Q.        What are the Clerk’s office hours?

A.        Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state and local holidays.  A public access terminal, various informational brochures and pro se forms are available in the clerk’s office during public hours.

Q.        How do I file a small claims petition?

A.        Instructions and petitions for filing a small claims action may be found in the Clerk’s office during public hours.  Once judgment is granted, it is YOUR responsibility to collect the debt from the respondent; the court will not collect the debt for you, but will provide you with the forms required to attempt debt collection.  If you believe you will have problems collecting the debt and/or your claim is for more than $1800.00, you should consider hiring an attorney.

Q.        How do I obtain a Protection from Abuse or a Protection from Stalking Order?

A.        In the Southeast Kansas area, you must start by contacting Kansas Legal Services at 1-800-723-6953.  They will assist you in filling out the forms required to file a PFA and they will assess whether or not your case meets the criteria for a PFA.  Some of the major criteria required are 1) You and the person you want restrained must be either intimate partners or household members; 2) Abuse must have occurred (physical/sexual); and, 3) You have not filed more than two (2) PFA in a twelve-month period.

Q.        How do I obtain a copy of my marriage license?

A.        The Clerk’s office has records of marriage licenses from 1870 to present.  The Office of Vital Statistics in Topeka’s records ranges from 1913 to present.  You may obtain a copy of your license in one of three ways.  1) You may come to the clerk’s office and research our records to find your license; 2) You may send your request in writing to the clerk’s office, listing pertinent information such as names, dates of birth, date of marriage, etc., along with a check for $6.25 for research and copying; or 3) You may contact the Office of Vital Statistics at 1-785-296-1400.

Q.        How do I obtain a marriage license?

A.        To obtain a Kansas marriage license for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, either the bride or the groom must appear in the Clerk’s office to apply.  On the application you will need to know (for both the bride/groom) full names (first, middle, last), date of birth, and either a social security number or driver’s license number.  Your application for a marriage license begins a required three day waiting period.  At the end of your waiting period, you may pick up your license at any time and you have up to twelve months.  When you pick up your license, there will be a $50 fee which must be paid by cash.  Once issued, the license is good for six months anywhere in the State of Kansas.

Q.        Can I get a judge to perform my marriage ceremony?

A.        Some judges will perform marriage ceremonies.  You may call during business hours on the judges’ line at 620-330-1080 to request a judge to perform your marriage ceremony. 

Q.        How can I inquire about my child support?

A.        The District Court no longer receives and/or receipts child support monies.  Pursuant to Federal Mandate, the State of Kansas has implemented a central payment center for the entire state.  You may contact the Kansas Payment Center by phone at 1-877-572-5722 or by mail at PO Box 758599, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8599.  You may also reach them on the Internet at the web link provided on our home page. 

Q.        Can I file for divorce without an attorney?

A.        Yes.  Please remember, if your case is not properly presented and you are without counsel, a divorce will not be granted and costs will not be refunded.

Q.        Can I request a records search by phone?

A.        No.  The Clerk’s office does not conduct criminal or civil research by phone.  You must submit your request in writing along with a check for the costs of research and copies, $12.00 per hour for research with a $6.00 minimum and $.25 per page for copies.  If you need records faxed to you, there will be a charge of $1.00 per page for fax fees.

Q.        I can’t afford an attorney, can I represent myself?

A.        You may represent yourself; however, it is highly recommended that you consult an attorney on any action filed against you or by you.  You may receive no cost or low cost legal advice from the Access to Justice Advice Line at 1-800-675-5860 or Kansas Legal Services at 1-800-723-6953.

Q.        Can I speak to the judge about my case?

A.        Judicial ethics prohibit judges from speaking directly with parties about their cases.