgwick County Law Library's Self-Help Center.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Sedgwick County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Sedgwick County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be properly completed to comply with Kansas law.

To obtain divorce papers in Sedgwick County:

Court Clerk's Office

18th Judicial District Court - Family Law Department
525 N. Main, 5th Floor
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5900
18th Judicial District Court

The clerk's office provides basic divorce packets for a nominal fee. These typically include:
- Petition for Divorce
- Domestic Relations Affidavit
- Civil Information Sheet
- Entry of Appearance forms
- Child Support Worksheets (if applicable)
Kansas Judicial Council Website

The Kansas Judicial Council offers comprehensive divorce form packets online at no cost. These forms include:
- Instructions for completion
- Forms for divorces with and without children
- Financial disclosure documents
- Proposed parenting plans
- Final decree templates
Sedgwick County Law Library

Sedgwick County Law Library
Sedgwick County Courthouse, 7th Floor
525 N. Main
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5159

The law library maintains reference materials and form books containing divorce documents. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct patrons to appropriate resources.
Kansas Legal Services

Kansas Legal Services - Wichita Office
340 S. Broadway, Suite 200
Wichita, KS 67202
(316) 265-9681
Kansas Legal Services

This organization provides assistance to low-income individuals, including access to divorce forms and limited legal guidance.

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should ensure they have the correct forms for their specific situation (with or without children, with or without significant property). All forms must be completed accurately with required information pursuant to Kansas Supreme Court Rule 123 regarding personal identifiers in court filings.

Lookup Divorce Records in Sedgwick County

Divorce Certificate information from KDHE

18th Judicial District Court records

Kansas Office of Vital Statistics

Other Categories in Kansas

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records