Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce & Family Law

One of the most critical aspects of the divorce process is the fair distribution of marital assets. Understanding how assets are divided in a Kansas divorce is an important part of protecting your assets during the divorce process. Read more

If you are looking to get a quick divorce in Kansas, understanding the steps and requirements involved can help you achieve a swift resolution. While every divorce case is unique in Kansas, there are clear steps and actions to take if your hope is to get a quick divorce in Kansas. Read more

The length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in Kansas City depends on several factors. On average, an uncontested divorce can take as little as 30 to 60 days to finalize after the mandatory 60-day waiting period, while contested divorces may take several months to over a year to resolve. Read more

The cost of a divorce lawyer in Kansas can vary widely depending on several factors. On average, divorce lawyers in Kansas charge approximately $300 per hour. The total cost of a divorce lawyer will depend on the complexity of your case, the lawyer's experience, and the duration of the divorce process. Read more

The cost to file for divorce in Kansas is $195. This fee is required to submit your divorce petition so that the court can process your paperwork, open your case, and get you on calendar. Read more

An uncontested divorce is when both spouses agree on all significant aspects of their divorce, including asset division, child custody, child support and spousal support arrangements. Read more

Before you start your search for an attorney, it's important to understand your specific legal needs. Family law encompasses a wide range of issues, including divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division. Each case is unique, and the type of legal assistance you require will depend on your circumstances. Read more

Yes, Kansas is an alimony state. In Kansas, courts can award alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, as part of a divorce settlement. Read more

Technically, Kansas is a no-fault state for divorce, meaning that you do not need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse in order to file and obtain a divorce in Kansas. However, a party may file for divorce on fault-based grounds. Read more

Your tax filing status after divorce depends on your marital status as of December 31. If your divorce is finalized by that date, you will typically file as Single or Head of Household (if you meet the qualifications). If you are still legally married at year-end, you must file as Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately until the divorce is final. Read More

Child support payments are not tax-deductible for the paying parent, and they are not considered taxable income for the receiving parent. It’s important to understand these tax implications when managing your finances and filing your tax returns.

Child custody decisions can be appealed in Kansas under certain circumstances. However, it’s often more practical for parties to request modifications to existing orders, as family needs change over time. For example, a parenting plan made for very young children may need adjustments as they grow and their needs evolve.

In Kansas and Missouri, credit card debt accrued during the marriage is typically divided through equitable distribution, but you can limit your liability by closing joint accounts, monitoring your credit, and negotiating debt terms in your divorce agreement. Read More

Both Kansas and Missouri courts prioritize the child’s best interests, and financial stability plays a key role in their well-being. This means that even if you no longer have physical or legal custody, you are likely still responsible for contributing to your child’s expenses unless a court decides otherwise. Read More

Child support in Kansas is calculated using the Kansas Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. Other factors, such as healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and any special needs of the child, are also taken into account.

In Kansas, child support is determined based on the income of both parents, the child's needs, and custody arrangements. Read More

Spousal support in Kansas can be paid in a few different ways, such as a single lump sum payment at the time of divorce or through scheduled installments over a predetermined period. The payments can be made directly from one spouse to the other, but it is generally a good idea for parties to have maintenance payments managed by the state. Allowing the Kansas Payment Center (KPC) to manage support payments ensures that your funds will be disbursed on time. It also creates a reliable record if the paying spouse refuses to continue making support payments, which will assist the court in determining how to enforce the order regarding spousal support payments.

The duration of cases regarding child custody in Kansas varies based on several factors. Cases tend to conclude faster when parties agree on what’s best for the children. Conversely, contentious cases may take longer, especially if waiting for expert reports or court scheduling is necessary.

The duration of alimony in Kansas City depends on several factors and is often tailored to your individual circumstances. Generally, alimony lasts only as long as necessary to allow the receiving spouse to achieve financial independence, though this varies based on the details of each case. Read more

In Kansas, child support typically continues until the child turns 18. However, if the child is still attending high school at 18, support will continue until the child graduates. In very rare cases, the support order could remain until the child turns 19. Support may also be extended if the child has special needs that require ongoing support.

The duration of maintenance payments can vary widely based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial needs and capacities of each spouse, and the type of alimony awarded. Temporary alimony lasts through the divorce proceedings, rehabilitative alimony may last a few years until the recipient becomes self-sufficient, and permanent alimony could continue indefinitely, often until the recipient remarries or either spouse dies. Modifications can also be made based on changes in circumstances.

Securing child custody in Kansas requires understanding and navigating the state’s legal process. The court focuses on the child’s best interests, evaluating various factors to make a decision. Read more

The legal system provides structured processes to help custodial parents secure financial support from the non-custodial parent. Understanding how to navigate these processes is essential for anyone seeking child support in Kansas. Read more

Alimony in both Kansas and Missouri is no longer tax-deductible for the paying spouse, nor is it considered taxable income for the receiving spouse on a federal level. Read More

As of the changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, for federal tax purposes, alimony payments are not deductible by the payor nor taxable to the recipient for divorce agreements executed or modified after December 31, 2018. Kansas follows the federal guidelines, so alimony is not taxable income for the recipient or deductible for the payor in Kansas under these circumstances.

Child support expenses are generally divided into two categories: basic and extraordinary. Each category covers different aspects of the child's daily life and may require different payment methods. Read more