chapter-23•Chapter 23 — Kansas Family Law Code-Revised
Unofficial online text published by the Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes; the printed volumes of the Kansas Statutes Annotated are the authoritative version. Current through the 2025 session laws.
Article 1 Marriage (Not in active use)
§ 23-101 Repealed
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 1; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-101; L. 1980, ch. 106, § 1; L. 1996, ch. 142, § 1; L. 2002, ch. 143, § 1; Repealed, L. 2011, ch. 26, § 47; July 1.
§ 23-102 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2503.
§ 23-103 Repealed
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 3; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 3; R.S. 1923, 23-103; Repealed, L. 1992, ch. 298, § 97; July 1, 1993.
§ 23-104 Repealed
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 4; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 4; L. 1909, ch. 163, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-104; Repealed, L. 1969, ch. 180, § 21-4701; July 1, 1970.
§ 23-104a Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2504.
§ 23-104b Repealed
History: L. 1968, ch. 207, § 2; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 115; Repealed, L. 1990, ch. 116, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-105 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2507.
§ 23-106 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2505.
§ 23-107 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2509.
§ 23-107a Repealed
History: L. 1968, ch. 207, § 4; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 118; L. 1980, ch. 106, § 4; Repealed, L. 1990, ch. 116, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-108 Repealed
History: L. 1913, ch. 224, § 4; R.S. 1923, 23-108; L. 1925, ch. 201, § 1; L. 1976, ch. 170, § 1; L. 1976, ch. 171, § 1; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 20; L. 1980, ch. 106, § 5; L. 1984, ch. 147, § 6; Repealed, L. 1984, ch. 135, § 5; Repealed, L. 1984, ch. 136, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-108a Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2510.
§ 23-109 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2511.
§ 23-110 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2512.
§ 23-111 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2513.
§ 23-112 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2514.
§ 23-113 Repealed
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 7; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 7; R.S. 1923, 23-113; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 124; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 24; Repealed, L. 1990, ch. 116, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-114 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2515.
§ 23-115 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2508.
§ 23-116 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2516.
§ 23-116a Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2517.
§ 23-117 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2518.
§ 23-118 Repealed
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 12; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 12; R.S. 1923, 23-118; Repealed, L. 1979, ch. 90, § 10; July 1.
§ 23-119 Repealed
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 13; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 13; R.S. 1923, 23-119; Repealed, L. 1951, ch. 259, § 1; June 30.
§ 23-120 Repealed
History: L. 1903, ch. 220, § 1; L. 1915, ch. 239, § 1; L. 1919, ch. 230, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-120; L. 1955, ch. 198, § 1; L. 1965, ch. 239, § 1; Repealed, L. 1977, ch. 123, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-121 Repealed
History: L. 1903, ch. 220, § 2; L. 1919, ch. 230, § 2; R.S. 1923, 23-121; L. 1955, ch. 198, § 2; L. 1965, ch. 239, § 2; Repealed, L. 1977, ch. 123, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-122 Repealed
History: L. 1903, ch. 220, § 3; R.S. 1923, 23-122; L. 1955, ch. 198, § 3; L. 1965, ch. 239, § 3; Repealed, L. 1977, ch. 123, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-123 Repealed
History: L. 1903, ch. 220, § 4; R.S. 1923, 23-123; Repealed, L. 1977, ch. 123, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-124 Repealed
History: L. 1935, ch. 221, § 1; L. 1970, ch. 131, § 1; Repealed, L. 1985, ch. 114, § 30; July 1.
§ 23-125 Repealed
History: L. 1963, ch. 253, § 1; Repealed, L. 1985, ch. 114, § 30; July 1.
§§ 23-126, 23-127 Repealed
History: L. 1963, ch. 253, §§ 2, 3; L. 1967, ch. 205, §§ 1, 2; L. 1976, ch. 145, §§ 127, 128; Repealed, L. 1985, ch. 114, § 30; July 1.
§ 23-128 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2301.
§ 23-129 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2302.
§ 23-130 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2303.
§§ 23-131, 23-132 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 131, §§ 2, 3; Repealed, L. 1985, ch. 114, § 30; July 1.
§ 23-133 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2506.
Article 2 Married Persons (Not in active use)
§ 23-201 Repealed
History: G.S. 1868, ch. 62, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-201; L. 1976, ch. 172, § 1; L. 1978, ch. 134, § 1; L. 1981, ch. 159, § 1; L. 1987, ch. 120, § 1; L. 1998, ch. 162, § 1; Repealed, L. 2011, ch. 26, § 47; July 1.
§ 23-202 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2602.
§ 23-203 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2603.
§ 23-204 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2604.
§ 23-205 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2605.
§ 23-206 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2606.
§ 23-207 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2607.
§ 23-208 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2608.
Article 3 Premarital Examinations and Tests (Not in active use)
§ 23-301 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 1; L. 1965, ch. 239, § 4; L. 1975, ch. 462, § 30; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 130; L. 1980, ch. 182, § 5; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-302 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 2; L. 1975, ch. 462, § 31; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 131; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-303 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 3; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-304 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 4; L. 1975, ch. 462, § 32; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-305 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 5; L. 1965, ch. 239, § 5; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 132; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 26; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-306 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 6; L. 1975, ch. 462, § 33; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 133; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-307 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 7; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 134; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-308 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 8; L. 1980, ch. 182, § 6; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-309 Repealed
History: L. 1947, ch. 241, § 9; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-310 Repealed
History: L. 1959, ch. 168, § 1; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 135; L. 1980, ch. 182, § 7; L. 1981, ch. 161, § 1; Repealed, L. 1981, ch. 160, § 1; July 1.
Article 4 Enforcement of Support (Not in active use)
§§ 23-401 through 23-418 Repealed
History: L. 1951, ch. 352, §§ 1–18; Repealed, L. 1953, ch. 187, § 29; July 1.
§ 23-419 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, § 1; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-420, 23-421 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, §§ 2, 3; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§ 23-422 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, § 4; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-423 through 23-428 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, §§ 5–10; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-429, 23-430 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, §§ 11, 12; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§ 23-431 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, § 13; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-432 through 23-434 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, §§ 14–16; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§ 23-435 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, § 17; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-436, 23-437 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, §§ 18, 19; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-438 through 23-443 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, §§ 20–25; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-444 through 23-446 Repealed
History: L. 1953, ch. 187, §§ 26–28; Repealed, L. 1970, ch. 132, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-447 through 23-450 Reserved
§ 23-451 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 1; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-452 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 2; L. 1985, ch. 115, § 31; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 1; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-453 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 3; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-454 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 4; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§§ 23-455 through 23-459 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, §§ 5–9; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-460 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 10; L. 1993, ch. 134, § 1; Repealed, L. 1994 ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-461 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 11; Repealed, L. 1994 ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-462 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 12; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 3; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 2; L. 1993, ch. 134, § 2; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-463 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 13; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 3; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-464 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 14; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 4; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§§ 23-465 through 23-467 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, §§ 15–17; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-468 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 18; L. 1993, ch. 134, § 3; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-469 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 19; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 5; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-470 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 20; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-471 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 21; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-472 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 22; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 4; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-473 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 23; L. 1985, ch. 115, § 32; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 6; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 5; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-474 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 24; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 7; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-475 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 25; L. 1985, ch. 115, § 33; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-476 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 26; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§§ 23-477, 23-478 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, §§ 27, 28; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-479 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 29; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-480 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 30; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-481 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 31; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-482 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 32; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 8; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-483 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 33; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 6; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-484 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 34; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-485 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 35; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-486 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 36; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 7; L. 1993, ch. 134, § 4; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-487 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 37; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 9; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 8; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-488 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, § 38; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 9; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§§ 23-489 through 23-491 Repealed
History: L. 1970, ch. 132, §§ 39–41; Repealed, L. 1994, ch. 301, § 86; July 1, 1995.
§ 23-492 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-375.
§ 23-493 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-376.
§ 23-494 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-377.
§ 23-495 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-378.
§ 23-496 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-379.
§ 23-497 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-380.
§ 23-498 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-381.
§ 23-499 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-382.
§§ 23-4,100 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 20-383.
§§ 23-4,101 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3601.
§§ 23-4,102 through 23-4,104 Reserved
§§ 23-4,105 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3101.
§§ 23-4,106 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3102.
§§ 23-4,107 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3103.
§§ 23-4,108 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3104.
§§ 23-4,109 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3105.
§§ 23-4,110 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3106.
§§ 23-4,111 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3107.
§§ 23-4,112 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3108.
§§ 23-4,113 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3109.
§§ 23-4,114 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3110.
§§ 23-4,115 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3111.
§§ 23-4,116 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3112.
§§ 23-4,117 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3113.
§§ 23-4,118 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 39-7,135.
§§ 23-4,119 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3114.
§§ 23-4,120 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3115.
§§ 23-4,121 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3116.
§§ 23-4,122 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3117.
§§ 23-4,123 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3118.
§§ 23-4,124 Reserved
§§ 23-4,125 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 15; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 16; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,126 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 16; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 8; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,127 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 17; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,128 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 18; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 26; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,129 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 19; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 27; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 29; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,130 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 20; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 17; L. 1990, ch. 117, § 6; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 9; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 28; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,131 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 21; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 18; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,132 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 22; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 19; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,133 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 23; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 30; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,134 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 24; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,135 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 25; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 29; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,136 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 26; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 10; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 30; L. 2001, ch. 195, § 4; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,137 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 27; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 20; Repealed, L. 2012, ch. 162, § 90; May 31.
§§ 23-4,138 through 23-4,144 Reserved
§§ 23-4,145 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3121.
§§ 23-4,146 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3122.
§§ 23-4,147 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 39-7,134.
Article 5 Family Planning Centers (Not in active use)
§ 23-501 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 75-5674.
§ 23-502 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 75-5675.
Article 6 Mediation of Domestic Disputes (Not in active use)
§ 23-601 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3501.
§ 23-602 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3502.
§ 23-603 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3503.
§ 23-604 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3504.
§ 23-605 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3505.
§ 23-606 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 147, § 6; Repealed, L. 1999, ch. 157, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-607 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3506.
Article 7 Enforcement of Visitation Rights (Not in active use)
§ 23-701 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3401.
Article 8 Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (Not in active use)
§ 23-801 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2401.
§ 23-802 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2402.
§ 23-803 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2403.
§ 23-804 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2404.
§ 23-805 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2405.
§ 23-806 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2406.
§ 23-807 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2407.
§ 23-808 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2408.
§ 23-809 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2409.
§ 23-810 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2410.
§ 23-811 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-2411.
Article 9 Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (Not in active use)
§§ 23-9,101 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,101.
§§ 23-9,102 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,102.
§§ 23-9,103 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,103.
§§ 23-9,201 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,201.
§§ 23-9,202 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,202.
§§ 23-9,203 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,203.
§§ 23-9,204 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,204.
§§ 23-9,205 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,205.
§§ 23-9,206 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,206.
§§ 23-9,207 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,207.
§§ 23-9,208 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,208.
§§ 23-9,209 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,209.
§§ 23-9,301 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,301.
§§ 23-9,302 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,302.
§§ 23-9,303 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,303.
§§ 23-9,304 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,304.
§§ 23-9,305 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,305.
§§ 23-9,306 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,306.
§§ 23-9,307 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,307.
§§ 23-9,308 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,308.
§§ 23-9,309 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,309.
§§ 23-9,310 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,310.
§§ 23-9,311 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,311.
§§ 23-9,312 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,312.
§§ 23-9,313 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,313.
§§ 23-9,314 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,314.
§§ 23-9,315 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,315.
§§ 23-9,316 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,316.
§§ 23-9,317 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,317.
§§ 23-9,318 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,318.
§§ 23-9,319 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,319.
§§ 23-9,401 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,401.
§§ 23-9,501 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,501.
§§ 23-9,502 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,502.
§§ 23-9,503 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,503.
§§ 23-9,504 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,504.
§§ 23-9,505 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,505.
§§ 23-9,506 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,506.
§§ 23-9,507 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,507.
§§ 23-9,601 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,601.
§§ 23-9,602 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,602.
§§ 23-9,603 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,603.
§§ 23-9,604 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,604.
§§ 23-9,605 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,605.
§§ 23-9,606 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,606.
§§ 23-9,607 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,607.
§§ 23-9,608 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,608.
§§ 23-9,609 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,609.
§§ 23-9,610 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,610.
§§ 23-9,611 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,611.
§§ 23-9,612 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,612.
§§ 23-9,613 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,613.
§§ 23-9,614 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,614.
§§ 23-9,701 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,701.
§§ 23-9,801 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,801.
§§ 23-9,802 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,802.
§§ 23-9,901 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,901.
§§ 23-9,902 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,902.
§§ 23-9,903 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-36,903.
Article 10 Case Management (Not in active use)
§ 23-1001 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3507.
§ 23-1002 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3508.
§ 23-1003 Transferred
Revisor's Note: Section transferred to 23-3509.
Article 21 Prefatory
§ 23-2101 Citation of chapter 23
The provisions of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, shall be known as the Kansas family law code.
History: L. 2012, ch. 162, § 19; May 31.
§ 23-2102 Construction of code
The provisions of the Kansas family law code shall be construed to secure the just, speedy, inexpensive and equitable determination of issues in all domestic relations matters.
History: L. 2012, ch. 162, § 20; May 31.
§ 23-2103 Governance by Kansas code of civil procedure
Procedure under the Kansas family law code shall be governed by the Kansas code of civil procedure, and amendments thereto, except as this code otherwise specifically provides.
History: L. 2012, ch. 162, § 21; May 31.
§ 23-2104 Governance by Kansas code of evidence
Evidence under the Kansas family law code shall be governed by the Kansas code of evidence, and amendments thereto, except as this code otherwise specifically provides.
History: L. 2012, ch. 162, § 22; May 31.
§ 23-2105 Retroactivity
The provisions of K.S.A. 23-2101 through 23-2104, and amendments thereto, shall be construed and applied retroactively.
History: L. 2012, ch. 162, § 23; May 31.
§ 23-2106 Retroactivity of 2012 amendments
The 2012 amendments to K.S.A. 23-2217, 23-2706, 23-2709, 23-2710, 23-2715, 23-2717, 23-2802, 23-2902, 23-2905, 23-3001, 23-3004, 23-3005, 23-3207, 23-3208, 23-3215, 23-3219, 23-3221, 23-3222, 23-3301, 23-3302, 23-3304 and 23-3403 shall be construed and applied retroactively.
History: L. 2012, ch. 162, § 25; May 31.
Article 22 Parentage Act
§ 23-2201 Title and application of act
(a) K.S.A. 23-2201 and 23-2205 through 23-2225, and acts amendatory thereto and supplemental thereof, shall be known and may be cited as the Kansas parentage act.
(b) Proceedings concerning parentage of a child shall be governed by this act except to the extent otherwise provided by the Indian child welfare act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. §§ 1901 et seq.).
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 1; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-2202 Definitions
As used in K.S.A. 23-2202 through 23-2204, and amendments thereto, except where the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Birthing hospital" means a hospital or facility as defined by rules and regulations of the secretary for children and families.
