Records of divorce in Sedgwick County, Kansas, are available through several channels. SedgwickCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about divorces in this county. Additionally, the complete court records are maintained by the Clerk of the District Court of the 18th Judicial District, and a divorce certificate can be ordered through the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics (KDHE). Requests can also be submitted in person, by mail, or by phone, depending on the type of document you need.
Sedgwick Divorce Records Search
Two institutions are responsible for maintaining court records in divorce cases in Sedgwick County.
The 18th Judicial District Court is the primary source. The court clerk's office maintains a complete file of each case: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, custody orders, alimony, and all related motions. Divorce information at the district court level is open to the public.
The Office of Vital Statistics (KDHE) receives and maintains records of divorces that occurred in Kansas starting from July 1951. This office issues divorce certificates—a brief document confirming the fact of divorce but not containing details of the court decision.
The collection of records includes:
- Divorce decrees
- Divorce certificates
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Motions and other procedural documents
Clerk of the District Court of the 18th Judicial District
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Sedgwick
In Kansas, divorce cases are handled by the district court. For Sedgwick County, this is the 18th Judicial District, located in the Sedgwick County Courthouse in Wichita. Once a judge signs the divorce decree, the document is filed with the court clerk's office—where the complete set of case materials is stored.
Simultaneously, the court notifies KDHE, and the Office of Vital Statistics creates a divorce certificate. This is a separate document—it records only the fact of divorce, the names of the parties, and the date.
Where to contact depends on what exactly you need:
- Complete court decision, property agreement, custody order — Clerk of the District Court of the 18th Judicial District.
- Certificate confirming the fact of divorce — KDHE Office of Vital Statistics or the court clerk's office.
- Records before July 1951 — Kansas Historical Society (according to KDHE).
Clerk of the District Court
KDHE Office of Vital Statistics
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Sedgwick
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (KDHE) | $15.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Copy of court decision (court clerk's office) | $0.25 per page | Usually on the day of request during a personal visit |
| Certified copy of court document (court clerk's office) | $1.00 per document plus copying cost | 1–3 business days |
| Expedited processing of certificate (KDHE) | Additional $15.00 | Approximately 2 weeks |