Kansas Divorce Laws
Complete guide to divorce requirements, procedures, and laws in Kansas
Quick Facts
Grounds for Divorce in Kansas
No-Fault Grounds
Kansas recognizes no-fault divorce based on:
- Incompatibility
- Failure to perform marital duty
Fault-Based Grounds
Kansas also allows divorce based on fault, including:
- Mental illness or incapacity
Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in Kansas, you must meet the following residency requirements:
60 days
You must be able to prove residency at the time of filing. Proof typically includes driver's license, voter registration, utility bills, or other official documents showing your address.
Property Division
Kansas follows the Equitable Distribution method for dividing marital property.
Under equitable distribution, the court divides marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers various factors including:
- Length of the marriage
- Each spouse's income and earning potential
- Each spouse's contribution to marital property
- Age and health of each spouse
- Custody arrangements for children
Child Custody
Kansas courts determine custody based on the Best interests of the child standard.
Courts consider multiple factors including:
- The child's relationship with each parent
- Each parent's ability to provide care
- The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
- Mental and physical health of all parties
- Any history of domestic violence
- The child's preferences (depending on age)
Alimony/Spousal Support
When determining alimony in Kansas, courts typically consider:
- Length of marriage
- Property division
- Age and health
- Earning capacity
- Time for education/training
Important Notes
Kansas has relatively short residency and waiting periods compared to many states.
Filing for Divorce in Kansas
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Meet Residency Requirements
Ensure you meet Kansas's residency requirement of 60 days.
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Gather Documents
Collect financial records, property documents, and information about debts, assets, and children.
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File Petition
File a divorce petition with the appropriate court. Filing fees are typically $175-$225.
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Serve Your Spouse
Your spouse must be officially served with the divorce papers according to state law.
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Waiting Period
Kansas has a waiting period of 60 days.
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Negotiate or Litigate
Work toward a settlement agreement or proceed to court if issues cannot be resolved.
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Final Decree
Once all issues are resolved, the court will issue a final divorce decree.
Official Resources
For official forms and additional information, visit the Kansas court website:
Kansas Courts WebsiteLegal Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws can change, and every situation is unique. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified family law attorney in Kansas for advice specific to your circumstances.