(b) "IV-D program" means a program for providing services pursuant to part D of title IV of the federal social security act (42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.), and amendments thereto.
(c) "Unwed mother" means a mother who was not married at the time of conception, at the time of birth or at any time between conception and birth.
History: L. 1994, ch. 292, § 1; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 31; July 1.
§ 23-2203 Hospital based program for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity
(a) There is hereby established in this state a hospital based program for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to K.S.A. 65-2409a, and amendments thereto, for newborn children of unwed mothers. Birthing hospitals shall participate in the program. Other hospitals and persons may participate in the program by agreement with the secretary for children and families.
(b) The secretary for children and families shall provide information and instructions to birthing hospitals for the hospital based program for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. The secretary for children and families may adopt rules and regulations establishing procedures for birthing hospitals under the program.
(c) Subject to appropriations, the secretary for children and families is authorized to establish in this state a physicians' office-based program for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to K.S.A. 65-2409a, and amendments thereto, for newborn children of unwed mothers. The secretary shall provide information and instructions to physicians' offices for the program and may adopt rules and regulations establishing procedures for physicians' offices under the program.
(d) The secretary of health and environment shall provide services for the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, in appropriate circumstances, through the office of the state registrar. The secretary of health and environment may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the requirements of this section.
History: L. 1994, ch. 292, § 2; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 66; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 32; July 1.
§ 23-2204 Acknowledgment of paternity forms
(a) The state registrar of vital statistics, in conjunction with the secretary for children and families, shall review and, as needed, revise acknowledgment of paternity forms for use under K.S.A. 23-2223 and K.S.A. 65-2409a, and amendments thereto. The acknowledgment of paternity forms shall include or have attached a written description pursuant to subsection (b) of the rights and responsibilities of acknowledging paternity.
(b) A written description of the rights and responsibilities of acknowledging paternity shall state the following:
(1) An acknowledgment of paternity creates a permanent father and child relationship which can only be ended by court order. A person who wants to revoke the acknowledgment of paternity must file the request with the court before the child is one year old, unless the person was under age 18 when the acknowledgment of paternity was signed. A person under age 18 when the acknowledgment was signed has until one year after his or her 18th birthday to file a request, but if the child is more than one year old then, the judge will first consider the child's best interests.
The person will have to show that the acknowledgment was based on fraud, duress (threat) or an important mistake of fact, unless the request is filed within 60 days of signing the acknowledgment or before any court hearing about the child, whichever is earlier;
(2) both the father and the mother are responsible for the care and support of the child. If necessary, this duty may be enforced through legal action such as a child support order, an order to pay birth or other medical expenses of the child or an order to repay government assistance payments for the child's care. A parent's willful failure to support the parent's child is a crime;
(3) both the father and the mother have rights of custody and parenting time with the child unless a court order changes their rights. Custody, residency and parenting time may be spelled out in a court order and enforced;
(4) both the father and the mother have the right to consent to medical treatment for the child unless a court order changes those rights;
(5) the child may inherit from the father and the father's family or from the mother and the mother's family. The child may receive public benefits, including, but not limited to, social security or private benefits, including, but not limited to, insurance or workers compensation because of the father-child or mother-child relationship;
(6) the father or the mother may be entitled to claim the child as a dependent for tax or other purposes. The father or the mother may inherit from the child or the child's descendants; and
(7) each parent has the right to sign or not sign an acknowledgment of paternity. Each parent has the right to talk with an attorney before signing an acknowledgment of paternity. Each parent has the right to be represented by an attorney in any legal action involving paternity or their rights or duties as a parent. Usually each person is responsible for hiring the person's own attorney.
(c) Any duty to disclose rights or responsibilities related to signing an acknowledgment of paternity shall have been met by furnishing the written disclosures of subsection (b). Any duty to disclose orally the rights or responsibilities related to signing an acknowledgment of paternity may be met by means of an audio recording of the disclosures of subsection (b).
(d) An acknowledgment of paternity completed without the written disclosures of subsection (b) is not invalid solely for that reason and may create a presumption of paternity pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2208, and amendments thereto. Nothing in K.S.A. 23-2202 through 23-2204, and amendments thereto, shall decrease the validity, force or effect of an acknowledgment of paternity executed in this state prior to the effective date of this act.
(e) Upon request, the state registrar of vital statistics shall provide a certified copy of the acknowledgment of paternity to an office providing IV-D program services.
History: L. 1994, ch. 292, § 3; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 67; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 12; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 33; July 1.
§ 23-2205 Definitions
(a) As used in this act, "parent and child relationship" means the legal relationship existing between a child and the child's biological or adoptive parents incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties and obligations. "Parent and child relationship" includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term "child" includes any unborn child as defined in K.S.A. 23-3001, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 2; L. 2025, ch. 112, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2206 Relationship not dependent on marriage
The parent and child relationship extends equally to every child and to every parent, regardless of the marital status of the parents.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-2207 How parent and child relationship is established
The parent and child relationship between a child and:
(a) The mother may be established by proof of her having given birth to the child or under this act.
(b) The father may be established under this act or, in the absence of a final judgment establishing paternity, by a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity meeting the requirements of K.S.A. 23-2204, and amendments thereto, unless the voluntary acknowledgment has been revoked pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2209, and amendments thereto.
(c) An adoptive parent may be established by proof of adoption.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 4; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 62; July 3.
§ 23-2208 Presumption of paternity
(a) A man is presumed to be the father of a child if:
(1) The man and the child's mother are, or have been, married to each other and the child is born during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death or by the filing of a journal entry of a decree of annulment or divorce.
(2) Before the child's birth, the man and the child's mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is void or voidable and:
(A) If the attempted marriage is voidable, the child is born during the attempted marriage or within 300 days after its termination by death or by the filing of a journal entry of a decree of annulment or divorce; or
(B) if the attempted marriage is void, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation.
(3) After the child's birth, the man and the child's mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is void or voidable and:
(A) The man has acknowledged paternity of the child in writing;
(B) with the man's consent, the man is named as the child's father on the child's birth certificate; or
(C) the man is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by a court order.
(4) The man notoriously or in writing recognizes paternity of the child, including but not limited to a voluntary acknowledgment made in accordance with K.S.A. 23-2223 or K.S.A. 65-2409a, and amendments thereto.
(5) Genetic test results indicate a probability of 97% or greater that the man is the father of the child.
(6) The man has a duty to support the child under an order of support regardless of whether the man has ever been married to the child's mother.
(b) A presumption under this section may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence, by a court decree establishing paternity of the child by another man or as provided in subsection (c). If a presumption is rebutted, the party alleging the existence of a father and child relationship shall have the burden of going forward with the evidence.
(c) If two or more presumptions under this section arise which conflict with each other, the presumption which on the facts is founded on the weightier considerations of policy and logic, including the best interests of the child, shall control.
(d) Full faith and credit shall be given to a determination of paternity made by any other state or jurisdiction, whether the determination is established by judicial or administrative process or by voluntary acknowledgment. As used in this section, "full faith and credit" means that the determination of paternity shall have the same conclusive effect and obligatory force in this state as it has in the state or jurisdiction where made.
(e) If a presumption arises under this section, the presumption shall be sufficient basis for entry of an order requiring the man to support the child without further paternity proceedings.
(f) The donor of semen provided to a licensed physician for use in artificial insemination of a woman other than the donor's wife is treated in law as if he were not the birth father of a child thereby conceived, unless agreed to in writing by the donor and the woman.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 5; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 5; July 1.
§ 23-2209 Determination of father and child relationship; who may bring action; when action may be brought; revocation of acknowledgment
(a) A child or any person on behalf of such a child, may bring an action:
(1) At any time to determine the existence of a father and child relationship presumed under K.S.A. 23-2208, and amendments thereto; or
(2) at any time until three years after the child reaches the age of majority to determine the existence of a father and child relationship which is not presumed under K.S.A. 23-2208, and amendments thereto.
(b) When authorized under K.S.A. 39-755 or 39-756, and amendments thereto, the secretary for children and families may bring an action at any time during a child's minority to determine the existence of the father and child relationship.
(c) This section does not extend the time within which a right of inheritance or a right to a succession may be asserted beyond the time provided by law relating to the probate of estates or determination of heirship.
(d) Any agreement between an alleged or presumed father and the mother or child does not bar an action under this section.
(e) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2204, and amendments thereto, has been completed the man named as the father, the mother or the child may bring an action to revoke the acknowledgment of paternity at any time until one year after the child's date of birth. The legal responsibilities, including any child support obligation, of any signatory arising from the acknowledgment of paternity shall not be suspended during the action, except for good cause shown. If the person bringing the action was a minor at the time the acknowledgment of paternity was completed, the action to revoke the acknowledgment of paternity may be brought at any time until one year after that person attains age 18, unless the court finds that the child is more than one year of age and that revocation of the acknowledgment of paternity is not in the child's best interest.
The person requesting revocation must show, and shall have the burden of proving, that the acknowledgment of paternity was based upon fraud, duress or material mistake of fact unless the action to revoke the acknowledgment of paternity is filed before the earlier of 60 days after completion of the acknowledgment of paternity or the date of a proceeding relating to the child in which the signatory is a party, including, but not limited to, a proceeding to establish a support order.
If a court of this state has assumed jurisdiction over the matter of the child's paternity or the duty of a man to support the child, that court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether an acknowledgment of paternity may be revoked under this subsection.
If an acknowledgment of paternity has been revoked under this subsection, it shall not give rise to a presumption of paternity pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2208, and amendments thereto. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent a court from admitting a revoked acknowledgment of paternity into evidence for any other purpose.
If there has been an assignment of the child's support rights pursuant to K.S.A. 39-709, and amendments thereto, the secretary for children and families shall be a necessary party to any action under this subsection.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 6; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 6; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 63; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 34; July 1.
§ 23-2210 Jurisdiction; venue; precedence of certain other orders
(a) The district court has jurisdiction of an action brought under the Kansas parentage act. The action may be joined with an action for divorce, annulment, separate maintenance, support or adoption.
(b) If any determination is sought in any action under the Kansas parentage act for custody, residency or parenting time, the initial pleading seeking that determination shall include that information required by K.S.A. 23-37,209, and amendments thereto.
(c) The action may be brought in the county in which the child, the mother or the presumed or alleged father resides or is found. If a parent or an alleged or presumed parent is deceased, an action may be brought in the county in which proceedings for probate of the estate of the parent or alleged or presumed parent have been or could be commenced.
(d) Any order issued pursuant to the revised Kansas code for care of children or the revised Kansas juvenile justice code, shall take precedence over any order under article 22 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto (determination of parentage), until jurisdiction under the revised Kansas code for care of children or the revised Kansas juvenile justice code is terminated.
(e) If a court of competent jurisdiction within this state has entered an order pursuant to the revised Kansas code for care of children regarding custody of a child or children who are involved in a proceeding filed pursuant to this section, and such court has determined pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2264(k), and amendments thereto, that the orders in that case shall become the custody orders in the parentage case, such court shall file a certified copy of the orders with the civil case number in the caption and then close the case under the revised Kansas code for care of children. Such orders shall be binding on the parties, unless modified based on a material change in circumstances, even if such courts have different venues.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 7; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 73; L. 2010, ch. 75, § 2; L. 2011, ch. 24, § 1; L. 2019, ch. 43, § 2; May 2.
§ 23-2211 Parties
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), the child, the mother, each man presumed to be the father under K.S.A. 23-2208, and amendments thereto, and each man alleged to be the father shall be made parties or, if not subject to the jurisdiction of the court, shall be given notice of the action in a manner prescribed by the court and shall be afforded the opportunity to be heard. If a man alleged or presumed to be the father is a minor, the court shall cause notice of the pendency of the proceedings and copies of the pleadings on file to be served upon the parents or guardian of the minor and shall appoint a guardian ad litem who shall be an attorney to represent the minor in the proceedings. If the parents or guardian of the minor cannot be found, notice shall be served in the manner directed by the court.
(b) In an action to establish an order for support of the child, failure to join any person as a party shall not deprive the court of jurisdiction to determine whether a party to the action has a duty to support the child and, if so, to enter an order for support.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 8; L. 1986, ch. 157, § 1; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 7; July 1.
§ 23-2212 Genetic tests to determine paternity; order of court; refusal to submit to tests; expert witnesses
(a) Whenever the paternity of a child is in issue in any action or judicial proceeding in which the child, mother and alleged father are parties, the court, upon its own motion or upon motion of any party to the action or proceeding, shall order the mother, child and alleged father to submit to genetic tests. If an action is filed by the secretary for children and families under K.S.A. 39-755 or 39-756, and amendments thereto, the court shall order genetic tests on the motion of the secretary for children and families or any party to the action if paternity of the child is in issue. If any party refuses to submit to the tests, the court may resolve the question of paternity against the party or enforce its order if the rights of others and the interests of justice so require. The tests shall be made by experts qualified as genetic examiners who shall be appointed by the court.
(b) Parties to an action may agree to conduct genetic tests prior to or during the pendency of an action for support of a child. The verified written report of the experts shall be admitted into evidence as provided in subsection (c) unless the court finds that paternity of the child is not in issue.
(c) The verified written report of the experts shall be considered to be stipulated to by all parties unless written notice of intent to challenge the validity of the report is given to all parties not more than 20 days after receipt of a copy of the report but in no event less than 10 days before any hearing at which the genetic test results may be introduced into evidence. If such notice is given, the experts shall be called by the court as witnesses to testify as to their findings and shall be subject to cross-examination by the parties. Any party may demand that other experts, qualified as genetic examiners, perform independent tests under order of the court, the results of which may be offered in evidence. The number and qualification of the other experts shall be determined by the court. If no challenge is made, the genetic test results shall be admissible as evidence of paternity without the need for foundation testimony or other proof of authenticity or accuracy.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 9; L. 1991, ch. 110, § 1; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 8; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 35; July 1.
§ 23-2213 Evidence
(a) Evidence relating to paternity may include any of the following:
(1) Evidence of sexual intercourse between the mother and alleged father at any possible time of conception.
(2) An expert's opinion concerning the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity based upon the duration of the mother's pregnancy.
(3) Genetic test results of the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity.
(4) Medical or anthropological evidence relating to the alleged father's paternity of the child based on tests performed by experts. The court may, and upon request of a party shall, require the child, the mother and the alleged father to submit to appropriate tests.
(5) Testimony, records and notes of a physician concerning the medical circumstances of the pregnancy and the condition and characteristics of the child upon birth. Such testimony, records and notes are not privileged.
(6) Any other evidence relevant to the issue of paternity of the child, including but not limited to voluntary acknowledgment of paternity made in accordance with K.S.A. 23-2204, and amendments thereto.
(b) Testimony relating to sexual access to the mother by a man at a time other than the probable time of the conception of the child is inadmissible in evidence.
(c) For any child whose weight at birth is equal to or greater than five pounds 12 ounces, or 2,608.2 grams, it shall be presumed that the child was conceived between 300 and 230 days prior to the date of the child's birth. A presumption under this section may be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence.
