Updated May 2026 Kansas

Kansas Divorce Filing Fee (2026)

All court costs for filing divorce in Kansas — including filing fees, service costs, and optional surcharges.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$195

Base Filing Fee

$50

Sheriff Service

$25

Children Surcharge

$245

Est. Total (with service)

Divorce Filing Fee Calculator

Estimate your total court costs for filing divorce paperwork in your state.

Your State

Minor Children?

Yes No

Service Method

· Filing fee: · Est. total:

How to File →

Divorce Court Costs in Kansas

Filing for divorce in Kansas requires paying a base filing fee of $195 to the court. This fee opens your case and is paid by the petitioner (the spouse filing first).

Kansas requires a parenting class when minor children are involved. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be completed before the divorce is finalized.

Service of Process in Kansas

After filing, you must legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers:

Sheriff / constable: $50
Private process server: $85

⚠️

Kansas charges a modest surcharge when children are involved. Fees are relatively consistent across the state.

💡

Uncontested divorce saves thousands

If both spouses agree on property division, custody, and support, an uncontested divorce avoids attorney fees entirely. Court costs are typically the only expense — often under $500 total.

📋

Fee waiver available

If you can't afford the $195 filing fee, ask the clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Most Kansas courts waive fees for filers below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.

Source: Kansas official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Kansas Divorce

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Kansas?

Filing for divorce in Kansas costs $195 for the base court filing fee. Add $50 for sheriff service of process, bringing the estimated court total to $245. If minor children are involved, a $25 children's surcharge also applies. This is the court cost only — attorney fees are additional and vary widely.

What is the divorce filing fee in Kansas?

The Kansas divorce filing fee is $195. This is a one-time fee paid to the court clerk when the petitioner files the initial divorce petition. The fee must be paid before the court will process your case.

How can I get the divorce filing fee waived in Kansas?

To get the divorce filing fee waived in Kansas, file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application with the court at the same time as your divorce petition. You must demonstrate that your household income falls below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. If you receive public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you likely qualify automatically. A judge — not the clerk — must approve the waiver.

Does Kansas require a parenting class for divorce?

Yes — Kansas requires divorcing parents with minor children to complete a court-approved parenting class before the divorce is finalized. The class covers the impact of divorce on children and co-parenting strategies. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be paid directly to the approved provider.

How long does a divorce take in Kansas?

An uncontested divorce in Kansas where both spouses agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 1–3 months, depending on the court's schedule and any mandatory waiting periods. A contested divorce — involving disputes over property, custody, or support — typically takes 6–18 months or longer. After filing, most states require a mandatory waiting period before a judge can sign the final decree.

Can I file for divorce online in Kansas?

Many Kansas courts allow you to download and print divorce forms from their websites, but in-person filing at the courthouse is still required. For uncontested divorces, online services can prepare all the paperwork you then file locally.