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1. Are court records available to the general public?

The Kansas Open Records Act allows you to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by Kansas courts, as long as these records are not exempt from disclosure. If a file is “open to the public” you may view the record on the public access terminal at the District Clerk’s Office.

2. What records are available to the general public?

The most common requested records are court case files and transcripts and final judgments from civil, probate and criminal cases. Some records may be exempt by judicial rule, order or case law. The more commonly requested records that are not available include:

• Adoption records
• Certain criminal investigation records
• Child in need of care records
• Expunged criminal and juvenile records

3. Can I obtain someone’s address from the court records?

The court cannot release individuals’ addresses or personal information. We can, however, give you contact information for an attorney or law firm on a case.

4. How do I obtain a copy of a marriage license?

To obtain a certified copy of your marriage license you may apply to the Bureau of Vital Statistics located in Topeka, Kansas. You may visit the KS Bureau of Vital Statistics website or call 877-305-8315. Birth and death certificates are also available from this same site. Payment must be made by debit or credit card.

5. How do I obtain copies from a court record?

Public computer terminals are located at each District Court office. You may look up and print court records in the county where the case is filed. Printing costs may apply.

Requests for court records may also be made in writing addressed to the District Court Clerk’s Office. Please be as specific as possible by including the case number (if available), type of case and any documents you are requesting.

6. What is the cost of printing or receiving copies of court records?

• Act of Congress Attestation: $5 each
• Certification: $1 per document
• Copies: $0.25 cents per page
• Extended Research: $13.50 per hour
• Off-Site File Retrieval: $30 for the first file and $15 for each additional file on the same order
• Sending a Fax: $1 per page

7. Will the court staff help identify and explain the information in a court record?

No. Court staff may conduct a search for a case or a document in a case that requires making a legal determination such as whether a judgment is current or a lien exists. Court staff also will not prepare a report or create a record to satisfy your request if that document does not already exist.

8. May I request searches over the phone?

Requests for record searches will not be accepted over the telephone. All requests much be made in writing.

9. Where can I go for a background check on someone?

Background checks are performed by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation by calling 785-296-8200.