(d) Evidence consisting of the results of any genetic test that is of a type generally acknowledged as reliable by accreditation bodies designated by the secretary for children and families shall not be inadmissible solely on the basis of being performed by a laboratory approved by such an accreditation body.
(e) Evidence of expenses incurred for pregnancy, childbirth and genetic tests may be admitted as evidence without requiring third-party foundation testimony and shall constitute prima facie evidence of amounts incurred for such goods and services.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 10; L. 1991, ch. 110, § 2; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 9; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 64; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 36; July 1.
§ 23-2214 Civil action; trial to court
(a) An action under this act is a civil action governed by the rules of civil procedure.
(b) Trial of all issues in actions under this act shall be to the court.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 11; July 1.
§ 23-2215 Judgment or order; other authorized orders
(a) The judgment or order of the court determining the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship is determinative for all purposes, but if any person necessary to determine the existence of a father and child relationship for all purposes has not been joined as a party, a determination of the paternity of the child shall have only the force and effect of a finding of fact necessary to determine a party's duty of support.
(b) If the judgment or order of the court is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the court shall order that a new birth certificate be issued, but only if any man named as the father on the birth certificate is a party to the action.
(c) Upon adjudging that a party is the parent of a minor child, the court shall make provision for support and education of the child under article 30 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto. The court may order the payment of all or a portion of the necessary medical expenses incident to the child's birth. The court may order the support and education expenses to be paid by either or both parents for the minor child.
(d) If both parents are parties to the action, the court shall enter such orders regarding custody, residency and parenting time as the court considers to be in the best interest of the child.
If the parties have an agreed parenting plan it shall be presumed the agreed parenting plan is in the best interest of the child. This presumption may be overcome and the court may make a different order if the court makes specific findings of fact stating why the agreed parenting plan is not in the best interest of the child. If the parties are not in agreement on a parenting plan, each party shall submit a proposed parenting plan to the court for consideration at such time before the final hearing as may be directed by the court.
(e) If during the proceedings the court determines that there is probable cause to believe that the child is a child in need of care, as defined by subsections (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3) or (d)(11) of K.S.A. 38-2202, and amendments thereto, or that neither parent is fit to have residency, the court may award temporary residency of the child to a grandparent, aunt, uncle or adult sibling, or another person or agency if the court finds by written order that: (1) (A) The child is likely to sustain harm if not immediately removed from the home; (B) allowing the child to remain in home is contrary to the welfare of the child; or (C) immediate placement of the child is in the best interest of the child; and (2) reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home or that an emergency exists which threatens the safety of the child. In making such a residency order, the court shall give preference, to the extent that the court finds it is in the best interests of the child, first to awarding such residency to a relative of the child by blood, marriage or adoption and second to awarding such residency to another person with whom the child has close emotional ties. The court may make temporary orders for care, support, education and visitation that it considers appropriate. Temporary residency orders are to be entered in lieu of temporary orders provided for in K.S.A. 38-2243 and 38-2244, and amendments thereto, and shall remain in effect until there is a final determination under the revised Kansas code for care of children. An award of temporary residency under this subsection shall not terminate parental rights nor give the court the authority to consent to the adoption of the child. When the court enters orders awarding temporary residency of the child to an agency or a person other than the parent, the court shall refer a transcript of the proceedings to the county or district attorney. The county or district attorney shall file a petition as provided in K.S.A. 38-2234, and amendments thereto, and may request termination of parental rights pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2266, and amendments thereto. The costs of the proceedings shall be paid from the general fund of the county. If a final determination is made that the child is not a child in need of care, the county or district attorney shall notify the court in writing and the court, after a hearing, shall enter appropriate custody orders pursuant to this section. If the same judge presides over both proceedings, the notice is not required. Any order pursuant to the revised Kansas code for care of children shall take precedence over any similar order under this section.
(f) (1) In entering an original order for support of a child under this section, the court may award an additional judgment to the mother or any other party who made expenditures for support and education of the child from the date of birth to the date the order is entered. If the determination of paternity is based upon a presumption arising under K.S.A. 23-2208, and amendments thereto, the court shall award an additional judgment to reimburse all or part of the expenses of support and education of the child from at least the date the presumption first arose to the date the order is entered, except that no additional judgment need be awarded for amounts accrued under a previous order for the child's support.
(2) The court may consider any affirmative defenses pled and proved in making an award under this subsection.
(3) The amount of any award made under this subsection shall be determined by application of the Kansas child support guidelines. For any period occurring five years or less before or after commencement of the action, there is a rebuttable presumption that such child support guidelines amount reflects the actual expenditures made on the child's behalf during that period. For any period occurring more than five years before commencement of the action, the person seeking the award has the burden of proving that the total amount requested for that period does not exceed expenditures actually made on the child's behalf during that period.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 12; L. 1985, ch. 115, § 39; L. 1986, ch. 138, § 5; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 22; L. 1988, ch. 137, § 1; L. 1991, ch. 171, § 3; L. 1992, ch. 273, § 1; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 10; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 5; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 10; L. 2001, ch. 195, § 5; L. 2010, ch. 75, § 3; L. 2011, ch. 24, § 2; L. 2014, ch. 116, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2216 Costs
(a) Costs and attorney fees may be awarded to either party as justice and equity may require. Unless the attorney represents a public agency in an action, the court may order that the amount be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's name in the same case.
(b) The court may order reasonable fees for the child's guardian ad litem.
(c) The court may order other expenses of the action, including genetic tests, to be paid by the parties in proportions and at times determined by the court. The court may order the proportion of any indigent party to be paid from the general fund of the county. After payment, the court may tax all, part or none of the expenses as costs in the action.
(d) The fee of an expert witness qualified to perform genetic testing, but not appointed by the court, shall be paid by the party calling the expert witness but shall not be taxed as costs in the action.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 13; L. 2014, ch. 116, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-2217 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 14; L. 1985, ch. 115, § 40; L. 2001, ch. 195, § 6; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 35; Repealed, L. 2014, ch. 116, § 10; July 1.
§ 23-2218 Repealed
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 15; Repealed, L. 2014, ch. 116, § 10; July 1.
§ 23-2219 Counsel for parties; free transcript for indigent on appeal
(a) If the petitioner is not represented by counsel, the petitioner in an action to determine paternity may apply for services from: (1) The court trustee of the judicial district in which the action is brought, if the office of court trustee has been established in the county; or (2) the Kansas department for children and families or its contractor, if the action is brought pursuant to part D of title IV of the federal social security act (42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.), as amended. At the request of a petitioner in an action to determine paternity, the county or district attorney of the county in which the action is brought shall proceed on the petitioner's behalf if the petitioner is not represented by counsel, the action is not brought pursuant to part D of title IV of the federal social security act (42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.), as amended, and there is no court trustee in the county.
(b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the minor child if the court finds that the interests of the child and the interests of the petitioner differ. In any other case, the court may appoint such a guardian ad litem.
(c) The court shall appoint counsel for any other party to the action who is financially unable to obtain counsel.
(d) If a party is financially unable to pay the costs of a transcript, the court shall furnish on request a transcript for purposes of appeal.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 16; L. 1986, ch. 157, § 2; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 11; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 37; July 1.
§ 23-2220 Action to determine mother and child relationship
Any interested party may bring an action to determine the existence or nonexistence of a mother and child relationship. Insofar as practicable, the provisions of this act applicable to the father and child relationship apply.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 17; July 1.
§ 23-2221 Promise to render support
It shall be presumed that there is consideration for any written promise to furnish support for a child, growing out of a presumed or alleged father and child relationship. Such a promise shall be enforceable according to its terms, subject to subsection (d) of K.S.A. 23-2209.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 18; July 1.
§ 23-2222 Paternity orders; birth certificates
(a) Upon receipt of a certified order from a court of this state or an authenticated order of a court of another state, the state registrar of vital statistics shall prepare a new birth registration consistent with the findings of the court.
(b) The fact that the father and child relationship was declared after the child's birth shall not be ascertainable from the new birth registration, but the actual place and date of birth shall be shown.
(c) The findings upon which the new birth registration was made and the original birth certificate shall be kept in a sealed and confidential file and be subject to inspection only in exceptional cases upon order of the court for good cause shown or as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-2204.
History: L. 1985, ch. 114, § 19; L. 1994, ch. 292, § 12; July 1.
§ 23-2223 Amendment of birth certificate to change name of parent or child; procedure
(a) Whenever the parents of a minor child desire that the child's birth certificate be amended to add the name of a parent, correct the name of either parent or of the child or change the child's last name to that of either parent, both parents shall appear before a judge of the district court or a hearing officer authorized by rule of the supreme court to accept voluntary acknowledgments of parentage. The parents shall execute affidavits in the presence of the judge or hearing officer, attesting to the fact that each is a parent of the child and that they desire to amend the birth registration of the child. If both parents are not residents of this state and are outside this state, both parents shall forward to such judge or hearing officer affidavits, sworn to before a judicial officer of the state in which they reside and attesting to the fact that each is a parent of the child and that they desire to amend the birth registration of the child.
(b) The judge or hearing officer shall require the parents to exhibit or to forward to the judge or hearing officer evidence of the birth of the child. If the judge or hearing officer finds that the birth certificate of the child fails to name either the father or mother of the child, that the name of either parent or the child is incorrect or that the child's name should be changed to that of either parent, the judge or hearing officer shall forward both parents' affidavits to the state registrar of vital statistics, together with a certified order to prepare a new birth registration in the manner provided by K.S.A. 23-2222, and amendments thereto, and to seal the affidavits, court order and original birth certificate and allow inspection of them only as provided therein.
(c) The judge or hearing officer shall return all evidence and other exhibits to the parents of the child. No fee shall be charged for the performance of this service. No case file will be opened in the district court, nor will any record be made by the court of the performance of this act.
History: L. 1986, ch. 157, § 4; L. 2014, ch. 116, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-2224 Court orders; interlocutory orders; ex parte, when; notice and hearing; temporary support
(a) The court, without requiring bond, may make and enforce orders that:
(1) Restrain the parties from molesting or interfering with the privacy or rights of each other, including, but not limited to, utilizing any electronic tracking system or acquiring tracking information to determine the other person's location, movement or travel patterns;
(2) confirm the existing de facto custody of the child subject to further order of the court, if the court has jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,101 et seq., and amendments thereto;
(3) appoint an expert to conduct genetic tests for determination of paternity as provided in K.S.A. 23-2212, and amendments thereto;
(4) order the mother and child and alleged father to contact the court appointed expert and provide tissue samples for testing within 30 days after service of the order;
(5) order the payment of temporary child support pursuant to subsection (c); or
(6) the court deems appropriate under the provisions of article 22 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
(b) (1) Interlocutory orders authorized by this section that relate to genetic testing may be issued ex parte, if:
(A) The appointed expert is a paternity laboratory accredited by the American association of blood banks; and
(B) the order does not require an adverse party to make advance payment toward the cost of the test.
(2) If such ex parte orders are issued, and if an adverse party requests modification thereof, the court will conduct a hearing within 10 days of such request.
(c) After notice and hearing, the court shall enter an order for child support during the pendency of the action as provided in this subsection. The order shall be entered if the pleadings and the motion for temporary support, if separate from the pleadings, indicate there is only one presumed father and if probable paternity by the presumed father is indicated by clear and convincing evidence. For purposes of this subsection, "clear and convincing evidence" may be presented in any form, including, but not limited to, an uncontested allegation in the pleadings, an uncontested affidavit or an agreement between the parties. For purposes of this subsection, "clear and convincing evidence" means:
(1) The presumed father does not deny paternity;
(2) the mother and the presumed father were married to each other, regardless of whether the marriage was void or voidable, at any time between 300 days before the child's birth and the child's birth;
(3) a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity was completed by the mother and the presumed father more than 60 days before the motion was filed and no request to revoke the voluntary acknowledgment has been filed; or
(4) results of genetic tests show the probability of paternity by the presumed father is equal to or greater than 97% and the report was received more than 20 days before the motion was filed, unless written notice of intent to challenge the validity of the report has been timely given.
History: L. 1991, ch. 110, § 3; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 65; L. 2014, ch. 116, § 5; L. 2023, ch. 78, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2225 Change in child's residence; notice; effect; exception
(a) Except as provided in subsection (d), a parent granted rights pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2215(d), and amendments thereto, shall give written notice to the other parent who has been granted rights pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2215(d), and amendments thereto, not less than 30 days prior to:
(1) Changing the residence of the child; or
(2) removing the child from this state for a period of time exceeding 90 days. Such notice shall be sent by restricted mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the other parent.
(b) Failure to give notice as required by subsection (a) is an indirect civil contempt punishable as provided by law. In addition, the court may assess, against the parent required to give notice, reasonable attorney fees and any other expenses incurred by the other parent by reason of the failure to give notice.
(c) A change of the residence or the removal of a child from this state as described in subsection (a) may be considered a material change of circumstances which justifies modification of a prior order of child support, custody or parenting time. In determining any such motion, the court shall consider all factors the court deems appropriate including, but not limited to:
(1) The effect of the move on the best interests of the child;
(2) the effect of the move on any party having rights granted pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2215(d), and amendments thereto; and
(3) the increased cost the move will impose on any party seeking to exercise rights granted under K.S.A. 23-2215(d), and amendments thereto.
(d) A parent who has been granted rights pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2215(d), and amendments thereto, shall not be required to give the notice required by this section to the other parent when the other parent has been convicted of any crime specified in article 34, 35 or 36 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, prior to their repeal, or article 54, 55 or 56 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, or K.S.A. 21-6104, 21-6325, 21-6326 or 21-6418 through 21-6422, and amendments thereto, in which the child is the victim of such crime.
(e) This section shall be part of and supplemental to the Kansas parentage act.
History: L. 1998, ch. 139, § 11; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 11; L. 2011, ch. 30, § 154; L. 2015, ch. 94, § 10; July 1.
Article 23 Assisted Conception, Reproductive Technology
§ 23-2301 Artificial insemination; performance; consent
The technique of heterologous artificial insemination may be performed in this state at the request and with the consent in writing of the husband and wife desiring the utilization of such technique for the purpose of conceiving a child or children.
History: L. 1968, ch. 272, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-2302 Same; child is natural child at law
Any child or children heretofore or hereafter born as the result of heterologous artificial insemination shall be considered at law in all respects the same as a naturally conceived child of the husband and wife so requesting and consenting to the use of such technique.
History: L. 1968, ch. 272, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2303 Artificial insemination; consent executed and filed; file not open to public
The consent provided for in this act shall be executed and acknowledged by both the husband and wife and the person who is to perform the technique, and an original thereof may be filed under the same rules as adoption papers in the district court of the county in which such husband and wife reside. The written consent so filed shall not be open to the general public, and the information contained therein may be released only to the persons executing such consent, or to persons having a legitimate interest therein as evidenced by a specific court order.
History: L. 1968, ch. 272, § 3; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 129; January 10, 1977.
Article 24 Premarital Agreements
§ 23-2401 Title of act
This act may be cited as the "uniform premarital agreement act."
