Function

• The function of statutorily or legally approved paperwork is to ensure that a Kansas divorce case progresses appropriately through the court system. Indeed, in the absence of certain mandated paperwork, a Kansas resident is unable to initiate, pursue or complete divorce proceedings. A judge is vested with the power to dismiss a case if proper paperwork and documentation is not used by a party in divorce proceedings.
  
  

Types

• The types of paperwork required by Kansas law to start a divorce case include a divorce petition, child-support worksheet, financial worksheet and a motion for temporary orders. Other documents necessary to continue divorce proceedings include a certificate for completion of a parenting class (when children are involved in a case) and a settlement agreement (if the parties resolve issues between them). The paperwork to conclude and finalize a divorce case is the divorce decree.
  
  

Paperwork Forms

• Court clerks in district and county courts in Kansas maintain standardized forms of basic documents a party needs in a divorce case. These materials are made available to individuals lacking legal representation in divorce proceedings. The forms are available through a court clerk's office as well as through a court's Internet website in many jurisdictions.
  
  

Time Frame

• Once a divorce case begins in Kansas, specific deadlines must be met. For example, there is a specific time frame in which a financial worksheet and a certificate of completion of a parenting class must be filed with the court. The failure to comply with deadlines and time frames established by Kansas law and specific orders of the court can result in a dismissal of a divorce case.
  
  

Expert Assistance

• Properly preparing divorce paperwork in Kansas requires a certain level of expertise. Therefore, as you consider pursuing a divorce, consider hiring a qualified Kansas divorce lawyer. The Kansas Bar Association maintains a directory of attorneys in different practice areas, including divorce law. Contact the association at:
  
  Kansas Bar Association
  1200 S.W. Harrison
  Topeka, KS 66612
  785-234-5696
  ksbar.org