Kansas Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in Kansas is decided in the District Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Kansas documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official Kansas custody resources

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Kansas family law forms (official index) (Kansas judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Kansas family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.kscourts.org/rules-procedures-forms/court-forms

Kansas court self-help resources (Kansas courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Kansas family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.kansaslegalservices.org

Kansas mediation and dispute resolution (Kansas judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Kansas family case without a trial. https://www.kscourts.org/Programs-Services/Dispute-Resolution

Kansas Courts eFiling (Kansas Judicial Branch): Kansas e-filing is open to lawyers only. If you are representing yourself you file your papers in person, by mail, or by fax with your district court clerk. https://kscourts.gov/eCourt/Kansas-Courts-eFiling

Kansas rules of procedure (Kansas judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Kansas. https://www.kscourts.org/rules-procedures-forms

Verified official Kansas custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Agreed Shared Parenting Plan (Appendix VI), form App. VI (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Child%20Support%20Guidelines/App-VI-Agreed-shared-parenting-plan-fillable.pdf

Official link data for Kansas was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in Kansas?

Family cases in Kansas are heard in the District Court. Divorce and custody are heard in the District Court. Kansas's 105 counties are grouped into 31 judicial districts.

Does Kansas favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Kansas forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Kansas mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.