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-2402 Definitions
As used in this act:
(a) "Premarital agreement" means an agreement between prospective spouses made in contemplation of marriage and to be effective upon marriage; and
(b) "property" means an interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in real or personal property, including income and earnings.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2403 Premarital agreement; writing required
A premarital agreement shall be in writing and signed by both parties. It is enforceable without consideration.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-2404 Same; areas with respect to which parties may contract; right of child to support not to be adversely affected
(a) Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:
(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either, or both, whenever and wherever acquired or located;
(2) the right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of or otherwise manage and control property;
(3) the disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event;
(4) the modification or elimination of spousal support;
(5) the making of a will, trust or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement;
(6) the ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy;
(7) the choice of law governing the construction of the agreement; and
(8) any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.
(b) The right of a child to support may not be adversely affected by a premarital agreement.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-2405 Same; effective, when
A premarital agreement becomes effective upon marriage.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 5; July 1.
§ 23-2406 Same; amendment or revocation after marriage
After marriage, a premarital agreement may be amended or revoked only by a written agreement, signed by the parties. The amended agreement or the revocation is enforceable without consideration.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 6; July 1.
§ 23-2407 Same; enforceability
(a) A premarital agreement is not enforceable if the party against whom enforcement is sought proves either of the following:
(1) That party did not execute the agreement voluntarily; or
(2) the agreement was unconscionable when such agreement was executed and, before execution of the agreement, all of the following applied to that party:
(A) Such party was not provided a fair and reasonable disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party;
(B) such party did not voluntarily and expressly waive, in writing, any right to disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party beyond the disclosure provided; and
(C) such party did not have, or reasonably could not have had, an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party.
(b) If a provision of a premarital agreement modifies or eliminates spousal support and that modification or elimination causes one party to the agreement to be eligible for support under a program of public assistance at the time of separation or marital dissolution, a court, notwithstanding the terms of the agreement, may require the other party to provide support to the extent necessary to avoid that eligibility.
(c) An issue of unconscionability of a premarital agreement shall be decided by the court as a matter of law.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 7; July 1.
§ 23-2408 Same; effect when marriage determined to be void
If a marriage is determined to be void, an agreement that would otherwise have been a premarital agreement is enforceable only to the extent necessary to avoid an inequitable result.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 8; July 1.
§ 23-2409 Same; statute of limitations tolled during marriage; equitable defenses available
Any statute of limitations applicable to an action asserting a claim for relief under a premarital agreement is tolled during the marriage of the parties to the agreement. However, equitable defenses limiting the time for enforcement, including laches and estoppel, are available to either party.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 9; July 1.
§ 23-2410 Uniformity of act
This act shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this act among states enacting such act.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 10; July 1.
§ 23-2411 Application of act
This act shall apply to premarital agreements executed on or after the effective date of this act.
History: L. 1988, ch. 204, § 11; July 1.
Article 25 Marriage
§ 23-2501 Nature of marriage relation
The marriage contract is to be considered in law as a civil contract between two parties who are of opposite sex. All other marriages are declared to be contrary to the public policy of this state and are void. The consent of the parties is essential. The marriage ceremony may be regarded either as a civil ceremony or as a religious sacrament, but the marriage relation shall only be entered into, maintained or abrogated as provided by law.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-2502 Common-law marriage
The state of Kansas shall not recognize a common-law marriage contract if either party to the marriage contract is under 18 years of age.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2503 Incestuous marriages void
All marriages between parents and children, including grandparents and grandchildren of any degree, between brothers and sisters of the one half as well as the whole blood, and between uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews, and first cousins, are declared to be incestuous and absolutely void.
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 2; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 2; R.S. 1923, 23-102; L. 1985, ch. 114, § 21; July 1.
§ 23-2504 Solemnizing marriage; persons authorized to officiate
(a) Marriage may be validly solemnized and contracted in this state, after a license has been issued for the marriage, in the following manner: By the mutual declarations of the two parties to be joined in marriage, made before an authorized officiating person and in the presence of at least two competent witnesses over 18 years of age, other than the officiating person, that they take each other as husband and wife.
(b) The following are authorized to be officiating persons:
(1) Any currently ordained clergyman or religious authority of any religious denomination or society;
(2) any licentiate of a denominational body or an appointee of any bishop serving as the regular clergyman of any church of the denomination to which the licentiate or appointee belongs, if not restrained from so doing by the discipline of that church or denomination;
(3) any judge or justice of a court of record;
(4) any municipal judge of a city of this state; and
(5) any retired judge or justice of a court of record.
(c) The two parties themselves, by mutual declarations that they take each other as husband and wife, in accordance with the customs, rules and regulations of any religious society, denomination or sect to which either of the parties belong, may be married without an authorized officiating person.
History: L. 1968, ch. 207, § 1; L. 1973, ch. 134, § 26; L. 1984, ch. 134, § 1; L. 1996, ch. 194, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2505 Issuance of marriage license; form; waiting period; emergency; lawful age; consent, when; unlawful acts, penalty; duties of person issuing license; expiration of license
(a) The clerks of the district courts or judges thereof, when applied to for a marriage license by any person who is one of the parties to the proposed marriage and who is legally entitled to a marriage license, shall issue a marriage license in substance as follows:
MARRIAGE LICENSE
(Name of place where office located, month, day and year.)
TO ANY PERSON authorized by law to perform the marriage ceremony,
Greeting:
You are hereby authorized to join in marriage A B of ____________, date of birth _______, and C D of ____________, date of birth _______, (and name of parent or guardian consenting), and of this license, duly endorsed, you will make due return to this office immediately after performing the ceremony.
E F, (title of person issuing the license).
(b) No clerk or judge of the district court shall issue a marriage license before the third calendar day (Sunday, holidays, and days on which the office of the clerk of the court is not accessible included) following the date of the filing of the application therefor in such clerk's or judge's office except that in cases of emergency or extraordinary circumstances, a judge of the district court may upon proper showing being made, permit by order of the court the issuance of such marriage license without waiting three days. Each district court shall keep a record of all marriages resulting from licenses issued by the court, which record shall show the names of the persons who were married and the date of the marriage.
(c) No clerk or judge shall issue a license authorizing the marriage of any person:
(1) Under the age of 16 years, except that a judge of the district court may, after due investigation, give consent and issue the license authorizing the marriage of a person 15 years of age when the marriage is in the best interest of the person 15 years of age; or
(2) who is 16 or 17 years of age without the express consent of such person's father, mother or legal guardian and the consent of the judge unless consent of both the mother and father and any legal guardian or all then living parents and any legal guardian is given in which case the consent of the judge shall not be required. If not given in person at the time of the application, the consent shall be evidenced by a written certificate subscribed thereto and duly attested. Where the applicants or either of them are 16 or 17 years of age and their parents are dead and there is no legal guardian then a judge of the district court may after due investigation give consent and issue the license authorizing the marriage.
(d) The judge or clerk may issue a license upon the affidavit of the party personally appearing and applying therefor, to the effect that the parties to whom such license is to be issued are of lawful age, as required by this section, and the judge or clerk is hereby authorized to administer oaths for that purpose.
(e) Every person swearing falsely in such affidavit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500. A clerk or judge of the district court shall state in every license the birth dates of the parties applying for the same, and if either or both are 16 or 17 years of age, the name of the father, mother, or guardian consenting to such marriage.
(f) Every marriage license shall expire at the end of six months from the date of issuance if the marriage for which the license was issued does not take place within the six-month period of time.
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 5; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 5; L. 1905, ch. 302, § 1; L. 1913, ch. 224, § 2; R.S. 1923, 23-106; L. 1947, ch. 240, § 1; L. 1967, ch. 202, § 1; L. 1968, ch. 207, § 3; L. 1969, ch. 184, § 1; L. 1972, ch. 161, § 3; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 116; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 18; L. 1987, ch. 119, § 1; L. 1994, ch. 120, § 1; L. 1996, ch. 142, § 2; L. 2006, ch. 184, § 1; L. 2010, ch. 11, § 1; April 1.
§ 23-2506 Designation of new legal name, procedure; certified copy of marriage license and certificate of marriage proof of identity
(a) At the time of marriage, a person may designate a new legal name, by which such person shall subsequently be known. Such name may include a combination of the person's prior existing name and the prior existing name of such person's spouse, or derivative versions thereof.
(b) A person's name, as designated pursuant to subsection (a), shall be recorded on the marriage license issued to such person, along with such person's name at the time of the person's application for such license, which shall be described thereon as the person's former name.
(c) The change to the person's new legal name shall be effective upon the endorsement of the person's marriage license with the certificate of marriage of the person who performed the marriage ceremony pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2511, and amendments thereto.
(d) A certified copy of a person's marriage license endorsed with a certificate of marriage pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2511, and amendments thereto, shall constitute proof of identity for the purposes of issuance of any Kansas driver's license or nondriver's identification card.
History: L. 2007, ch. 162, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-2507 Registration
All marriages occurring within the state shall be registered under the supervision of the secretary of health and environment as provided in K.S.A. 65-102.
History: L. 1913, ch. 224, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-105; L. 1980, ch. 106, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2508 Validity of marriages contracted without state
All marriages contracted without this state, which would be valid by the laws of the country in which the same were contracted, shall be valid in all courts and places in this state. It is the strong public policy of this state only to recognize as valid marriages from other states that are between a man and a woman.
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 9; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 9; R.S. 1923, 23-115; L. 1996, ch. 142, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-2509 Forms for licenses, issuance; photocopy to applicant; computer generated licenses
Forms for license shall be furnished by the secretary of health and environment and shall be photocopied and issued with the photocopy to the applicant therefor for delivery to the person who performs the marriage ceremony after the judge or clerk or the district court has recorded the required personal information as provided by K.S.A. 23-2505, and amendments thereto, for the original marriage license being issued. Such photocopy shall clearly be marked as "DUPLICATE." The secretary may approve the use of an automated system whereby the marriage license form is computer generated. In such instances, the court shall comply with prescribed specifications as set out by the secretary to ensure uniformity across the state.
History: L. 1913, ch. 224, § 3; R.S. 1923, 23-107; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 117; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 19; L. 1980, ch. 106, § 3; L. 1987, ch. 119, § 2; L. 1990, ch. 116, § 1; L. 1995, ch. 178, § 1; April 27.
§ 23-2510 Marriage license fee; authorized only by legislative enactment; disposition
(a) The judge or clerk of the district court shall collect from the applicant for a marriage license a fee of $59.
(b) The clerk of the court shall remit all fees prescribed by this section to the state treasurer in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 75-4215, and amendments thereto. Upon receipt of each such remittance, the state treasurer shall deposit the entire amount in the state treasury. Of each remittance, the state treasurer shall credit 38.98% to the protection from abuse fund, 15.19% to the family and children trust account of the family and children investment fund created by K.S.A. 38-1808, and amendments thereto, 16.95% to the crime victims assistance fund created by K.S.A. 74-7334, and amendments thereto, and the remainder to the state general fund.
(c) Except as provided further, the marriage license fee established in this section shall be the only fee collected or moneys in the nature of a fee collected for a marriage license. Such fee shall only be established by an act of the legislature and no other authority is established by law or otherwise to collect a fee. On and after July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2025, the supreme court may impose an additional charge, not to exceed $26.50 per marriage license fee, to fund the costs of non-judicial personnel.
History: L. 1984, ch. 136, § 1; L. 1989, ch. 239, § 5; L. 1992, ch. 313, § 10; L. 1996, ch. 188, § 3; L. 2001, ch. 5, § 85; L. 2006, ch. 215, § 5; L. 2008, ch. 95, § 6; L. 2009, ch. 116, § 13; L. 2010, ch. 62, § 5; L. 2011, ch. 87, § 5; L. 2012, ch. 66, § 5; L. 2013, ch. 125, § 5; L. 2015, ch. 81, § 11; L. 2017, ch. 80, § 7; L. 2019, ch. 58, § 8; L. 2022, ch. 34, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-2511 Marriage certificate; submission of information to the vital statistics integrated information system
Every person who performs a marriage ceremony under the provisions of this act shall endorse the person's certificate of the marriage on the license, give the duplicate copy of the license to the parties to the marriage and return the license, within 10 days after the marriage, to the judge or clerk of the district court who issued it. Not later than the third day of the following month, the judge or clerk shall submit the information from the license to the vital statistics integrated information system maintained by the secretary of health and environment, or by other means as designated by the secretary and the judicial administrator.
History: L. 1913, ch. 224, § 5; L. 1917, ch. 236, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-109; L. 1925, ch. 201, § 2; L. 1968, ch. 207, § 5; L. 1976, ch. 170, § 2; L. 1976, ch. 151, § 5; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 21; L. 1980, ch. 106, § 6; L. 1984, ch. 147, § 7; L. 1984, ch. 135, § 1; L. 2018, ch. 79, § 2; May 17.
§ 23-2512 Records of marriages; indexing; certified copies or abstracts
The secretary of health and environment shall index all records received pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2511, and amendments thereto, and, upon request, shall issue a certified copy or abstract of them which in all courts and for all purposes shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated in them. For each certified copy or abstract a fee shall be paid to the secretary in an amount prescribed in accordance with, and disposed of in the manner provided by, K.S.A. 65-2418, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1913, ch. 224, § 6; R.S. 1923, 23-110; L. 1956, ch. 52, § 7; L. 1957, ch. 431, § 6; L. 1963, ch. 398, § 9; L. 1967, ch. 203, § 1; L. 1973, ch. 309, § 13; L. 1975, ch. 462, § 29; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 121; L. 1978, ch. 347, § 5; L. 1980, ch. 106, § 7; L. 1983, ch. 286, § 16; L. 1984, ch. 147, § 8; L. 1984, ch. 135, § 2; L. 2002, ch. 160, § 1; May 23.
§ 23-2513 Penalty for not complying with statutory requirements
Any judge or clerk of the district court or person authorized by law to perform the marriage ceremony in this state who shall fail to comply with any of the provisions of this act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, and the county or district attorney of any county when presented with a statement of facts and circumstances shall forthwith initiate and promptly follow up the necessary court proceedings against the parties responsible for the alleged violation of the law.
History: L. 1913, ch. 224, § 8; R.S. 1923, 23-111; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 122; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 22; July 1.
§ 23-2514 Copy of licenses returned kept by court personnel
The judge or clerk of the district court shall keep a correct copy of all marriage licenses returned with the endorsement on the license by the person performing the marriage ceremony.
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 6; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 6; R.S. 1923, 23-112; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 123; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 23; L. 1990, ch. 116, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2515 Proof of relationship of parties; penalty for granting license to parties not entitled without examination
In all cases, before granting a marriage license the judge or clerk of the district court shall require the applicant for such license to take and subscribe to an oath to the effect that none of the reasons set forth in K.S.A. 23-2503 exist why such applicant should not be granted a marriage license; and the judge or clerk may in his or her discretion examine witnesses under oath concerning the matters referred to in K.S.A. 23-2503, as applied to the applicant for such marriage license, and for the purpose of this act shall have power to administer oaths. If the judge or clerk fails to examine such applicant for license as provided in this section, he or she shall be liable to fine for granting license to parties not legally entitled thereto, in any sum not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), to be recovered by indictment or information, with cost.
