Butler County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Butler County in 2026
ButlerCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Butler County, Kansas. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Butler County District Court clerk's office, public access terminals located 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 allows members of the public to search district court records by case number or party name at no charge for basic case information. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
As Kansas courts transition to a centralized case management system, district court records are becoming available through an online portal maintained by the Kansas Judicial Branch. This system consolidates records across jurisdictions, including Butler County.
3. State Vital Records
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) maintains divorce certificate information at the state level. Divorce information is open to the public at the county district court level, and KDHE provides guidance on accessing those records. Fees may apply for certified divorce certificates.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Butler County District Court:
- Address: 201 W. Pine St., El Dorado, KS 67042
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (316) 322-4370
- Services available:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
The Clerk of Court maintains archived and historical divorce case files. Older cases that have not been digitized may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived records are accepted at the clerk's counter.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Butler County District Court Clerk, 201 W. Pine St., El Dorado, KS 67042
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and 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 volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (316) 322-4370
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex matters may retain legal counsel to access divorce records on their behalf. Attorneys may request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court. The Kansas Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking professional assistance.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Butler County
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Kansas are filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under K.S.A. § 23-2703, one spouse must have been a resident of Kansas for sixty days immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are typically available within days to a few weeks after entry of the final judgment.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format.
- Archived records may require special retrieval requests and additional processing time.
- Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (316) 322-4370 to request assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the KDHE divorce certificate database
- Consult an attorney for sealed or complex record situations
What Are Butler County Divorce Records?
Butler County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Butler County District Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access provisions under Kansas law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree of divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It is the primary document used as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents commonly found in divorce case files include:
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as an exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes with government agencies
- Supporting property transfer and title proceedings
- Providing evidence in estate planning and probate matters
- Satisfying requirements in immigration proceedings
- Verifying eligibility for Social Security or survivor benefits
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping and verification
- Confirming terms of prior court orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of Court for the Butler County District Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office indexes records by party name and case number and provides certified copies upon request. At the state level, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment maintains divorce certificate data reported by county district courts.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Kansas are governed by K.S.A. § 23-2701 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a divorce in the state. The Kansas Open Records Act, K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq., governs public access to court and government records, including family law case files.
Are Butler County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Butler County District Court are public court records under Kansas law. Members of the public may access basic case information, court orders, and final judgments. Certain categories of sensitive information within those files are subject to restriction or redaction pursuant to court rules and applicable statutes.
Public Access Policy:
What Is Public
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions depending on how they were filed
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses and contact information in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public record.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The presumption of public access to court records in Kansas is grounded in the Kansas Open Records Act. Restrictions require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing transparency against privacy interests. As the Kansas Judicial Council has noted, "court records are presumptively open to the public unless a specific statute or court rule provides otherwise."
Privacy Protections:
State-Specific Protections
- Kansas Supreme Court Rules governing electronic filing require redaction of personal identifiers
- Domestic violence victim protections limit disclosure of location information
- Child protection statutes restrict access to records involving minors
Federal Protections
- HIPAA governs access to medical records submitted in proceedings
- Federal domestic violence statutes provide additional protections for victims
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of fees. Photo identification may be required at the clerk's counter.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files. First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.
Restrictions on Use:
Access to divorce records is prohibited for purposes of stalking, harassment, identity theft, or violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test. Certain entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled to access by statute without a separate court order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Butler County?
The Butler County District Court Clerk's office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Kansas statutes. Under K.S.A. § 28-170, district court clerks are authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.50 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Certification stamp | $1.00 per document |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies by request |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Basic case information retrieved through the Kansas Case Search online portal is available at no charge.
- Certified copies required for legal purposes, such as remarriage or name change proceedings, carry the certification fee in addition to per-page copy costs.
- Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, or money order made payable to the Butler County District Court. Parties should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the clerk's office, as policies may be updated.
- Fee waiver provisions may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must demonstrate financial hardship in accordance with applicable court rules.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Butler County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Butler County District Court Clerk contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions.
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Assigned case number
- Court name and division
- Full legal names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and bar numbers of attorneys of record
Filing Information:
- Date the petition was filed
- Filing fees paid and receipts
- Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
- Basis for jurisdiction
Initial Pleadings
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Identifying information for both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Kansas law)
- Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims regarding marital property and debts
- Requests for spousal maintenance
- Relief requested by the petitioner
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's independent requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Both parties' income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Complete asset inventory including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, and personal property
- Complete liability inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials filed with the court may include financial disclosure statements, interrogatory questions and sworn answers, requests for production of documents, and responses thereto. These materials provide detailed financial and personal background information relevant to property division and support determinations.
