Last updated: 4/24/07
Last updated: 4/24/07
General Questions
Case Numbers
Records Questions
Family Law Questions
Civil Questions
Probate Questions
Traffic Questions
What number do I call for court information?
The number for the Information Center is (316) 660-5900. The Information Center has a staff of 5 very knowledgeable District Court clerks who are very helpful in answering questions.
Can the clerks at the Information Center or in the clerk's office assist me with legal information?
None of the clerks in any office can give legal advice. The following agencies can assist you with legal questions:
Kansas Legal Services' justice advice line: (316) 265-0033
Kansas Bar Association's KS Lawyer referral service and advice line: (316) 265-1247 or (800) 928-3111
The clerks offices are open 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Public computers are available 8:00am to 4:00pm on the 6th floor, Records Department, at the Sedgwick County Courthouse, 525 N. Main.
What is the cost for getting or receiving copies of records?
Where can I go for a background check on someone?
Background checks are performed by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation: (785) 296-8200.
No, all payments are processed through the Kansas Payment Center in Topeka:
Kansas Payment Center
PO Box 758599
Topeka, KS 66675-8599
phone: (877) 572-5722
website: http://www.kspaycenter.com/
Can I get on a list to pick up my check each month?
No, payments are now processed through the payment center in Topeka (see question above).
Why is my check less than what my payor paid?
There is a fee deducted for Court Trustee (CT).
Contact the Kansas Payment Center for direct deposit.
Kansas Payment Center
PO Box 758599
Topeka, KS 66675-8599
phone: (877) 572-5722
website: http://www.kspaycenter.com/
What is my child support balance?
We do not keep balances, check with your attorney or enforcement agency.
What is the balance of my arrearage?
We do not keep balances, check with your attorney or enforcement agency.
Why is my check less this month?
The main reason is that not enough funds were received from the payor. We only post what we receive.
Why does my money go to an SRS agency?
ADC or other cases receiving some type of services from SRS child support enforcement unit are sent to the SRS office.
How can I get my child support lowered or increased?
Motion packet forms are available in the forms section, click here to go to Forms. Completed forms are filed with the clerk's office on the 7th floor at 525 N. Main. There is also a filing fee of $42.00 for post decree motions re: child support, visitation (parenting time) and custody. Although not required, it is recommended that you hire an attorney for this procedure.
What do I do to get my payor to pay?
Contact the Court Trustee office on the 7th floor of the courthouse or by calling 660-5833.
What do I do to change my address?
Address changes must be in writing. They can be mailed or faxed. We will need case
number, payors name, payees name, old address, and new address. Mailing address:
Family Law, 7th floor
525 N. Main
Wichita, KS 67203
fax: (316) 660-5836
How do I get a restraining order?
We have what are called Protection from Abuse cases and Protection From Stalking cases, call Family Court Services at 660-5290 to see if you qualify. Otherwise restraining orders are civil cases and forms are available in the Civil Clerks office on the 11th floor at 525 N. Main.
How do I get a copy of my divorce papers?
Copies can be obtained either by appearing in person at the courthouse and requesting them, or by mailing your request to the Records department. You may also email your request to micro@dc18.org.
How do I get a divorce without being represented by counsel?
Forms and instructions are available on this website in the Forms section, click here to go to Forms. The filing fee is $158.00
Motion packets are available at the Family Law department in the Courthouse. If you are outside the Wichita area, you can find them in the Forms section, click here to go to Forms. There is a filing fee of $42.00 for post decree motions re: child support, visitation (parenting time) and custody.
When do I pay filing fee for motions?
There is a $42.00 fee for post judgment motions on divorce cases to modify custody, visitation (parenting time), or child support.
Can I view a document that has been scanned?
There are public PC's located in the Records department on the 6th floor that can be used to view documents that have been filed and scanned.
I am the defendant in a civil case. Will the court appoint a lawyer to represent me?
No. The right to appointed counsel applies only in criminal cases. In civil cases, each party generally must pay his or her own attorney's fees.
No. Kansas law permits only individual persons the right to represent themselves in court proceedings. A corporation is a separate legal entity and may appear in court only through a licensed attorney.
No. Non-lawyers may represent only themselves in court proceedings. Your spouse may not represent you in court.
No. There are four categories of individuals who may appear in the courts of this
state: (1) members of the bar who have licenses to practice law; (2) individuals who
have graduated from an accredited law school and have a temporary permit to practice law;
(3) legal interns, who are law students supervised by members of the bar responsible for
the interns' activities;
(4) non-lawyers, who may represent only themselves and not others.
What is the fee for a marriage license?
The fee for a marriage license is $59 cash.
How can I get an official copy of my marriage certificate?
If you are in the Sedgwick County area, you can pick up a copy of your marriage certificate in the Records department of the courthouse (6th floor) for $1.25. Must be bride or groom only with identification.
If you are outside the Sedgwick County area you can contact Vital Statistics in Topeka at 785-296-1400, and request an official copy of your marriage license be mailed to you for $12.00, or you may visit their website at http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/vital and order your official copy online, fees will apply.
How can I get an official copy of a death certificate?
In order to obtain a copy of a death certificate, contact Vital Statistics in Topeka at 785-296-1400, or you may visit their website at http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/vital.
How do I get married at the courthouse?
There are several judges that perform wedding ceremonies at the courthouse. A list of judges can be obtained by the bride and/or groom when application is made for the marriage license. The couple will need to set an appointment with a judge and can be married after the marriage license has been purchased.
What is the process to get a marriage license?
First, the bride and/or groom must come to the Probate office and apply in person for a marriage license. There, he/she will be asked for legal names, dates of birth, and social security numbers for both the bride and the groom. Also, during the application process, a worksheet will be given to the couple to take home and fill out. After waiting a minimum of three calendar days, the bride and/or groom will need to return the completed worksheet in person to the Probate office. A marriage license clerk will type the marriage license and the bride/groom will leave with the marriage license that same day.
Where is the Probate office located and what are the office hours?
The Probate office is located at the Sedgwick County Courthouse, 525 N. Main in Wichita, Kansas. Office hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays. NOTE: If a wedding ceremony is scheduled with a judge for 5:00pm of after, the bridge and/or groom must be in the Probate office before 4:00pm to purchase their marriage license. A marriage license is required when the couple arrives at the ceremony.
What is the waiting period before I can get married again?
In Kansas the waiting period is 30 days after the Decree of Divorce has been filed.
How do I file a mental/drug/or alcohol petition?
Contact the District Attorney's office at 660-3600.
Who do I call if I have a ticket from the city police?
For inquires regarding traffic tickets issued by city police, please call 268-4611.