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 8; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 8; L. 1886, ch. 124, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-114; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 125; L. 1977, ch. 109, § 25; July 1.
§ 23-2516 Validation of certain marriages; performance of marriage by Baha'is assembly
(a) All marriages solemnized among the society called Friends, or Quakers, in the form previously practiced and in use in their meetings shall be good and valid and shall not be construed as affected by any of the foregoing provisions of this act. All marriages previously solemnized in this state by that society, in accordance with its forms and usage, are hereby declared legal and valid.
(b) A local spiritual assembly of the Baha'is or representative members of that assembly, according to the usage of their religious community, as defined in the declaration of trust and bylaws of the national spiritual assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and bylaws of a local spiritual assembly may perform and witness the marriage ceremony in this state and certify on the back of the license the facts of the marriage and its date.
(c) Any marriage ceremony performed prior to the effective date of this act and certified by any person who had been issued a certificate of election as justice of the peace and the resulting marriage are hereby declared legal and valid.
History: L. 1867, ch. 844, § 10; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 10; L. 1870, ch. 75, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-116; L. 1945, ch. 196, § 1; L. 1961, ch. 191, § 1; L. 1967, ch. 204, § 1; L. 1971, ch. 122, § 1; L. 1973, ch. 134, § 27; L. 1984, ch. 134, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2517 Solemnizing marriage; persons not authorized; penalty
It shall be unlawful for any person not a duly authorized officiating person as provided by K.S.A. 23-2504 to perform the marriage ceremony in this state. Any person violating the provisions of this act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months or by both such fine and imprisonment.
History: L. 1945, ch. 196, § 2; L. 1968, ch. 207, § 6; July 1.
§ 23-2518 Records or copies as evidence
The books of record of marriage licenses issued, to be kept by the judges of the district court of the several counties, and copies of entries therein, certified by such judge under his or her official seal, shall be evidence in all courts.
History: L. 1867, ch. 84, § 11; G.S. 1868, ch. 61, § 11; R.S. 1923, 23-117; L. 1976, ch. 145, § 126; January 10, 1977.
Article 26 Marital Property Rights
§ 23-2601 Married persons; separate property; marital property
The property, real and personal, which any person in this state may own at the time of the person's marriage, and the rents, issues, profits or proceeds thereof, and any real, personal or mixed property which shall come to a person by descent, devise or bequest, and the rents, issues, profits or proceeds thereof, or by gift from any person, shall remain the person's sole and separate property, notwithstanding the marriage, and not be subject to the disposal of the person's spouse or liable for the spouse's debts, except as provided in K.S.A. 33-101 et seq. and 33-201 et seq., and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 3; L. 2013, ch. 124, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-2602 Conveyances and contracts concerning property
A married person, while the marriage relation subsists, may bargain, sell and convey his or her real and personal property and enter into any contract.
History: G.S. 1868, ch. 62, § 2; R.S. 1923, 23-202; L. 1976, ch. 172, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2603 Sue and be sued
A person may, while married, sue and be sued in the same manner as if he or she were unmarried.
History: G.S. 1868, ch. 62, § 3; R.S. 1923, 23-203; L. 1976, ch. 172, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-2604 Married person may carry on trade or business; earnings
Any married person may carry on any trade or business, and perform any labor or services, on his or her sole and separate account; and the earnings of any married person from his or her trade, business, labor or services shall be his or her sole and separate property, and may be used and invested by him or her in his or her own name.
History: G.S. 1868, ch. 62, § 4; R.S. 1923, 23-204; L. 1976, ch. 172, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-2605 Loss or impairment of services; right of action
Where, through the wrong of another, a married person shall sustain personal injuries causing the loss or impairment of his or her ability to perform services, the right of action to recover damages for such loss or impairment shall vest solely in such person, and any recovery therefor, so far as it is based upon the loss or impairment of his or her ability to perform services in the household and in the discharge of his or her domestic duties, shall be for the benefit of such person's spouse so far as he or she shall be entitled thereto. Nothing herein shall in any way affect the right of the spouse to recover damages for the wrongful death of his or her spouse.
History: L. 1921, ch. 177, § 1; R.S. 1923, 23-205; L. 1976, ch. 172, § 5; July 1.
§ 23-2606 Rights of persons married out of state
Any person who shall have been married out of this state, shall, if the spouse afterward becomes a resident of this state, enjoy all the rights as to property which he or she may have acquired by the laws of any other state, territory or country, or which he or she may have acquired by virture of any marriage contract or settlement made out of this state.
History: G.S. 1868, ch. 62, § 5; R.S. 1923, 22-206; L. 1976, ch. 172, § 6; July 1.
§ 23-2607 Marriage settlements or contracts
Nothing in this act contained shall invalidate any marriage settlement or contract now made or to be hereafter made.
History: G.S. 1868, ch. 62, § 6; October 31; R.S. 1923, 23-207.
§ 23-2608 Alienation of affections actions abolished
There shall be no right to bring an action in this state to recover damages for alienation of affections based on any act done on or after July 1, 1982.
History: L. 1982, ch. 240, § 1; July 1.
Article 27 Dissolution of Marriage
§ 23-2701 Grounds for divorce or separate maintenance
(a) The district court shall grant a decree of divorce or separate maintenance for any of the following grounds: (1) Incompatibility; (2) failure to perform a material marital duty or obligation; or (3) incompatibility by reason of mental illness or mental incapacity of one or both spouses.
(b) The ground of incompatibility by reason of mental illness or mental incapacity of one or both spouses shall require a finding of either: (1) Confinement of the spouse in an institution by reason of mental illness for a period of two years, which confinement need not be continuous; or (2) an adjudication of mental illness or mental incapacity of the spouse by a court of competent jurisdiction while the spouse is confined in an institution by reason of mental illness. In either case, there must be a finding by at least two of three physicians, appointed by the court before which the action is pending, that the mentally ill or mentally incapacitated spouse has a poor prognosis for recovery from the mental illness or mental incapacity, based upon general knowledge available at the time. A decree granted on the ground of incompatibility by reason of mental illness or mental incapacity of one or both spouses shall not relieve a party from contributing to the support and maintenance of the mentally ill or mentally incapacitated spouse. If both spouses are confined to institutions because of mental illness or mental incapacity, the guardian of either spouse may file a petition for divorce and the court may grant the divorce on the ground of incompatibility by reason of mental illness or mental incapacity.
History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-1601; L. 1965, ch. 354, § 14; L. 1967, ch. 327, § 1; L. 1969, ch. 286, § 1; L. 1982, ch. 152, § 1; January 1, 1983.
§ 23-2702 Grounds for annulment
(a) The district court shall grant a decree of annulment of any marriage for either of the following grounds: (1) The marriage is void for any reason; or (2) the contract of marriage is voidable because it was induced by fraud.
(b) The district court may grant a decree of annulment of any marriage if the contract of marriage was induced by mistake of fact, lack of knowledge of a material fact or any other reason justifying recission of a contract of marriage.
History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-1602; L. 1982, ch. 152, § 2; January 1, 1983.
§ 23-2703 Residence
(a) State. The petitioner or respondent in an action for divorce must have been an actual resident of the state for 60 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
(b) Military residence. Any person who has been a resident of or stationed at a United States post or military reservation within the state for 60 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition may file an action for divorce in any county adjacent to the post or reservation.
(c) Residence of spouse. For the purposes of this article, a spouse may have a residence in this state separate and apart from the residence of the other spouse.
History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-1603; L. 1969, ch. 287, § 1; L. 1974, ch. 241, § 1; L. 1982, ch. 152, § 3; January 1, 1983.
§ 23-2704 Petition and summons
(a)
Verification of petition.
The truth of the allegations of any petition under this article must be verified by the petitioner in person or by the guardian of an incapacitated person.
(b)
Captions.
All pleadings shall be captioned, "In the matter of the marriage of _________ and __________." In the caption, the name of the petitioner shall appear first and the name of the respondent shall appear second, but the respective parties shall not be designated as such.
(c)
Contents of petition.
The grounds for divorce, annulment or separate maintenance shall be alleged as nearly as possible in the general language of the statute, without detailed statement of facts. If there are minor children of the marriage, the petition shall state their names and dates of birth and shall contain, or be accompanied by an affidavit which contains, the information required by K.S.A. 23-37,209, and amendments thereto.
(d)
Bill of particulars.
The opposing party may demand a statement of the facts which shall be furnished in the form of a bill of particulars. The facts stated in the bill of particulars shall be the specific facts upon which the action shall be tried. If interrogatories have been served on or a deposition taken of the party from whom the bill of particulars is demanded, the court in its discretion may refuse to grant the demand for a bill of particulars. A copy of the bill of particulars shall be delivered to the judge. The bill of particulars shall not be filed with the clerk of the court or become a part of the record except on appeal, and then only when the issue to be reviewed relates to the facts stated in the bill of particulars. The bill of particulars shall be destroyed by the district judge unless an appeal is taken, in which case the bill of particulars shall be destroyed upon receipt of the final order from the appellate court.
(e)
Service of process.
Service of process shall be made in the manner provided in article 3 of chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-1604; L. 1967, ch. 328, § 1; L. 1977, ch. 204, § 1; L. 1978, ch. 231, § 28; L. 1982, ch. 152, § 4; L. 1986, ch. 115, § 92; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 78; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 36; L. 2013, ch. 124, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-2705 Answer and counterclaim
The respondent may answer and may also file a counterclaim for divorce, annulment or separate maintenance. If new matter is set up in the answer, it shall be verified by the respondent in person or by the guardian of an incapacitated person. If a counterclaim is filed, it shall be subject to the provisions of subsections (a), (b) and (c) of K.S.A. 23-2704, and amendments thereto. When there are minor children of the marriage, the answer shall contain, or be accompanied by an affidavit which contains, the information required by K.S.A. 23-37,209, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-1605; L. 1965, ch. 365, § 1; L. 1978, ch. 231, § 29; L. 1982, ch. 152, § 5; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 79; July 1.
§ 23-2706 Granting of decree mandatory; exceptions; denial of relief; orders authorized
The court shall grant a requested decree of divorce, separate maintenance or annulment unless the granting of the decree is discretionary under this act or unless the court finds that there are no grounds for the requested alteration of marital status. If a decree of divorce, separate maintenance or annulment is denied for lack of grounds, the court shall nevertheless, if application is made by one of the parties, make the orders authorized by articles 28, 29, 30 and 32 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-1606; L. 1975, ch. 303, § 1; L. 1982, ch. 152, § 6; L. 2011, ch. 26, § 42; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 37; May 31.
§ 23-2707 Interlocutory orders; permissible orders; ex parte orders; support orders; service of process
(a)
Permissible orders.
After the filing of a petition for divorce, annulment or separate maintenance, and during the pendency of the action until the entry of final judgment the judge assigned to hear the action may, without requiring bond, make, modify, vacate and enforce by attachment, orders that:
(1) Jointly restrain the parties with regard to disposition of the property of the parties and provide for the use, occupancy, management and control of that property, including, but not limited to, utilizing any electronic tracking system or acquiring tracking information to determine the other person's location, movement or travel patterns;
(2) restrain the parties from molesting or interfering with the privacy or rights of each other, including, but not limited to, utilizing any electronic tracking system or acquiring tracking information to determine the other person's location, movement or travel patterns;
(3) provide for the legal custody and residency of and parenting time with the minor children and the support, if necessary, of either party and of the minor children during the pendency of the action;
(4) require mediation between the parties on issues, including, but not limited to, child custody, residency, division of property, parenting time and development of a parenting plan;
(5) make provisions, if necessary, for the expenses of the suit, including reasonable attorney's fees, that will insure to either party efficient preparation for the trial of the case;
(6) require an investigation by court service officers into any issue arising in the action; or
(7) require that each parent execute any and all documents, including any releases, necessary so that both parents may obtain information from and to communicate with any health insurance provider regarding the health insurance coverage provided by such health insurance provider to the child. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply irrespective of which parent owns, subscribes or pays for such health insurance coverage.
(b)
Ex parte orders.
Orders authorized by subsections (a)(1), (2), (3), (4) and (7) may be entered after ex parte hearing upon compliance with rules of the supreme court, except that no ex parte order shall have the effect of changing the residency of a minor child from the parent who has had the sole de facto residency of the child to the other parent unless there is sworn testimony to support a showing of extraordinary circumstances. If an interlocutory order is issued ex parte, the court shall hear a motion to vacate or modify the order within 14 days of the date on which a party requests a hearing whether to vacate or modify the order. In the absence, disability, or disqualification of the judge assigned to hear the action, any other judge of the district court may make any order authorized by this section, including vacation or modification or any order issued by the judge assigned to hear the action.
(c)
Support orders.
(1) An order of support obtained pursuant to this section may be enforced by an order of garnishment as provided in this section.
(2) No order of garnishment shall be issued under this section unless: (A) Fourteen or more days have elapsed since the order of support was served upon the party required to pay the support; and (B) the order of support contained a notice that the order of support may be enforced by garnishment and that the party has a right to request an opportunity for a hearing to contest the issuance of an order of garnishment, if the hearing is requested by motion filed within seven days after service of the order of support upon the party. If a hearing is requested, the court shall hold the hearing within seven days after the motion requesting the hearing is filed with the court or at a later date agreed to by the parties.
(3) No bond shall be required for the issuance of an order of garnishment pursuant to this section. Except as provided in this section, garnishments authorized by this section shall be subject to the procedures and limitations applicable to other orders of garnishment authorized by law.
(4) A party desiring to have the order of garnishment issued shall file an affidavit with the clerk of the district court stating that:
(A) The order of support contained the notice required by this subsection;
(B) fourteen or more days have elapsed since the order of support was served upon the party required to pay the support; and
(C) either no hearing was requested on the issuance of an order of garnishment within the seven days after service of the order of support upon the party required to pay the same or a hearing was requested and held and the court did not prohibit the issuance of an order of garnishment.
(d) If an interlocutory order for legal custody, residency or parenting time is sought, the party seeking such order shall file a proposed temporary parenting plan as provided by K.S.A. 23-3211, and amendments thereto, at the time such order is sought. If any motion is filed to modify any such interlocutory orders, or in opposition to a request for issuance of interlocutory orders, that party shall attach to such motion or opposition a proposed alternative parenting plan.
(e)
Service of process.
Service of process served under subsection (a)(1) and (2) shall be by personal service and not by certified mail return receipt requested.
History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-1607; L. 1976, ch. 251, § 25; L. 1977, ch. 204, § 2; L. 1979, ch. 183, § 3; L. 1982, ch. 152, § 7; L. 1990, ch. 202, § 32; L. 1998, ch. 162, § 2; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 14; L. 2008, ch. 127, § 1; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 176; L. 2014, ch. 116, § 6; L. 2023, ch. 78, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-2708 Action for divorce; time for hearing
An action for divorce shall not be heard until 60 days after the filing of the petition unless the judge enters an order declaring the existence of an emergency, stating the precise nature of the emergency, the substance of the evidence material to the emergency and the names of the witnesses who gave the evidence. A request for an order declaring the existence of an emergency may be contained in a pleading or made by motion. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a request for the declaration of an emergency shall not be heard prior to the expiration of the time permitted for the filing of an answer. Unless waived, notice of the hearing requesting the declaration of an emergency shall be given to all parties not in default not less than seven days prior to the date of the hearing. Upon a finding that an emergency exists, the divorce and all issues pertaining thereto may be heard immediately.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-2709 Pretrial conference
The court shall conduct a pretrial conference or conferences in accordance with K.S.A. 60-216, and amendments thereto, upon request of either party or on the court's own motion. Any pretrial conference shall be set on a date other than the date of trial and the parties shall be present or available within the courthouse.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 5; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 38; May 31.
