Home > Kansas Court Guide

Finding Court Records in Kansas

Kansas Courts Overview

It helps to understand how the Kansas state court system works when you’re trying to find court records. The Kansas trial court system consists of District Courts, County Courts, and Municipal Courts.

District Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, but typically only handle cases beyond the jurisdiction of other courts. Some cities in Kansas also have Municipal Courts, with limited jurisdiction over city ordinance violations.

If you prefer, you can start your search by going to Kansas Courts by County.

Kansas District Courts

District Courts generally handle all civil and criminal cases, unless another court exercises jurisdiction over the case.

District Courts may have specialized court divisions based on case type, including Civil, Criminal, Domestic Relations, Probate, Juvenile, and Limited Actions. Limited Actions may include Small Claims and Traffic cases. Other divisions may exist, including Drug Court or Youth Court, which are special programs that focus on rehabilitation in response to certain types of crimes.

There may be District Judges and District Magistrate Judges in a District Court. District Magistrate judges have limited jurisdiction to preside over certain types of cases.

Kansas County Courts

Sedgwick County Court handles enforcement of county codes and resolutions inlcuding nuisance citations, traffic infractions, parking violations, and misdemeanors committed in unincorporated areas of the county. It also handles violations by parents who fail to pick up their children from the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center, and illegal dumping and trespassing in the "Big Ditch" area.

At this time, only Sedgwick County has a County Court.

Kansas Municipal Courts

Municipal Courts have limited jurisdiction to hear cases involving violations of city ordinances, such as traffic offenses or minor criminal offenses. Municipal Courts do not offer jury trials.

Where to Find Court Cases in Kansas

The chart below gives general information on the types of cases heard in each type of Kansas court.

Most Cases = Most or all cases.     Some Cases = Some cases.

Case Type Court Type
Civil District Courts County Courts Municipal Courts
General Civil - Unlimited Most or All Cases    
General Civil - Limited Most or All Cases    
Small Claims Most or All Cases    
Civil Equity Most or All Cases    
Complex Commercial Most or All Cases    
Foreclosures and Liens Most or All Cases    
Real Estate Title and Boundary Most or All Cases    
Landlord / Tenant Most or All Cases    
Ordinance Violations Some Cases Most or All Cases Most or All Cases
Protection, No Contact, and Restraining Orders Most or All Cases    
Administrative Agency Appeals Most or All Cases    
Criminal District Courts County Courts Municipal Courts
Felony Most or All Cases    
Felony Preliminary Hearings Most or All Cases    
Misdemeanors Most or All Cases Some Cases  
Ordinance Violations Some Cases Most or All Cases Most or All Cases
Juvenile Most or All Cases    
Traffic and Infractions Some Cases Some Cases Most or All Cases
Domestic Relations District Courts County Courts Municipal Courts
Divorce Most or All Cases    
Child Custody and Visitation Most or All Cases    
Child Support Most or All Cases    
Paternity Most or All Cases    
Domestic Violence Protection Order Most or All Cases    
Juvenile District Courts County Courts Municipal Courts
Adoptions Most or All Cases    
Juvenile Delinquency Most or All Cases    
Child Abuse and Neglect Most or All Cases    
Termination of Parental Rights Most or All Cases    
Children in Need of Supervision Most or All Cases    
Mental Health District Courts County Courts Municipal Courts
Involuntary Commitments Most or All Cases    
Other Mental Health Cases Most or All Cases    
Probate District Courts County Courts Municipal Courts
Wills & Estates Most or All Cases    
Name Changes Most or All Cases    
Trusts Most or All Cases    
Guardianships and Conservatorships Most or All Cases    

Find Kansas Courts by County

Advertising

Return to Top

Advertising
Search KS Public Records
Search Records By Name