Divorce Law in Kansas
How to Find a Kansas Divorce Attorney
In 2010, there were 10,579 divorces and annulments in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health report that cites this statistic also includes the anonymous quote:
Remember to see the faces in the numbers
We include the number of divorces (and even mention statistics such as 50% of first marriages, 60% of second marriages, and 73% of third marriages end in divorce) in case these numbers help you to know that what you’re going through is normal.
However, we also emphasize through this article and others that you are an individual and may be best served by working with a therapist and a divorce attorney (both of your selection) to work through your emotions and legal issues that arise from your individual and unique – yet completely normal – situation.
If you are considering divorce, we wrote this article for you. We explore:
- Kansas divorce law requirements and offerings;
- What you need to know about divorce;
- Whether it’s in your best interest to hire a Kansas divorce attorney;
- How to find and select a Kansas divorce lawyer; and
- How to prepare to work with your attorney.
Kansas Divorce Law Requirements and Offerings
- To file for divorce in Kansas, either you or your spouse must have been a Kansas resident for at least 60 days prior to filing divorce.
- There are two grounds for divorce in Kansas: “no-fault” and “fault”.
- The spouse who files for divorce is called the “petitioner” and the other spouse is the “respondent”.
- Divorce papers are filed in the District Court for the appropriate county.
- Kansas is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning that marital property is divided as is deemed fair.
- Spousal support may be ordered and child support is based upon the Income Shares Model.
What You Need to Know About Divorce
In this section, we’ll highlight the aspects of divorce that will help you the most and keep your legal fees down.
- Consult with a therapist to handle the emotional aspects of divorce and a divorce lawyer to handle the legal aspects of divorce.
- Be willing to compromise. Both you and your spouse will have to give up things you want in order to create a mutually beneficial agreement.
- Make a list of questions and contact your divorce attorney no more than once a week.
- Provide all requested materials and make decisions in a timely manner. Once you make a decision, stick with it. No flip-flopping.
Is it in Your Best Interests to Work with a Kansas Divorce Attorney?
Yes.
If you, mistakenly or intentionally, give up your marital rights, you will not be able to get them back.
How to Find and Select a Kansas Divorce Attorney
Many folks use Google or another search engine and enter “How to Find a Google Divorce Attorney”. You can also ask the bar association or friends for referrals.
After you’ve found several attorneys who might be a good fit, there are 4 steps to make the final attorney selection.
- Make sure your attorney is licensed to practice law in Kansas.
- Look for an attorney who focuses his or her practice to divorce, matrimonial, or family law.
- Focus on attorneys who will collaboratively work with your spouse’s attorney to get you more of what you want. “Sharks” will cost you and your family more emotionally and financially.
- Chat with each potential attorney and ask about what you can expect in regard to the process, communications, negotiations, fees, and resolution time.
Choose whomever you feel most comfortable with.
How to Prepare to Work with Your Kansas Divorce Lawyer
Here’s your divorce preparation checklist:
- Consider reconciliation. Divorce will be an option in the future; if you’re not 100% sure 100% of the time now.
- Consult with a therapist so that when you’re dealing with your children, spouse, or divorce lawyer, you can focus on the task at hand and feel better doing it.
- Gather financial documents (expenses, assets, income, and debts).
- Draft a divorce “wish list”, with the expectation you’ll have to compromise terms.
- Note all questions and ask your divorce attorney.
The only normal people are the one’s you don’t know very well.