§ 23-2710 Marriage counseling; costs thereof
(a) After the filing of the answer or other responsive pleading by the respondent, the court, on its own motion or upon motion of either of the parties, may require both parties to the action to seek marriage counseling if marriage counseling services are available within the judicial district of venue of the action. Neither party shall be required to submit to marriage counseling provided by any religious organization of any particular denomination.
(b) The cost of any counseling authorized by this section may be assessed as costs in the case.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 6; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 39; May 31.
§ 23-2711 Decree; authorized orders
(a) A decree in an action under article 27 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, may include orders on the following matters:
(1) An order changing or terminating the parties' marital status by divorce, annulment or separate maintenance;
(2) an order making an equitable division of the parties' property as authorized by article 28 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto;
(3) an order regarding spousal support as authorized by article 29 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto;
(4) an order for child support as authorized by article 30 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto;
(5) an order allocating parental decision-making and entering a parenting plan as authorized by article 32 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto;
(6) an order changing one or both parties' names as authorized by K.S.A. 23-2716, and amendments thereto; and
(7) an order awarding costs and attorneys fees to either party under K.S.A. 23-2715, and amendments thereto.
(b) The provisions of this section shall be construed and applied retroactively.
History: L. 2012, ch. 162, § 24; May 31.
§ 23-2712 Separation agreement
(a) If the parties have entered into a separation agreement which the court finds to be valid, just and equitable, the agreement shall be incorporated in the decree. A separation agreement may include provisions relating to a parenting plan. The provisions of the agreement on all matters settled by it shall be confirmed in the decree except that any provisions relating to the legal custody, residency, visitation parenting time, support or education of the minor children shall be subject to the control of the court in accordance with all other provisions of this article.
(b) Matters settled by an agreement incorporated in the decree, other than matters pertaining to the legal custody, residency, visitation, parenting time, support or education of the minor children, shall not be subject to subsequent modification by the court except: (1) As prescribed by the agreement; or (2) as subsequently consented to by the parties.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 7; July 1.
§ 23-2713 Effective date as to remarriage; effect of a decree in another state
(a) Any marriage contracted by a party, within or outside this state, with any other person before a judgment of divorce becomes final shall be voidable until the decree of divorce becomes final. An agreement which waives the right of appeal from the granting of the divorce and which is incorporated into the decree or signed by the parties and filed in the case shall be effective to shorten the period of time during which the remarriage is voidable.
(b) A judgment or decree of divorce rendered in any other state or territory of the United States, in conformity with the laws thereof, shall be given full faith and credit in this state, except that, if the respondent in the action, at the time of the judgment or decree, was a resident of this state and did not personally appear or defend the action in the court of that state or territory and that court did not have jurisdiction over the respondent's person, all matters relating to maintenance, property rights of the parties and support of the minor children of the parties shall be subject to inquiry and determination in any proper action or proceeding brought in the courts of this state within two years after the date of the foreign judgment or decree, to the same extent as though the foreign judgment or decree had not been rendered. Nothing in this section shall authorize a court of this state to enter a child custody determination, as defined in K.S.A. 23-37,102, and amendments thereto, contrary to the provisions of the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 8; July 1.
§ 23-2714 Evidence
(a)
Admissions.
Upon the trial of the action, the court may admit proof of the admissions of the parties to be received in evidence, excluding such as shall appear to have been obtained by connivance, fraud, coercion, or other improper means.
(b)
Marriage.
Testimony admissible to prove a common-law marriage may be received as evidence of the marriage of the parties.
(c)
Husband and wife as witness.
Either party to the action shall be competent to testify upon all material matters involved in the controversy.
(d)
Corroborating testimony.
A decree of divorce, separate maintenance or annulment may be granted upon the uncorroborated testimony of either party or both of them.
History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-1609; L. 1970, ch. 240, § 1; L. 1975, ch. 304, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-2715 Costs and attorney fees
Costs and attorney fees may be awarded to either party as justice and equity require. The court may order that the amount be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's name in the same case.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 9; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 40; May 31.
§ 23-2716 Restoration or other change of name
(a) Upon the request of a spouse, the court shall order the restoration of that spouse's former name. The court shall have jurisdiction to restore the spouse's former name at or after the time the decree of divorce becomes final.
(b) Upon the request of a spouse, the court may order such spouse's name be changed to a name that is different than such spouse's former name. The court shall have jurisdiction to change the spouse's name at or after the time the decree of divorce becomes final.
(c) The judicial council shall develop a form that is simple, concise and direct for use with this section.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 10; L. 2023, ch. 39, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-2717 Obligation to comply with orders not suspended by other party's failure to comply
If a party fails to comply with a provision of a decree, temporary order or injunction issued under articles 27 through 38 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, the obligation of the other party to make payments for support or maintenance or to permit visitation or parenting time is not suspended, but the other party may request by motion that the court grant an appropriate order.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 11; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 41; May 31.
§ 23-2718 Interspousal tort
(a) An action for interspousal tort shall not be consolidated with an action under K.S.A. 23-2701 through 23-2718, 23-2802, 23-2901 through 23-2905, 23-3001 through 23-3006, 23-3119, 23-3120, 23-3201 through 23-3222, 23-3301, 23-3402, 23-3403, 23-3510 and 28-179, and amendments thereto, unless the parties agree to consolidation and consolidation is approved by the court.
(b) A decree of divorce or separate maintenance granted under subsections (a)(1) or (3) of K.S.A. 23-2701, and amendments thereto, shall not preclude an action for interspousal tort.
(c) A decree of divorce or separate maintenance granted under subsection (a)(2) of K.S.A. 23-2701, and amendments thereto, shall preclude an action for interspousal tort based upon the same factual allegations. An action for interspousal tort which has been finally determined shall preclude an action under subsection (a)(2) of K.S.A. 23-2701, and amendments thereto, based upon the same factual allegations.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 29; July 1.
Article 28 Division of Property
§ 23-2801 Marital property
(a) All property owned by married persons, including the present value of any vested or unvested military retirement pay, or, for divorce or separate maintenance actions commenced on or after July 1, 1998, professional goodwill to the extent that it is marketable for that particular professional, whether described in K.S.A. 23-2601, and amendments thereto, or acquired by either spouse after marriage, and whether held individually or by the spouses in some form of co-ownership, such as joint tenancy or tenancy in common, shall become marital property at the time of commencement by one spouse against the other of an action in which a final decree is entered for divorce, separate maintenance, or annulment.
(b) Each spouse has a common ownership in marital property which vests at the time of commencement of such action, the extent of the vested interest to be determined and finalized by the court, pursuant to K.S.A. 23-2802, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 12; July 1.
§ 23-2802 Division of property
(a) A decree under K.S.A. 23-2711, and amendments thereto, shall divide the real and personal property of the parties, including any retirement and pension plans, whether owned by either spouse prior to marriage, acquired by either spouse in the spouse's own right after marriage or acquired by the spouses' joint efforts, by: (1) A division of the property in kind; (2) awarding the property or part of the property to one of the spouses and requiring the other to pay a just and proper sum; or (3) ordering a sale of the property, under conditions prescribed by the court, and dividing the proceeds of the sale.
(b) Upon request, the trial court shall set a valuation date to be used for all assets at trial, which may be the date of separation, filing or trial as the facts and circumstances of the case may dictate. The trial court may consider evidence regarding changes in value of various assets before and after the valuation date in making the division of property. In dividing defined-contribution types of retirement and pension plans, the court shall allocate profits and losses on the nonparticipant's portion until date of distribution to that nonparticipant.
(c) In making the division of property the court shall consider: (1) The age of the parties; (2) the duration of the marriage; (3) the property owned by the parties; (4) their present and future earning capacities; (5) the time, source and manner of acquisition of property; (6) family ties and obligations; (7) the allowance of maintenance or lack thereof; (8) dissipation of assets; (9) the tax consequences of the property division upon the respective economic circumstances of the parties; and (10) such other factors as the court considers necessary to make a just and reasonable division of property.
(d) The decree shall provide for any changes in beneficiary designation on: (1) Any insurance or annuity policy that is owned by the parties, or in the case of group life insurance policies, under which either of the parties is a covered person; (2) any trust instrument under which one party is the grantor or holds a power of appointment over part or all of the trust assets, that may be exercised in favor of either party; or (3) any transfer on death or payable on death account under which one or both of the parties are owners or beneficiaries.
Nothing in this section shall relieve the parties of the obligation to effectuate any change in beneficiary designation by the filing of such change with the insurer or issuer in accordance with the terms of such policy.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 13; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 42; May 31.
Article 29 Establishment & Modification of Spousal Support
§ 23-2901 Interpretation of terms
For purposes of interpretation, the terms "alimony" and "maintenance" are synonymous.
History: L. 1982, ch. 152, § 17; L. 1983, ch. 199, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-2902 Maintenance
(a) A decree under K.S.A. 23-2711, and amendments thereto, may award to either party an allowance for future support denominated as maintenance, in an amount the court finds to be fair, just and equitable under all of the circumstances.
(b) Maintenance may be in a lump sum, in periodic payments, on a percentage of earnings or on any other basis.
(c) A decree under K.S.A. 23-2711, and amendments thereto, may make the future payments modifiable or terminable under circumstances prescribed in the decree.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 14; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 43; May 31.
§ 23-2903 Modification of amounts of maintenance
At any time, on a hearing with reasonable notice to the party affected, the court may modify the amounts or other conditions for the payment of any portion of the maintenance originally awarded that has not already become due, but no modification shall be made without the consent of the party liable for the maintenance, if it has the effect of increasing or accelerating the liability for the unpaid maintenance beyond what was prescribed in the original decree.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 15; July 1.
§ 23-2904 Modification retroactive; reinstatement
The court may make a modification of maintenance retroactive to a date at least one month after the date that the motion to modify was filed with the court. In any event, the court may not award maintenance for a period of time in excess of 121 months. If the original court decree reserves the power of the court to hear subsequent motions for reinstatement of maintenance and such a motion is filed prior to the expiration of the stated period of time for maintenance payments, the court shall have jurisdiction to hear a motion by the recipient of the maintenance to reinstate the maintenance payments. Upon motion and hearing, the court may reinstate the payments in whole or in part for a period of time, conditioned upon any modifying or terminating circumstances prescribed by the court, but the reinstatement shall be limited to a period of time not exceeding 121 months. The recipient may file subsequent motions for reinstatement of maintenance prior to the expiration of subsequent periods of time for maintenance payments to be made, but no single period of reinstatement ordered by the court may exceed 121 months.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 16; July 1.
§ 23-2905 Method of payment of maintenance
(a) Except for good cause shown, every order requiring payment of maintenance under this article shall require that the maintenance be paid through the central unit for collection and disbursement of support payments designated pursuant to K.S.A. 39-7,135, and amendments thereto. A written agreement between the parties to make direct maintenance payments to the obligee and not pay through the central unit shall constitute good cause.
(b) If child support and maintenance payments are both made to an obligee by the same obligor, and if the court has made a determination concerning the manner of payment of child support, then maintenance payments shall be paid in the same manner.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 17; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 44; May 31.
Article 30 Establishment & Modification of Child Support
§ 23-3001 Minor children; support and education; definition of unborn child
(a) In any action under article 27 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, the court shall make provisions for the support and education of the minor children.
(b) Regardless of the type of custodial arrangement ordered by the court, the court may order the child support and education expenses to be paid by either or both parents for any child less than 18 years of age, at which age the support shall terminate unless:
(1) The parent or parents agree, by written agreement approved by the court, to pay support beyond the time the child reaches 18 years of age;
(2) the child reaches 18 years of age before completing the child's high school education in which case the support shall not terminate automatically, unless otherwise ordered by the court, until June 30 of the school year during which the child became 18 years of age if the child is still attending high school; or
(3) the child is still a bona fide high school student after June 30 of the school year during which the child became 18 years of age, in which case the court, on motion, may order support to continue through the school year during which the child becomes 19 years of age so long as the child is a bona fide high school student and the parents jointly participated or knowingly acquiesced in the decision that delayed the child's completion of high school. The court, in extending support pursuant to this paragraph, may impose such conditions as are appropriate and shall set the child support utilizing the guideline table category for 12-year through 18-year-old children. For purposes of this section, "bona fide high school student" means a student who is enrolled in full accordance with the policy of the accredited high school in which the student is pursuing a high school diploma or a graduate equivalency diploma (GED).
(c) As used in article 30 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, the term "unborn child" means a living individual organism of the species homo sapiens, in utero, at any stage of gestation from fertilization to birth.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 30; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 45; L. 2025, ch. 112, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-3002 Determination of amount of child support
(a) In determining the amount to be paid for child support, the court shall:
(1) Follow the Kansas child support guidelines adopted by the supreme court pursuant to K.S.A. 20-165, and amendments thereto; and
(2) take into consideration and shall order the use of the total value of any individual retirement plan account that is qualified under sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A or 409 of the federal internal revenue code of 1986 if the person has experienced a loss of income or termination from employment due to loss, revocation, suspension or surrender of a professional license because of professional misconduct or voluntary underemployment.
(b) (1) If a parent accumulates a child support arrearage and experiences a loss of income or termination from employment due to loss, revocation, suspension or surrender of a professional license because of professional misconduct or voluntary underemployment the court shall, upon the occurrence of a distributable event as defined by the terms of the qualified plan, order the use of individual retirement plan accounts described in subsection (a)(2) to pay the arrearage with a one-time lump-sum distribution until:
(A) All funds in such accounts are exhausted; or
(B) the parent establishes other means to satisfy the child support obligations.
(2) Claims for child support against an individual retirement plan account described in subsection (a)(2) shall:
(A) Not require a plan to make any distributions that are not otherwise authorized by the terms of the plan;
(B) be subject to early withdrawal penalties and taxable income as a distribution; and
(C) be executed through direct payment from the retirement account through the Kansas payment center.
(c) Any person who files a motion requesting a child support order or modification order shall include in such filing a completed domestic relations affidavit and proposed child support worksheet.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 31; L. 2014, ch. 116, § 7; L. 2025, ch. 112, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-3003 Child health insurance coverage
The court may order that each parent execute any and all documents, including any releases, necessary so that both parents may obtain information from and to communicate with any health insurance provider regarding the health insurance coverage provided by such health insurance provider to the child. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply irrespective of which parent owns, subscribes or pays for such health insurance coverage.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 32; July 1.