Property-Related Documents
Marital Asset Inventory:
- Real property descriptions, legal descriptions, and estimated values
- Motor vehicles and current values
- Bank and investment account information
- Retirement and pension account details
- Business interests and valuations
- Personal property, jewelry, and collectibles
Debt Inventory:
- Mortgage balances and lender information
- Vehicle loan balances
- Credit card and revolving debt
- Personal and business loans
- Tax obligations
Appraisals and Valuations:
- Licensed real estate appraisal reports
- Business valuation expert reports
- Personal property appraisals
Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)
Parenting Plan:
- Legal custody designation (sole or joint decision-making authority)
- Physical custody and primary residence designation
- Regular parenting time schedule
- Holiday, school break, and summer schedules
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Communication protocols between parents and with children
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions and notification requirements
Child Support:
- Kansas Child Support Worksheet reflecting both parties' incomes
- Number of overnight parenting time days
- Health insurance premium allocations
- Childcare cost allocations
- Ordered support amount and payment schedule
- Income withholding order, if applicable
Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):
- Reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
- Home study findings
- Parenting capacity assessments
- Recommendations regarding custody and parenting time
Support Documents
Alimony/Spousal Maintenance:
- Type and duration of maintenance ordered
- Monthly payment amount
- Payment schedule and method
- Conditions for modification or termination
- Tax treatment provisions
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
- Real and personal property distribution to each party
- Debt allocation and responsibility
- Spousal maintenance terms
- Child-related provisions, if applicable
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures of both parties and notarization
Mediation Agreement (If Applicable):
- Terms reached through mediation incorporated into the settlement agreement
- Mediator identification information
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary Orders:
- Temporary custody and parenting time
- Temporary support obligations
- Temporary use and possession of marital residence
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
Final Judgment of Dissolution:
- Court's findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Date the marriage is legally dissolved
- Complete property division awards
- Debt allocation orders
- Spousal maintenance orders
- Child custody and parenting time orders
- Child support orders
- Name restoration order, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Separate order directing retirement plan administrators to divide benefits
- Identifies alternate payee and benefit amount or percentage
Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)
- Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and orders for non-compliance
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Liens filed against property for unpaid support or obligations
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Financial account numbers (redacted)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence allegations and related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health evaluation reports (restricted access)
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Trade secret information in business valuations
How Information Is Organized
Case files are organized in chronological order of filing, with each document assigned a filing date and document number. The case docket serves as an index reflecting the sequence and type of all filed documents. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the court's case management system. Older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned digital images.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Butler County
Proof of divorce in Butler County is obtained through the Clerk of Court for the Butler County District Court. The most widely accepted form of proof is a certified copy of the final decree of divorce, which bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by searching the Kansas Case Search portal using the names of both parties or the case number.
- Note the case number and the date of the final judgment.
- Submit a request to the Clerk of Court in person, by mail, or as directed by the clerk's office.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the case number, and the approximate date of the final decree.
- Pay the applicable certification and per-page copy fees.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
For individuals who need a divorce certificate rather than a full certified decree, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment provides guidance on obtaining divorce certificate records maintained at the state level.
Butler County District Court — Clerk of Court
201 W. Pine St.
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 322-4370
Butler County District Court
Kansas Department of Health and Environment — Vital Statistics
1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-1400
KDHE Vital Statistics
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Butler County?
Divorce proceedings in Butler County are presumptively public under Kansas law; however, specific portions of a case file or, in limited circumstances, an entire case may be made confidential by court order.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and details of abuse allegations to protect the safety of victims.
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and custody evaluation reports are routinely restricted from general public access.
- Sealed cases: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The court weighs the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Mediation records: Under Kansas law, communications made during mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Redacted personal identifiers: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar personal identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings pursuant to Kansas Supreme Court Rules.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached outside of court proceedings and not incorporated into a filed order are not part of the public record.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Butler County District Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Butler County Keep Divorce Records?
The Butler County District Court retains divorce case files in accordance with the Kansas records retention schedule established for district courts. Retention periods vary based on the nature of the case and the documents involved.
Retention Periods for Divorce Records:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained according to the applicable district court retention schedule, which may provide for shorter retention of supporting documents while preserving the final decree permanently.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to that file.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Older cases stored in physical archives may require additional retrieval time. The clerk's office can advise on the availability of specific historical records.
The Kansas State Historical Society and the Kansas Judicial Branch provide guidance on court record retention schedules applicable to district courts statewide.