Preparing for a family court matter often involves several sources of information. The court provides procedural instructions, a records office supplies copies, and an attorney explains how the law applies to your circumstances.
This directory brings together resources for Wichita-area residents dealing with divorce, parenting arrangements, support, and related issues. It highlights what to review before using a form, attending a program, or requesting assistance.
Get Oriented Within Sedgwick County’s Court System
Family Law Department
Sedgwick County is served by Kansas’s 18th Judicial District. The Family Law Department’s website connects readers with forms, scheduling information, fees, and self-help resources.
Visit the Sedgwick County Family Law Department
Begin here when you need to understand where family case information is organized.
If you live outside Sedgwick County or have an existing case elsewhere, confirm which court’s procedures apply. A resource intended for Wichita readers may not describe the requirements of a neighboring county.
Hearing and Calendar Information
The court publishes scheduling resources, including a family law calendar.
Review the district court’s schedule information
Compare any calendar entry with the latest notice or order in your case. Confirm the attendance method, location, and preparation requirements before the hearing.
Choose Materials for the Correct Proceeding
Sedgwick County separates its family law forms by case type. Choosing the right collection is an important first step, but the accompanying instructions still need careful review.
Divorce Involving Children
This collection includes documents used in divorce proceedings involving children.
Find Sedgwick County divorce-with-children forms
Review the packet for financial disclosures, parenting documents, and any education-related instructions.
Divorce Without Children
The court provides a separate collection for divorce cases without children.
Find Sedgwick County divorce-without-children forms
Check whether the packet fits your circumstances. Retirement benefits, business interests, disputed property, or other complications may require additional advice and documents.
Parentage Cases
Parentage proceedings have their own form collection.
Browse Sedgwick County parentage forms
Existing parentage, support, and custody documents should be reviewed together before deciding what to request.
Matters After a Final Order
The court also provides post-decree materials.
Review Sedgwick County post-decree forms
Do not assume that a form used to establish an initial arrangement is suitable for enforcing or changing an existing order.
Find Help Understanding Court Materials
Family Law Self-Help Center
The district court’s Self-Help Center page provides information about local self-help resources and connections to the Sedgwick County Law Library.
Explore the Family Law Self-Help Center
Before visiting, confirm what assistance is available, whether an appointment is needed, and which documents you should bring.
Help locating information or understanding a form’s instructions should be distinguished from advice about legal strategy or settlement terms.
General Forms Directory
Use the court’s central directory when searching for a particular document or another category of forms.
Open the district court forms directory
Check document dates and instructions rather than reusing an older saved copy without review.
Obtain a Decree, Order, or Other Court Record
Sedgwick County Records Department
The Records Department publishes information about accessing and requesting court records.
Review Sedgwick County court-record information
Prepare the case number, party names, approximate filing date, and document title before making a request.
If you need a decree, ask whether its attachments must also be included. An organization requesting proof of an order may require a certified copy rather than an ordinary copy.
Confirm access restrictions, fees, and delivery options directly. Public availability varies, and an online search may not display every part of a case.
Review Parenting Education Before Registering
Kids First Workshop
Sedgwick County’s Kids First Workshop offers education for parents involved in custody-related proceedings.
Read the official Kids First Workshop instructions
Review the order in your case and confirm:
How to register.
Applicable payment instructions.
Attendance and completion requirements.
How to request an interpreter or accommodation.
Whether any separate court deadline applies.
The court instructs participants not to bring children. Make appropriate care arrangements before attending.
Completing a program elsewhere should not be assumed to satisfy the requirement in your case without confirmation.
Investigate Mediation and Its Role
District Court Mediation Information
The district court maintains a mediation resource page.
View Sedgwick County mediation information
Use it as a starting point for questions about available resources. Ask your attorney or the appropriate court office what process applies to the issues in your case.
Before scheduling, clarify the scope of the session, preparation materials, costs, and any court requirements.
If abuse, threats, or restricted contact are involved, disclose those concerns before joint participation is arranged.
Locate Child Support Program Information
Kansas Department for Children and Families
Kansas DCF’s Child Support Services program provides information about available services and how to seek assistance.
Read the Kansas Child Support Services overview
Use the program information to identify the appropriate starting point for a support-related inquiry.
Applications and Enrollment
DCF provides an online application portal.
Access the Kansas Child Support Services application
Review what information is requested and have existing orders available. Applying for services does not, by itself, change a current support obligation.
Program Contacts
Use the official contact page for current ways to reach the program.
Find Kansas Child Support Services contact information
Explain whether your concern involves establishing support, a payment issue, enforcement, or a possible change. Those questions may require different steps.
Understand Where to Begin With Protection Orders
Sedgwick County Protection Order Resources
The district court provides information about protection from abuse and protection from stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking proceedings.
Review Sedgwick County protection order information
Read the instructions for the type of request involved. The court’s page also identifies the Kansas Protection Order Portal as a resource.
Confirm submission requirements and follow any hearing notice carefully. Completing an online application should not be assumed to finish every required step.
If there is an existing divorce, parenting, or protection order, bring it to an attorney’s attention so overlapping requirements can be considered.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Seek Civil Legal Assistance
Kansas Legal Services
Kansas Legal Services publishes information about applying for assistance and the types of matters its program may address.
Learn how to request help from Kansas Legal Services
Eligibility, available resources, and the legal issue affect whether assistance can be provided.
Online Application Information
Review the application instructions before beginning.
Read Kansas Legal Services’ online application information
Follow any required intake or follow-up steps. Mention hearings and deadlines, and continue monitoring them while an application is being considered.
An application is not confirmation that an attorney has accepted responsibility for the case.
Read Kansas Law With the Issue in Mind
Kansas Family Law Code
The Legislature’s website provides statutory text addressing marriage, divorce, property division, support, and parenting matters.
Explore Kansas Chapter 23 statutes
For parenting questions, Article 32 addresses legal custody, residency, and parenting plans.
Read the Kansas custody and parenting-plan statutes
Record the section number and the question you want clarified. Related statutes, court decisions, and procedural requirements may affect the answer.
Statutory research is useful preparation, but an isolated paragraph cannot evaluate every fact in an individual case.
Prepare the Right Information for the Right Resource
Before making contact, identify what you need:
A document: Have its title, case number, and approximate date.
A procedural explanation: Keep the relevant instruction or notice available.
Program assistance: Gather eligibility information and identify upcoming deadlines.
Legal advice: Bring existing orders and a short explanation of the decision or problem.
Keep copies of submissions and confirmations. Record any additional steps requested and when they need to be completed.
Check current hours, locations, and requirements before traveling or paying a fee. External resources and court procedures can change.
This directory is provided for general educational use by Wichita-area readers. It is not a government or court website and does not provide legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. External providers maintain their own information, services, and eligibility requirements. Links do not imply affiliation or endorsement. This blog is owned by Stange Law Firm, PC.