§ 23-3004 Child support payments paid through the central unit for collection and disbursement of support payments; exception for good cause shown
Except for good cause shown, every order requiring payment of child support under this article shall require that the support be paid through the central unit for collection and disbursement of support payments designated pursuant to K.S.A. 39-7,135, and amendments thereto. A written agreement between the parties to make direct child support payments to the obligee and not pay through the central unit shall constitute good cause, unless the court finds the agreement is not in the best interest of the child or children. The obligor shall file such written agreement with the court. The obligor shall maintain written evidence of the payment of the support obligation and, at least annually, shall provide such evidence to the court and the obligee.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 33; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 46; May 31.
§ 23-3005 Modification of child support
(a) Subject to the provisions of K.S.A. 23-36,207, and amendments thereto, the court may modify any prior child support order, including any order issued in a title IV-D case, within three years of the date of the original order or a modification order, when a material change in circumstances is shown, irrespective of the present domicile of the child or the parents. If more than three years has passed since the date of the original order or modification order, a material change in circumstance need not be shown.
(b) The court may make a modification of child support retroactive to the first day of the month following the filing of the motion to modify. Any increase in support ordered effective prior to the date the court's judgment is filed shall not become a lien on real property pursuant to K.S.A. 60-2202, and amendments thereto, until the date of the order.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 34; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 47; L. 2014, ch. 116, § 8; July 1.
§ 23-3006 Abatement of child support
If the divorce decree of the parties provides for an abatement of child support during any period provided in such decree, the child support such nonresidential parent owes for such period shall abate during such period of time, except that if the residential parent shows that the criteria for the abatement has not been satisfied there shall not be an abatement of such child support.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 35; July 1.
Article 31 Enforcement of Support Orders
§ 23-3101 Title and purpose of act; severability
(a) K.S.A. 23-3101 through 23-3118 and 39-7,135, and amendments thereto, shall be known and may be cited as the income withholding act.
(b) The purpose of the income withholding act is to enhance the enforcement of all support obligations by providing a quick and effective procedure for withholding income to enforce orders of support and to provide children access to health coverage under their parents' health benefit plans.
(c) If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 1; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 10; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 19; July 1.
§ 23-3102 Definitions
As used in the income withholding act:
(a) "Arrearage" means the total amount of unpaid support which is due and unpaid under an order for support, based upon the due date specified in the order for support or, if no specific date is stated in the order, the last day of the month in which the payment is to be made. If the order for support includes a judgment for reimbursement, an arrearage equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for one month exists on the date the order for support is entered.
(b) "Business day" means a day on which state offices in Kansas are open for regular business.
(c) "Health benefit plan" means any benefit plan, other than public assistance, which is able to provide hospital, surgical, medical, dental or any other health care or benefits for a child, whether through insurance or otherwise, and which is available through a parent's employment or other group plan.
(d) "Income" means any form of payment to an individual, regardless of source, including, but not limited to, wages, salary, trust, royalty, commission, bonus, compensation as an independent contractor, annuity and retirement benefits, workers compensation and any other periodic payments made by any person, private entity or federal, state or local government or any agency or instrumentality thereof. "Income" does not include: (1) Any amounts required by law to be withheld, other than creditor claims, including, but not limited to, federal and state taxes, social security tax and other retirement and disability contributions; (2) any amounts exempted by federal law; (3) public assistance payments; and (4) unemployment insurance benefits except to the extent otherwise provided by law. Any other state or local laws which limit or exempt income or the amount or percentage of income that can be withheld shall not apply. Workers compensation shall be considered income only for the purposes of child support and not for the purposes of maintenance. Unemployment insurance benefits shall be considered income for purposes of this act when such funds are sought by the secretary of the department for children and families, or the secretary's designee, in administration of the title IV-D program.
(e) "Income withholding agency" means the department for children and families.
(f) "Income withholding order" means an order issued under this act which requires a payor to withhold income to satisfy an order for support or to defray an arrearage.
(g) "Lump sum payment" means income in the form of a bonus, commission, an amount paid in lieu of vacation or other leave time, or any other payment to an obligor. "Lump sum payment" does not include payments made on regular paydays as compensation, reimbursement of expenses incurred by the obligor on behalf of the payor, or an amount paid as severance pay on termination of employment.
(h) "Medical child support order" means an order requiring a parent to provide coverage for a child under a health benefit plan and, where the context requires, may include an order requiring a payor to enroll a child in a health benefit plan.
(i) "Medical withholding order" means an income withholding order which requires an employer, sponsor or other administrator of a health benefit plan to enroll a child under the health coverage of a parent.
(j) "Nonparticipating parent" means, if one parent is a participating parent as defined in this section, the other parent.
(k) "Obligee" means the person or entity to whom a duty of support is owed.
(l) "Obligor" means any person who owes a duty to make payments or provide health benefit coverage under an order for support.
(m) "Order for support" means any order of a court, or of an administrative agency authorized by law to issue such an order, which provides for payment of funds for the support of a child, or for maintenance of a spouse or ex-spouse, and includes an order which provides for modification or resumption of a previously existing order; payment of uninsured medical expenses; payment of an arrearage accrued under a previously existing order; a reimbursement order, including, but not limited to, an order established pursuant to K.S.A. 39-718a or 39-718b, and amendments thereto; an order established pursuant to K.S.A. 23-451 et seq., and amendments thereto; or a medical child support order.
(n) "Participating parent" means a parent who is eligible for single coverage under a health benefit plan as defined in this section, regardless of the type of coverage actually in effect, if any.
(o) "Payor" means any person or entity owing income to an obligor or any self-employed obligor and includes, with respect to a medical child support order, the sponsor or administrator of a health benefit plan.
(p) "Periodic payment" means wages, salary, royalties, trust payments, annuity payments, retirement payments and any other regularly occurring, scheduled payment to an obligor.
(q) "Public office" means any elected or appointed official of the state or any political subdivision or agency of the state, or any subcontractor thereof, who is or may become responsible by law for enforcement of, or who is or may become authorized to enforce, an order for support, including, but not limited to, the Kansas department for children and families, court trustees, county or district attorneys and other subcontractors.
(r) "Title IV-D" means part D of title IV of the federal social security act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq., and amendments thereto, as in effect on December 31, 2009. "Title IV-D cases" means those cases required by title IV-D to be processed by the Kansas department for children and families under the state's plan for providing title IV-D services.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 2; L. 1990, ch. 117, § 1; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 20; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 23; L. 2001, ch. 195, § 1; L. 2013, ch. 124, § 7; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 38; July 1.
§ 23-3103 Income withholding order; issuance; service of notice; agreements or alternative arrangements; ex parte interlocutory orders; medical support orders
(a) Any new or modified order for support shall include a provision for the withholding of income to enforce the order for support.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (j), (k) or (m), all new or modified orders for support shall provide for immediate issuance of an income withholding order. The income withholding order shall be issued regardless of whether a payor subject to the jurisdiction of this state can be identified at the time the order for support is entered. The income withholding order shall be issued without further notice to the obligor and shall specify:
(1) If the income withholding order is to attach to periodic payments, an amount sufficient to satisfy the order for support and to defray any arrearage; or
(2) if the income withholding order is to attach a lump sum payment, the amount the payor is required to withhold for support from the lump sum payment.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection or subsections (j) or (m), if no income withholding order is in effect to enforce the support order, an income withholding order shall be issued by the court upon request of the obligee or public office, provided that the obligor accrued an arrearage equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for one month and the requirements of subsections (d) and (h) have been met. The income withholding order shall be issued without further notice to the obligor and shall specify an amount sufficient to satisfy the order for support and to defray any arrearage. The income withholding order shall be issued regardless of whether a payor subject to the jurisdiction of this state can be identified at the time the income withholding order is issued.
(d) Not less than seven days after the obligee or public office has served a notice pursuant to subsection (h), the obligee or public office may initiate income withholding pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2).
(1) The obligee or public office may apply for an income withholding order by filing with the court an affidavit stating: (A) The date that the notice was served on the obligor and the manner of service; (B) that the obligor has not filed a motion to stay issuance of the income withholding order or, if a motion to stay has been filed, the reason an income withholding order must be issued immediately; (C) a specified amount to be withheld by the payor to satisfy the order of support and to defray any arrearage; (D) whether the income withholding order is to include a medical withholding order; and (E) that the amount of the arrearage as of the date the notice to the obligor was prepared was equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for one month. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, the filing of such an affidavit with knowledge of the falsity of a material declaration is punishable as a contempt.
Upon the filing of the affidavit, the income withholding order shall be issued without further notice to the obligor, hearing or amendments of the support order. Payment of all or part of the arrearage before issuance of the income withholding order shall not prevent issuance of the income withholding order, unless the arrearage is paid in full and the order for support does not include an amount for the current support of a person. No affidavit is required if the court, upon hearing a motion to stay issuance of the income withholding order or otherwise, issues an income withholding order.
(2) In a title IV-D case, the IV-D agency may issue an income withholding order as authorized by K.S.A. 39-7,147, and amendments thereto. Any such income withholding order shall be considered an income withholding order issued pursuant to this act.
(e) (1) An income withholding order shall be directed to any payor of the obligor. Notwithstanding any other requirement of this act as to form or content, only an income withholding order prepared in a standard format prescribed by the secretary of the department for children and families, or the standard federal notices and forms promulgated under 42 U.S.C. § 652 (a)(11) and 42 U.S.C. § 666 (b)(A)(ii), shall be deemed to be in compliance with this act.
(2) An income withholding order which does not include a medical withholding order shall require the payor to withhold from any income due, or to become due, to the obligor a specified amount sufficient to satisfy the order of support and to defray any arrearage and shall include notice of and direction to comply with the provisions of K.S.A. 23-3104 and 23-3105, and amendments thereto.
(3) An income withholding order which consists only of a medical withholding order shall include notice of the medical child support order and shall conform to the requirements of K.S.A. 23-3116, and amendments thereto. The medical withholding order shall include notice of and direction to comply with the requirements of K.S.A. 23-3104, 23-3105, 23-3114 and 23-3117, and amendments thereto.
(4) An income withholding order which includes both a medical withholding order and an income withholding order for cash support shall meet the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3).
(f) (1) Upon written request and without the requirement of further notice to the obligor, the clerk of the district court shall cause a copy of the income withholding order to be served on the payor by first-class mail.
(2) Without the requirement of further notice to the obligor, the court trustee or IV-D agency may cause a copy of any income withholding order to be served on the payor by first-class mail or by any alternate method acceptable to the payor, including, but not limited to: Facsimile transmission, electronic mail attachment or electronic interface allowing for the download of a document or transmission of the terms of the income withholding order. No payor shall be liable to any person solely because of the method of service accepted by the payor.
(3) As used in this section, "copy of the income withholding order" means a copy of any document or notice, regardless of copy format, that advises the payor of the same general duties, requires the same amount to be withheld from income and requires medical withholding to the same extent as the original income withholding order that complies with the requirements of subsection (e)(1).
(g) An income withholding order shall be binding on any existing or future payor on whom a copy of the order is served and shall require the continued withholding of income from each periodic payment of income until further order of the court or agency that issued the income withholding order. At any time following issuance of an income withholding order, a copy of the income withholding order may be served on any payor without the requirement of further notice to the obligor.
(h) Except as provided in subsection (k) or (m), at any time following entry of an order for support the obligee or public office may serve upon the obligor a written notice of intent to initiate income withholding. If any notice in the court record indicates that title IV-D services are being provided in the case, whether or not the IV-D services include enforcement of current support, the person or public office requesting issuance of the income withholding order shall obtain the consent of the IV-D agency to the terms of the proposed income withholding order.
The notice of intent to initiate income withholding shall be served on the obligor by personal service, first-class mail or registered mail, return receipt requested. The notice served on the obligor must state: (1) The terms of the order of support and the total arrearage as of the date the notice was prepared; (2) the amount of income that will be withheld, not including premiums to satisfy a medical withholding order; (3) whether a medical withholding order will be included; (4) that the provision for withholding applies to any current or subsequent payor; (5) the procedures available for contesting the withholding and that the only basis for contesting the withholding is a mistake of fact concerning the amount of the support order, the amount of the arrearage, the amount of income to be withheld or the proper identity of the obligor; (6) the period within which the obligor must act to stay issuance of the income withholding order and that failure to take such action within the specified time will result in payors' being ordered to begin withholding; and (7) the action which will be taken if the obligor contests the withholding.
The obligor may, at any time, waive in writing the notice required by this subsection.
(i) On request of an obligor, the court shall issue an income withholding order which shall be honored by a payor regardless of whether there is an arrearage. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the right of the obligee to request modification of the income withholding order.
(j) (1) In a nontitle IV-D case, upon presentation to the court of a written agreement between the parties providing for an alternative arrangement, no income withholding order shall be issued pursuant to subsection (b). In any case, before entry of a new or modified order for support, a party may request that no income withholding order be issued pursuant to subsection (b) if notice of the request has been served on all interested parties and: (A) The party demonstrates, and the court finds, that there is good cause not to require immediate income withholding; or (B) a written agreement among all interested parties provides for an alternative arrangement. If child support and maintenance payments are both made to an obligee by the same obligor, and if the court has determined that good cause has been shown that direct child support payments to the obligee may be made, then the court shall provide for direct maintenance payments to the obligee and no income withholding order shall be issued pursuant to subsection (b). In a title IV-D case, the determination that there is good cause not to require immediate income withholding must include a finding that immediate income withholding would not be in the child's best interests and, if an obligor's existing obligation is being modified, proof of timely payment of previously ordered support.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (j)(1), the court shall issue an income withholding order when an affidavit pursuant to subsection (d) is filed if an arrearage exists in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for one month.
(3) If a notice pursuant to subsection (h) has been served in a title IV-D case, there is no arrearage or the arrearage is less than the amount of support payable for one month, and the obligor files a motion to stay issuance of the income withholding order based upon the court's previous finding of good cause not to require immediate income withholding pursuant to subsection (j)(1), the obligor must demonstrate the continued existence of good cause. Unless the court again finds that good cause not to require immediate income withholding exists, the court shall issue the income withholding order.
(4) If a notice pursuant to subsection (h) has been served in a title IV-D case, there is no arrearage or the arrearage is less than the amount of support payable for one month, and the obligor files a motion to stay issuance of an income withholding order based upon a previous agreement of the interested parties for an alternative arrangement pursuant to subsection (j)(1), the court shall issue an income withholding order, notwithstanding any previous agreement, if the court finds that:
(A) The agreement was not in writing;
(B) the agreement was not approved by all interested parties;
(C) the terms of the agreement or alternative arrangement are not being met;
(D) the agreement or alternative arrangement is not in the best interests of the child; or
(E) the agreement or alternative arrangement places an unnecessary burden upon the obligor, obligee or a public office.
(5) The procedures and requirements of K.S.A. 23-3106, and amendments thereto, apply to any motion pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) of this subsection.
(k) (1) An ex parte interlocutory order for support may be enforced pursuant to subsection (b) only if the obligor has consented to the income withholding in writing.
(2) An ex parte interlocutory order for support may be enforced pursuant to subsection (c) only if 14 or more days have elapsed since the order for support was served on the obligor.
(3) Any other interlocutory order for support may be enforced by income withholding pursuant to this act in the same manner as a final order for support.
