Crawford County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Crawford County in 2026
CrawfordCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Crawford County, Kansas. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders.
Divorce records in Crawford County are maintained by the Clerk of the District Court and may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools provided by the Kansas court system.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Kansas Case Search portal is the most common method for locating divorce case information online. Basic case details are available at no charge, though fees may apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kansas eCourt system allows members of the public to search district court records across jurisdictions through a consolidated statewide database. Case information and records may be searched online or through terminals located at each courthouse.
3. State Vital Records
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) notes that divorce information is open to the public at the county district court level. KDHE does not issue certified divorce decrees; those are obtained directly from the district court where the divorce was filed.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of the District Court – Crawford County
Crawford County District Court
602 N. Locust St.
Girard, KS 66743
Phone: (620) 724-6115
Crawford County District Court
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance with locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to:
Crawford County District Court Clerk
602 N. Locust St.
Girard, KS 66743
Include the following with a written request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on record volume and whether the file requires retrieval from archives.
By Phone
The Clerk of the District Court may be reached at (620) 724-6115. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify a filing date. Detailed document contents and copies of records cannot be provided by phone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kansas may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing, and assist with complex searches involving multiple counties or older archived files. The Kansas Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
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 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 county where either spouse resides. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of filing. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there.
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 from recently finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately. Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed and available.
Older Divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives and require additional retrieval time. Not all older records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not appear in a search include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- The record is sealed by court order
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
Members of the public experiencing difficulty locating a record may contact the Crawford County District Court Clerk at (620) 724-6115, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or submit a Request Form for Court Records through the Kansas Judicial Center, which processes requests by the end of the third business day after receipt.
What Are Crawford County Divorce Records?
Crawford County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Crawford County District Court. These records are part of the family law case file maintained by the Clerk of the District Court and constitute public records subject to applicable Kansas law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, and hearing transcripts.
Final Decree of Divorce: The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order ending the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, any spousal support obligations, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clerk of the District Court.
Supporting Documents may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research and verification of divorce terms.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of the Crawford County District Court is the primary custodian of divorce records, maintaining complete case files indexed by party names and providing certified copies upon request. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment does not issue certified divorce decrees; as the KDHE Divorce Certificate page confirms, divorce information is accessible at the county district court level.
The legal framework governing divorce proceedings in Kansas is found in the Kansas Divorce and Separation Act, K.S.A. § 23-2701 et seq., which establishes grounds, procedures, and the rights of parties in dissolution proceedings.
Are Crawford County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Crawford County District Court are public court records under the Kansas Open Records Act, K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq. Any member of the public may access basic case information, though certain categories of information are restricted or sealed to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information: Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents. Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access.
Children's Information: Names of minor children, residential addresses, schools attended, medical information, psychological evaluations, child custody evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed or restricted.
Sensitive Personal Information: Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence, mental health records, medical records, substance abuse treatment information, and personal addresses in cases involving protective orders are subject to restriction.
Sealed Records: A court may seal a case or specific documents upon a showing of good cause, including cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms. Mediation communications are confidential under Kansas law.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including confidential information pertaining to their matter.
- Attorneys: May access case files and, upon a proper showing, petition the court for access to sealed documents.
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order.
Prohibited Uses: Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of protective orders.
Obtaining Confidential Records: A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Crawford County?
The Crawford County District Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Kansas statutes. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.50 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Docket search | No charge for basic online search |
| In-person document inspection | No charge |
- Accepted payment methods at the clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Crawford County District Court.
- Electronic copies, where available through the Kansas eCourt system, may be subject to separate fees established by the Kansas Supreme Court.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon submission of an affidavit of financial hardship, subject to court approval.
- Fees for mail requests should be submitted by check or money order; the clerk's office does not accept cash by mail.
Members of the public may inspect public divorce records in person at no charge. Fees apply only to the reproduction of documents and certification services.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Crawford County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Crawford County District Court contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned and attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown under Kansas no-fault law), children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Respondent's answer or counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory including mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, and tax obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet, income information, health insurance and childcare costs, and support order
- Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, which may be sealed
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting income, standard of living, and need and ability to pay
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child-related provisions, tax treatment, and attorney fees
- Mediation agreement, if the matter was mediated
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, use of property, and restraining orders
- Final Judgment of Dissolution containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, all substantive orders, and the judge's signature and seal
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support and resulting court orders
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions including income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and bank account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and schools
- Domestic violence details and mental health evaluations
- Substance abuse records and adoption-related information
- Settlement negotiations and mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Crawford County?
Proof of divorce in Crawford County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution issued by the Clerk of the Crawford County District Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number using the Kansas Case Search portal or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
- Submit a request in person, by mail, or through the Kansas Judicial Center's Request Form for Court Records.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $1.50 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee).
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Crawford County District Court
602 N. Locust St.
Girard, KS 66743
Phone: (620) 724-6115
Crawford County District Court
For individuals who are uncertain in which county a divorce was filed, the Kansas eCourt system allows statewide searches across all district court jurisdictions.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Crawford County?
Divorce proceedings in Crawford County are presumptively public under the Kansas Open Records Act; however, specific records or entire cases may be made confidential under certain circumstances.
- A court may seal a case or individual documents upon a motion by either party demonstrating good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence, child abuse allegations, or sensitive mental health information.
- Financial documents containing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are redacted from publicly accessible copies as a matter of standard court practice.
- Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of minor children are subject to restricted access and may be sealed by court order.
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
- Domestic violence victims may petition the court to restrict access to addresses and other identifying information under Kansas protective order statutes.
- Cases involving sealed adoption records related to children in a divorce proceeding are subject to additional confidentiality protections.
The legal basis for sealing court records in Kansas is found in Kansas Supreme Court Rule 123, which governs the sealing and expungement of court records and requires a written order specifying the grounds for confidentiality.
How Long Does Crawford County Keep Divorce Records?
Crawford County District Court retains divorce records in accordance with the Kansas Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all district court case files.
- Final judgments and decrees are retained permanently. The final order dissolving a marriage is a permanent court record and does not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files for contested divorce proceedings are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, after which they may be transferred to archival storage or microfilm.
- Uncontested divorce files may be subject to a shorter active retention period but the final decree remains permanently on record.
- Post-judgment modification orders are retained as part of the original case file and follow the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
- Electronic records created through the Kansas eCourt system are maintained indefinitely in the statewide electronic filing system.
- Older paper records that predate electronic filing may be stored in off-site archives and require additional retrieval time; members of the public should contact the clerk's office in advance when requesting records more than ten years old.
The Kansas Supreme Court's records retention policies are established pursuant to the authority granted under K.S.A. § 20-319, which authorizes the Supreme Court to prescribe rules for the preservation and destruction of court records.