Montgomery County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Montgomery County in 2026
MontgomeryKSRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Montgomery County, Kansas. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage petitions, final decrees, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable privacy protections.
Divorce records in Montgomery County may be searched through official court resources, the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Kansas Judicial Branch.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Kansas Case Search portal is the most common method for locating divorce case information online. Members of the public may search by case number or party name at no charge for basic case information. Obtaining copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kansas Judicial Branch maintains a centralized portal for district court records that allows searches across jurisdictions, including Montgomery-Coffeyville and Montgomery-Independence divisions. As Kansas courts transition to a new centralized case management system, public records are becoming available through this online portal.
3. State Vital Records
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Office of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates for events occurring in Kansas. Divorce certificates have been filed with the Office since July 1, 1951. These records provide limited information compared to full court case files and may carry applicable fees.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Montgomery County District Court
Montgomery County District Court Clerk
300 E Main St
Independence, KS 67301
Phone: (620) 330-1070
Montgomery County District Court
Members of the public may visit the Clerk's office during regular business hours to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff assistance is available for locating records by party name or case number.
Coffeyville Division — Montgomery County District Court
Montgomery County District Court — Coffeyville
311 W 9th St
Coffeyville, KS 67337
Phone: (620) 251-4830
Montgomery County District Court
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Montgomery County District Court Clerk, 300 E Main St, Independence, KS 67301
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to case volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court (Independence): (620) 330-1070
- Clerk of Court (Coffeyville): (620) 251-4830
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of documents by phone
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kansas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing, and assist with complex or historical record searches. The Kansas Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Kansas
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under K.S.A. § 23-2703, a petition for divorce must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should search the county where one of the parties resided at the time of filing. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless that county was also a party's residence.
Kansas law requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for sixty days prior to filing, pursuant to K.S.A. § 23-2703.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Certified copies are available once the judgment is filed with the Clerk
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived cases may require additional retrieval time
- Records from before 1951 may not be available through the KDHE vital statistics office
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county searched
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (620) 330-1070 (Independence) or (620) 251-4830 (Coffeyville)
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the KDHE divorce certificate records for cases filed after July 1, 1951
- Consult a licensed Kansas attorney for complex searches
What Are Montgomery County Divorce Records?
Montgomery County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the 14th Judicial District of Kansas. These records are maintained by the Clerk of the District Court and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. Under Kansas law, dissolution of marriage proceedings are governed by the Kansas Divorce and Separation Act, K.S.A. § 23-2701 et seq., which establishes the legal framework for filing, adjudicating, and recording divorce cases in the state.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the following documents:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody arrangements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance, if ordered
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Supporting Documents filed in the case record may include:
- Original marriage certificate
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of the District Court is the primary custodian of all divorce case files in Montgomery County and provides certified copies upon request. The KDHE Office of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates for Kansas events occurring on or after July 1, 1951, though these certificates contain limited information compared to the full court record.
Are Montgomery County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Montgomery County are public court records subject to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data and the privacy of children and domestic violence victims.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some cases)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General Public | Public documents, docket entries, final orders |
| Parties to the Case | Full access to own case file, including confidential portions |
| Licensed Attorneys | Case file access; sealed documents upon proper showing |
| Researchers and Media | Public portions; sealed records require court order |
| Law Enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of any protective order. News reporting, academic research, genealogical research, and legal purposes constitute permitted uses under Kansas law.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the District Court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties and their children.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Montgomery County?
