Sumner County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Sumner County in 2026
SumnerRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Sumner County, Kansas. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, whether documents have been digitized, and any court-ordered restrictions. Relevant record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property division orders, and post-judgment modifications.
Divorce records in Sumner County may be searched through official court resources, the Clerk of the District Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools provided by the Kansas Judicial Branch. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Kansas Case Search portal is the most common method for locating divorce case information online. Members of the public may search by case number or party name at no charge for basic case information. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kansas Judicial Branch maintains a centralized portal for District Court Records. As Kansas courts transition to a new centralized case management system, public records are becoming available through this online portal, allowing searches across multiple jurisdictions from a single interface.
3. State Vital Records
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Office of Vital Statistics receives and preserves records of divorces occurring in Kansas. The office issues divorce certificates, which provide summary-level information. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through this office.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Sumner County District Court
Members of the public may inspect divorce case files in person at the Sumner County Courthouse. Staff can assist with locating case files, viewing documents, requesting certified copies, and using public access terminals.
Sumner County District Court — Clerk of the District Court
501 N. Washington Ave.
Wellington, KS 67152
Phone: (620) 326-3395
Sumner County District Court
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state and federal holidays. The Clerk of the District Court, Marilyn Targos, serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files maintained by the court.
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail to the Clerk of the District Court at the address above. A written request should include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archive storage.
By Phone
The Clerk's office may be reached at (620) 326-3395. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and provide the filing date. Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kansas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Kansas Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in connection with divorce record matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Kansas
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under K.S.A. § 23-2703, a petition for divorce in Kansas must be filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Kansas requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for sixty days immediately preceding the filing of the petition, pursuant to K.S.A. § 23-2703.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not be located include:
- The case was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
If a record cannot be located through online tools, members of the public may contact the Clerk's office at (620) 326-3395, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, check the KDHE divorce certificate database, or consult a licensed Kansas attorney.
What Are Sumner County Divorce Records?
Sumner County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the 30th Judicial District. These records are maintained by the Clerk of the District Court and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. Under Kansas law, divorce proceedings are governed by the Kansas Divorce and Separate Maintenance Act, codified at K.S.A. § 23-2701 et seq., which establishes the legal framework for dissolution of marriage in the state.
Types of Divorce Records
Court case files in Sumner County divorce proceedings contain the following categories of documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initiating pleading filed by the petitioner, identifying both parties, the marriage date, grounds for divorce, and relief requested.
- Response/Answer: The respondent's formal reply to the petition, including any counterpetition.
- Financial Affidavits: Sworn statements from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
- Parenting Plans: Detailed agreements or court orders governing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, and decision-making authority when minor children are involved.
- Marital Settlement Agreement: A comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, and spousal support.
- Temporary Orders: Interim court orders entered during the pendency of the case addressing custody, support, and use of marital property.
- Final Judgment of Dissolution: The court's official order terminating the marriage, incorporating all findings of fact, conclusions of law, and relief granted.
- Post-Judgment Modifications: Subsequent petitions and orders modifying custody, support, or other provisions of the final decree.
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Separate orders directing the division of retirement plan benefits between the parties.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Facilitating estate planning and property transfers
- Verifying Social Security benefit eligibility
- Conducting genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Clerk of the District Court is the primary custodian of all divorce case files in Sumner County. The KDHE Office of Vital Statistics maintains statewide divorce certificate records, which provide summary-level information distinct from the complete court case file.
Are Sumner County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Sumner County are public court records subject to the Kansas Open Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final decree without demonstrating a specific need or interest. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are restricted or subject to redaction under applicable state and federal law.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to any member of the public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and case status
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General terms of spousal support orders
What May Be Restricted
Certain information within divorce case files is subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing:
- Financial Information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to Kansas Supreme Court Rule 21.
- Children's Information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical information pertaining to minor children may be restricted. Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of children are subject to limited access.
- Sensitive Personal Information: Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence, mental health records, substance abuse treatment information, and personal addresses in cases involving protective orders may be sealed or restricted.
- Sealed Cases: A court may seal an entire case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause, balancing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Mediation Records: Communications and agreements reached in mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General Public | Public documents, docket entries, final orders |
| Parties to the Case | Full access to own case file, including confidential documents |
| Attorneys of Record | Full access; may petition for sealed documents |
| Researchers and Media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law Enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
Prohibited Uses
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Sumner County?
The Clerk of the District Court in Sumner County charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to K.S.A. § 28-170, which governs fees charged by clerks of the district court in Kansas.
Standard Fee Schedule
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of document | $1.50 per document plus $0.25 per page |
| Certification fee | $1.50 |
| Search fee | No separate search fee |
| Electronic copies | Varies; contact Clerk's office |
- Inspection: Members of the public may inspect public divorce case files at the courthouse at no charge.
