Frequently Asked Questions:
We frequently receive questions about Kansas law on basic issues that are of critical importance to everyone. And we think it’s important that correct answers to these questions are easily available. So we provide our answers to these frequently asked questions on this page as a public service.
Keep in mind that the answers to these questions provides only general information. You should contact a qualified family law attorney to find out how the law applies to your own specific situation. Although domestic relations is governed primarily by state statutes, individual judges determine how the statutes apply to specific situations in individual cases.Family law is not “black-and-white.” And the applicable statutes don’t specify exactly how the courts must decide any case or issue. Instead, the applicable statutes provide guidance to attorneys and judges on applying broad principles in deciding family law issues, such as “equitable distribution,” “the child’s best interests,” and other similar legal principles.
The information provided on this page is not intended to provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the viewer and RONALD W NELSON, PA. See our disclaimer page for further information.
The Basics
- What are the different kinds of domestic relations actions that can be filed in Kansas?
- Can you tell me what are the grounds for divorce in Kansas?
- How long do I have to live in the state to file for divorce in Kansas?
- What is an uncontested divorce?
- What is common law marriage?
- How long does a divorce take?
- Can I claim that my spouse is at fault for our divorce or can my spouse claim that I am the reason for divorce?
- What happens if I or my spouse doesn’t want a divorce or my spouse says I can’t have a divorce?
- HELP! I was just served with a divorce!
Attorney Representation
- Can one lawyer represent both my spouse and me in our divorce if we agree?
- Do I have to have a lawyer represent me in a divorce?
- Can I represent myself in a divorce?
- What is the risk if I represent myself?
- Can I have a lawyer help me represent myself in my own divorce?
- What happens in an initial consultation?
- Are the things I tell my attorney private?
- What is “Collaborative Family Law?”
Costs and Fees
Starting the Process
- What is a “Petition”?
- What is an “Answer” or Response?”
- What do I have to do to start a domestic relations case?
- Is it important to be the first one to file for divorce?
- What are temporary orders?
- How does the other person get the papers after they are filed?
- I’ve been served with a Petition for Divorce!! What do I do?
- When is a divorce ‘final?’
- Will I have to go to trial?
Property Division
- How is property divided in a divorce?
- What happens if my spouse says I can’t have any property?
- What is ‘divorce planning?’
- Can I get a better division of property because my spouse has committed adultery?
Alimony, Maintenance, and Spousal Support
- Can I get alimony from my spouse?
- What is ‘maintenance?’
- How is the award of spousal support determined?
Child Custody, “Visitation,” and Parenting Time
- Where do I file for child custody orders?
- Can I get “full custody” of my child?
- What is ‘legal custody?’
- What happens if there is a child custody dispute?
- What other child custody orders can be issued?
- What is ‘primary residential custody?’
- What is ‘shared custody?’
- Where do I file if I want to change a child custody order?
- What is a ‘material change in circumstances’ to change custody?
- What if I want to move and take my children after the child custody orders are entered?
Child Support
- How is child support determined?
- Where do I file a request for child support?
- How do I get my child’s medical expenses paid by the other parent?
- Can I refuse to allow the other parent to see our child if child support is not being paid?
- Can I refuse to pay child support because the other parent is not letting me see our children?
- Where do I file if I want to change a child support order?
Post Decree Problems
- What are my rights as a divorced spouse to continuation of health insurance?
- What if I want to move and take my children after entry of child custody orders?
- What is a ‘material change in circumstances’ to change custody?
- Where do I file a request to change child support?
Miscellaneous Questions