The Clerk of the District Court in Montgomery County charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to K.S.A. § 28-170, which governs fees charged by clerks of the district court in Kansas.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of court document | $1.50 per document plus $0.25 per page |
| Certification fee | $1.50 |
| Search fee (when applicable) | Varies by office |
KDHE Vital Statistics — Divorce Certificate Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate (first copy) | $20.00 |
| Each additional copy ordered at same time | $15.00 |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to the Clerk of the District Court
- Credit or debit card (availability varies by office; confirm with Clerk)
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case information through the Kansas Case Search online portal
- Reviewing case docket entries online
- Inspecting public documents at the courthouse public access terminal (no copy fee for viewing only)
Fee waiver provisions may apply in cases of demonstrated financial hardship. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must submit a written request to the Clerk of Court with supporting documentation.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Montgomery County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Montgomery County District Court Clerk contains documents generated at every stage of the dissolution proceeding. The scope of the file depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption (case number, court name, division, party names)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type
- Jurisdiction basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown under Kansas no-fault law), children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Tax returns and pay stubs
- Bank, investment, and retirement account statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory (real property, vehicles, accounts, business interests, personal property)
- Debt inventory (mortgages, loans, credit card obligations)
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan detailing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income deduction orders
- Custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal maintenance order, including type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues, including property division, debt allocation, support terms, and attorney fee provisions
- Mediation agreement, if applicable (communications remain confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final judgment of dissolution, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time, name restoration, and judge's signature and seal
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How the File Is Organized:
Documents are filed in chronological order as received by the Clerk. Each document carries a filing date stamp. The case file includes an index listing document types and filing sequence. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the Kansas eCourt system; older cases may exist in paper or hybrid format.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Montgomery County?
Proof of divorce in Montgomery County is obtained through either the District Court Clerk or the KDHE Office of Vital Statistics, depending on the level of detail required.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Court Record):
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce and is issued by the Clerk of the District Court. To obtain a certified copy:
- Identify the correct court division (Independence or Coffeyville) based on where the case was filed.
- Locate the case number using the Kansas Case Search portal or by contacting the Clerk's office.
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as directed by the Clerk, including party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, and payment of applicable fees.
- Receive the certified copy bearing the court seal and Clerk's certification.
Montgomery County District Court Clerk — Independence
300 E Main St
Independence, KS 67301
Phone: (620) 330-1070
Montgomery County District Court
Montgomery County District Court Clerk — Coffeyville
311 W 9th St
Coffeyville, KS 67337
Phone: (620) 251-4830
Montgomery County District Court
Divorce Certificate (Vital Records):
For a divorce certificate issued by the state, members of the public may submit a request to the KDHE Office of Vital Statistics. Divorce certificates are available for Kansas divorces finalized on or after July 1, 1951, and provide limited identifying information rather than the full court record.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment — Office of Vital Statistics
1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-1400
Office of Vital Statistics
Requests to KDHE must include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the county where the divorce was granted, the requestor's name and contact information, and payment of the applicable fee. The KDHE divorce certificate page provides current instructions and fee information.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Montgomery County?
Divorce proceedings in Montgomery County are presumptively public under the Kansas Open Records Act; however, certain cases or portions of cases may be sealed or restricted by court order or by operation of law.
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, residential addresses, and evidence of abuse to protect victims from further harm.
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody evaluations may be sealed to protect the best interests of the children.
- Mediation records: Under Kansas law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Sealed by court order: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open records against the privacy interests at stake.
- Redacted information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar sensitive identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings as a matter of standard court practice.
- High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to restrict access in cases where public disclosure would create a substantial risk of harm.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the District Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Montgomery County Keep Divorce Records?
Montgomery County District Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Kansas Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which governs the preservation of district court case files throughout the state.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution, final decrees, and orders affecting property title are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files: Full divorce case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention for cases involving real property or significant legal determinations.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the Kansas eCourt system are maintained in the centralized electronic database and are accessible through the district court records portal indefinitely, subject to applicable access restrictions.
- Paper and archived records: Older paper case files may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- KDHE divorce certificates: The Office of Vital Statistics retains divorce certificates filed on or after July 1, 1951, on a permanent basis.
- Post-judgment modifications: Modification orders and enforcement actions filed after the original judgment are retained as part of the ongoing case file under the same retention schedule.
Members of the public seeking records from closed or archived cases should contact the Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.