- Copies: Standard copy fees apply per page for paper copies of filed documents.
- Certified Copies: A certification fee is charged in addition to the per-page copy fee for each document requiring a court seal and certification.
- Payment Methods: The Clerk's office accepts cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee Waivers: Parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to waive certain fees. A formal application must be filed with the court.
- Free Access: Basic case information, including case number, party names, filing date, and case status, is available at no charge through the Kansas Case Search portal.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Sumner County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Sumner County Clerk of the District Court contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the dissolution proceeding. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether minor children were involved.
Basic Case Information
Every divorce case file includes a case caption identifying the case number, court name, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date the petition was filed, the case type, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.
Initial Pleadings
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (in Kansas, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under K.S.A. § 23-2701), information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The response filed by the respondent states that party's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief.
Financial Documents
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties disclose all sources of income, monthly expenses, real and personal property assets, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and outstanding liabilities. Discovery documents, including interrogatories, requests for production, tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, may also be part of the case file in contested proceedings.
Property-Related Documents
The marital asset inventory identifies and values all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, business interests, and personal property subject to division. A corresponding debt inventory lists all mortgages, loans, credit card obligations, and other liabilities. Appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on asset values are filed as exhibits when applicable.
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan addressing legal and physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and vacation periods, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and the support order are also part of the file. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, when ordered by the court, are maintained in the file but may be subject to restricted access.
Settlement and Judgment Documents
The marital settlement agreement, if the parties resolve the case by agreement, is a comprehensive document addressing all issues in the proceeding. The final judgment of dissolution is the court's official order terminating the marriage, incorporating findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing provisions, and any name restoration. QDROs, when retirement accounts are divided, are filed as separate orders.
Post-Judgment Documents
Following entry of the final decree, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on those petitions, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications and settlement negotiations
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Sumner County
Proof of divorce in Sumner County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution from the Clerk of the District Court, or a divorce certificate from the KDHE Office of Vital Statistics.
Certified Copy from the Clerk of Court
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce and is accepted for legal, immigration, and governmental purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Sumner County District Court Clerk's office in person at 501 N. Washington Ave., Wellington, KS 67152, during regular business hours.
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of applicable fees.
- Searching for the case through Kansas Case Search to obtain the case number prior to requesting a certified copy.
Divorce Certificate from KDHE
The KDHE Office of Vital Statistics issues divorce certificates for divorces granted in Kansas. A divorce certificate provides summary-level information, including the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county of filing. It does not contain the full terms of the final decree.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment — Office of Vital Statistics
1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-1400
Office of Vital Statistics
Members of the public requesting a divorce certificate from KDHE must provide the names of both parties, the year of divorce, and the county where the divorce was granted. Fees apply for certified copies issued by the state vital records office.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Sumner County?
A divorce proceeding in Sumner County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, upon a court order entered for good cause. Under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 21, certain categories of information are subject to mandatory redaction in all publicly filed documents, while broader sealing of case files requires a judicial determination.
Circumstances under which divorce records or portions thereof may be confidential include:
- Domestic Violence Cases: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or stalking may have the victim's address and contact information sealed to protect personal safety.
- Sensitive Financial Information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice.
- Children's Information: Identifying information about minor children, including residential addresses, school enrollment, and medical records, may be restricted.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Records: Evaluations and treatment records introduced in custody proceedings are subject to restricted access.
- Sealed Agreements: Confidential settlement agreements and mediation records are not filed as part of the public court record.
- Court-Ordered Sealing: Any party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open court records against the privacy interests asserted.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Sumner County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records maintained by the Sumner County Clerk of the District Court are subject to the retention schedules established by the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas State Historical Society. Under current Kansas court records retention policy, permanent court records — including final judgments of dissolution — are retained indefinitely and are not subject to destruction.
Retention periods for specific categories of divorce records are as follows:
- Final Judgments of Dissolution: Retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete Case Files (Contested Cases): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final order.
- Complete Case Files (Uncontested Cases): Retained pursuant to applicable Kansas Supreme Court retention schedules; members of the public should confirm current retention periods with the Clerk's office.
- Temporary Orders and Interlocutory Documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period.
- Post-Judgment Modification Files: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate supplemental file, subject to the same retention schedule.
- Archived Records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Retrieval of archived records requires advance notice and may take additional processing time.
- Electronic Records: Cases filed through the Kansas eCourt system are maintained in the centralized District Court Records database and are accessible through the online portal for the duration of the applicable retention period.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Clerk of the District Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.