(4) No bond shall be required for the issuance of an income withholding order to enforce an interlocutory order pursuant to this act.
(l) All remittances from any income withholding order, regardless of when such order was entered or modified, shall be required to be directed to the central unit for collection and disbursement of support payments designated pursuant to K.S.A. 39-7,135, and amendments thereto.
(m) All new or modified orders for maintenance of a spouse or ex-spouse, except orders for a spouse or ex-spouse living with a child for whom an order of support is also being enforced, entered on or after July 1, 1992, shall include a provision for the withholding of income to enforce the order of support. Unless the parties consent in writing to earlier issuance of a withholding order, withholding shall take effect only after there is an arrearage in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for two months and after service of a notice as provided in subsection (h).
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 3; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 11; L. 1987, ch. 121, § 10; L. 1990, ch. 117, § 2; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 1; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 21; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 24; L. 2001, ch. 195, § 12; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 39; L. 2012, ch. 131, § 1; L. 2013, ch. 124, § 8; July 1.
§ 23-3104 Payor's duties; cost recovery fee authorized; limit on amount withheld; violations by payor; penalties
(a) It shall be the affirmative duty of any payor to respond within 10 days to written or electronic requests for information presented by the public office concerning: (1) The full name of the obligor; (2) the current address of the obligor; (3) the obligor's social security number; (4) the obligor's work location; (5) the number of the obligor's claimed dependents; (6) the obligor's gross income; (7) the obligor's net income; (8) an itemized statement of deductions from the obligor's income; (9) the obligor's pay schedule; (10) the obligor's health insurance coverage; and (11) whether or not income owed the obligor is being withheld pursuant to this act. This is an exclusive list of the information that the payor is required to provide under this section.
(b) It shall be the duty of any payor who has been served a copy of an income withholding order for payment of an order for cash support that meets the requirements of subsection (i) to deduct and pay over income as provided in this section. The payor shall begin the required deductions no later than the next payment of income due the obligor after 14 days following service of the order on the payor.
(c) Within seven business days of the time the obligor is normally paid, the payor shall pay the amount withheld as directed by the income withholding agency pursuant to K.S.A. 23-3105, and amendments thereto, as directed by the income withholding order or by a rule of the Kansas supreme court. The payor shall identify each payment with the name of the obligor, the county and case number of the income withholding order, and the date the income was withheld from the obligor. The payor shall pay the amounts withheld and identify each payment in the same business day. A payor subject to more than one income withholding order payable to the same payee may combine the amounts withheld into a single payment, but only if the amount attributable to each income withholding order is clearly identified. Premiums required for a child's coverage under a health benefit plan shall be remitted as provided in the health benefit plan and shall not be combined with any other support payment required by the income withholding order.
(d) The payor shall continue to withhold income as required by the income withholding order until further order of the court or agency.
(e) From income due the obligor, the payor may withhold and retain to defray the payor's costs a cost recovery fee of $5 for each pay period for which support is withheld from a periodic payment or $10 for each month for which support is withheld from a periodic payment, whichever is less. For income withholding from a lump sum payment, a cost recovery fee of up to $10 per withholding may be withheld by the payor and shall be in addition to any cost recovery fee charged for withholding from periodic payments. Any such cost recovery fee shall be in addition to the amount withheld as support.
(f) The entire sum withheld by the payor, including the cost recovery fee and premiums due from the obligor which are incurred solely because of a medical withholding order, shall not exceed 50% of the obligor's disposable income as defined by section 302(b) of the consumer credit protection act, 15 U.S.C. § 1672(b). If amounts of earnings required to be withheld exceed the maximum amount of earnings which may be withheld under this section, priority shall be given to payment of current and past due support, and the payor shall promptly notify the holder of the limited power of attorney of any nonpayment of premium for a health benefit plan on the child's behalf. An income withholding order issued pursuant to this act shall not be considered a wage garnishment as defined in subsection (b) of K.S.A. 60-2310, and amendments thereto. If amounts of earnings required to be withheld in accordance with this act are less than the maximum amount of earnings which could be withheld according to section 303(b) of the consumer credit protection act, 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b), the payor shall honor garnishments filed by other creditors to the extent that the total amount taken from earnings does not exceed consumer credit protection act limitations.
(g) A payor who has been served an income withholding order by the IV-D agency which includes an amount to defray an arrearage shall contact the IV-D agency no less than 14 days prior to making payment of any lump sum amount to the obligor. The payor may make payment of the lump sum to the obligor once 14 days have passed after providing such contact unless additional process, or notice of intended process, has been received.
(h) The payor shall promptly notify the court or agency that issued the income withholding order of the termination of the obligor's employment or other source of income, or the layoff of the obligor from employment, and provide the obligor's last known address and the name and address of the individual's current employer, if known.
(i) A payor who complies with a copy of an income withholding order that is regular on its face shall not be subject to civil liability to any person or agency for conduct in compliance with the income withholding order. As used in this section, "regular on its face" means a completed document that is in compliance with subsection (e)(1) of K.S.A. 23-3103, and amendments thereto.
(j) Except as provided further, if any payor violates the provisions of this act, the court may enter a judgment against the payor for the total amount which should have been withheld and paid over. If the payor, without just cause or excuse, fails to pay over income within the time established in subsection (c) and the obligee files a motion to have such income paid over, the court shall enter a judgment against the payor and in favor of the obligee for three times the amount of the income owed and reasonable attorney fees. If the payor, without good cause, fails to pay over the income and identify each payment in the same business day, the court shall enter a judgment against the payor and in favor of the obligee for twice the amount of the cost recovery fee, as established in subsection (e), per obligor.
(k) In addition to any judgment authorized by subsection (i), a payor shall be subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $500 and other equitable relief as the court considers proper if the payor: (1) Discharges, refuses to employ or takes disciplinary action against an obligor subject to an income withholding order because of such withholding and the obligations or additional obligations which it imposes upon the payor; or (2) fails to withhold support from income or to pay such amounts in the manner required by this act.
(l) The provisions of this section as amended by this act shall apply to all income withheld on or after July 1, 2013, regardless of when the applicable income withholding order was entered or modified.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 4; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 12; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 2; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 22; L. 1995, ch. 197, § 1; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 25; L. 2001, ch. 195, § 2; L. 2013, ch. 124, § 9; July 1.
§ 23-3105 Priority of withholding order; application of limitations imposed by other laws; multiple withholding orders, single obligor
(a) An income withholding order shall have priority over any other legal process under state law against the same income. Withholding of income under this section shall be made without regard to any prior or subsequent garnishments, attachments, wage assignments or other claims of creditors.
(b) Except as provided by K.S.A. 60-2310, and amendments thereto, any state law which limits or exempts income from legal process or the amount or percentage of income that can be withheld shall not apply to withholding income under this act.
(c) Subject to the provisions of K.S.A. 23-36,503, and amendments thereto, if more than one income withholding order requires withholding from the same source of income of a single obligor, the payor shall withhold and disburse as ordered the total amount required by all income withholding orders if such amount does not exceed the limits of subsection (f) of K.S.A. 23-3104, and amendments thereto. If the total amount required by all income withholding orders, including premiums due from the obligor which are incurred solely because of a medical withholding order, exceeds such limits, the payor shall withhold the amount permitted to be withheld under such limits and from the amount withheld the payor shall retain any cost recovery fee charged by the payor. The remaining funds shall first be prorated by the payor among all income withholding orders for the obligor that require payment of current support. When all current support for the month has been satisfied, any remaining funds shall be prorated among all income withholding orders for the obligor that require payment of an amount for arrearages. With respect to a medical withholding order, the payor shall promptly notify the affected holder of the limited power of attorney of any nonpayment of premium. The payor may request assistance from the income withholding agency in determining the amount to be disbursed for each income withholding order, but such assistance shall not relieve the payor from any responsibility under this act. Upon request of a public office or of any obligee whose income withholding order is affected by this subsection, the payor shall provide the county, case number and terms of all the obligor's income withholding orders.
(d) The provisions of this section as amended by this act shall apply to all income withheld on or after July 1, 2012, regardless of when the applicable income withholding order was entered or modified.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 5; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 13; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 3; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 23; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 26; L. 2013, ch. 124, § 10; July 1.
§ 23-3106 Contest and stay of withholding order; when; grounds; hearing; disposition; immediate issuance of order; continuance; additional circumstances warranting issuance of order
This section shall not apply if the notice of intent to initiate income withholding was issued by the IV-D agency pursuant to K.S.A. 39-7,147, and amendments thereto.
(a) A motion to stay issuance of the income withholding order must be filed with the court and a copy served on the obligee or public office within seven days after service on the obligor of a notice pursuant to subsection (h) of K.S.A. 23-3103, and amendments thereto. Except as provided in subsection (j) of K.S.A. 23-3103, and amendments thereto, the grounds for obtaining the stay shall be limited to a mistake of fact in the notice concerning the amount of the order for support, the amount of the arrearage, the amount of income to be withheld or the proper identity of the obligor. The motion shall specify the mistake of fact alleged to be the basis for the motion. If the amount of the order for support or the amount of the arrearage is challenged, the motion shall specify the amount of the order for support or the arrearage which is uncontested. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, filing a motion to stay with knowledge of the falsity of any material declaration or without specifying the uncontested amount of the order for support or the arrearage, when required, is punishable as a contempt.
(b) The court, upon notice of the date, time and place of hearing to the obligor and the obligee or public office, shall hear the matter within 14 days after the motion to stay issuance of the income withholding order is filed with the court.
(c) (1) If a motion to stay has been filed and the identity of the obligor is not contested, the obligee, obligor or public office may apply for immediate issuance of an income withholding order pursuant to subsection (d) of K.S.A. 23-3103, and amendments thereto, pending resolution of the contested issues. The affidavit shall specify an amount sufficient to satisfy the order for support or the arrearage only to the extent that the amount of the order for support or the arrearage is not contested. A copy of the affidavit shall be served on the obligor.
(2) Whenever an affidavit has been filed as provided in this subsection, the court shall immediately issue the income withholding order.
(d) If the court cannot promptly resolve all issues, the court may continue the hearing on the unresolved issues, provided that within 45 days of the date the notice was served on the obligor the court notifies the obligor and the obligee or public office of whether or not the withholding is to occur. If the court upholds the issuance of an income withholding order in a contested case, the court must include in its order notice of the time within which the withholding will begin and the information given to the payor as required in K.S.A. 23-3104 and 23-3105, and amendments thereto.
(e) In addition to any other circumstances warranting issuance of an income withholding order, if the court finds that a notice of intent to initiate income withholding was served on the obligor and that there was an arrearage, as of the date the notice was prepared, in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for one month, the court shall issue an income withholding order. The provisions of this subsection shall only apply to an order for support of a spouse or ex-spouse if the spouse or ex-spouse is living with a child for whom an order of support is also being enforced.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 6; L. 1990, ch. 117, § 3; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 4; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 27; July 3.
§ 23-3107 Modification or termination of withholding order, when; notice; medical withholding order
This section shall not apply if the income withholding order was issued by the IV-D agency pursuant to K.S.A. 39-7,147 or 39-7,148, and amendments thereto, unless IV-D services are no longer being provided with respect to either current support or arrearages.
(a) At any time upon motion the court shall: (1) Modify or terminate the income withholding order because of a modification or termination of the underlying order for support; (2) modify the amount of income withheld to reflect payment in full of the arrearage by income withholding or otherwise; or (3) modify, or when appropriate terminate, an income withholding order consisting in whole or in part of a medical withholding order because of a modification or termination of the underlying medical child support order.
(b) On request of the obligee or public office, the court shall issue an order which modifies the amount of income withheld, subject to the limitations of subsection (f) of K.S.A. 23-3104, and amendments thereto.
(c) The obligor may file a motion to terminate an income order for cash support if: (1) The withholding order has not previously been terminated under this subsection and subsequently initiated; and (2) there is a written agreement among all interested parties which provides for an alternative arrangement. Under this subsection, the court may terminate the income withholding order unless it finds good cause for denying the motion because of the obligor's payment history or otherwise. If an income withholding order is terminated for any reason and the obligor subsequently becomes delinquent in the payment of the order for support, the obligee or public office may obtain another income withholding order by complying with all requirements for notice and service pursuant to this act.
(d) If the income withholding order includes both a medical withholding order and an income withholding order for cash support, modification or termination of one portion of the income withholding order shall not modify or terminate any other portion of the income withholding order except as expressly provided by the court.
(e) If support payments are undeliverable to the obligee, any such payments shall be held in trust by the court until the payments can be delivered.
(f) The clerk of court shall cause to be served on the payor a copy of any order entered pursuant to this section that affects the duties of the payor.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 7; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 14; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 5; L. 1994, ch. 301, § 24; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 28; July 3.
§ 23-3108 Improper withholding; refund or credit
If the court determines that income has been improperly withheld, the court may order the person or public office who has possession of the income or who ultimately received it, to promptly refund the improperly withheld amount to the obligor or, in the case of the obligee, to credit the amount against the next regular support payment.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 8; July 1.
§ 23-3109 Duty of obligee and public office to provide certain notices; records of support payments
(a) If an obligee is receiving income withholding payments under this act, the obligee shall give written notice of any change of address, within seven days after the change to the public office, clerk of the district court or court trustee through which the obligee receives the payments.
(b) If any support rights are assigned to the secretary for children and families, the obligee shall serve on the secretary for children and families a copy of any order for support providing for immediate income withholding or any notice of intent to apply for issuance of an income withholding order. If any support rights are assigned to the secretary for children and families, payments pursuant to an income withholding order shall be disbursed as the notice of assignment directs.
(c) The obligee or public office shall provide written notice to the court trustee or clerk of the court of any other support payments made, including but not limited to a setoff under federal or state law, a collection of unemployment compensation pursuant to K.S.A. 44-718, and amendments thereto, or a direct payment from the obligor. The clerk of the court issuing the order for support or other designated person shall record the amounts reported in such notices.
(d) Any public office and clerk of court which collects, disburses or receives payments pursuant to income withholding orders shall maintain complete, accurate and clear records of all payments and their disbursement. Certified copies of payment records maintained by a public office or clerk of court shall, without further proof, be admitted into evidence in any legal proceedings which concern the issue of support.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 9; L. 1990, ch. 117, § 4; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 6; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 39; July 1.
§ 23-3110 Change of obligor's payor or address and employment; related health benefits coverage, notice required
An obligor whose income is being withheld or who has been served with a notice of intent to apply for issuance of an income withholding order shall provide written notice to the obligee, the public office, or the clerk of court of any new payor or change of address, within seven days of the change. The obligor shall keep the obligee or public office informed of any employment-related health benefits coverage for dependents to which the obligor has access. Upon request, the obligor shall provide, or shall assist the obligee or public office in obtaining, information about the health benefits coverage.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 10; L. 1990, ch. 117, § 5; L. 1992, ch. 254, § 7; July 1.
§ 23-3111 Bond requirement when obligor self-employed or withholding otherwise impracticable
If an obligor derives income from self-employment, receives income from some source not subject to the jurisdiction of the court or receives income by any other method which makes the application of this act impracticable, the court may require the obligor to post security or bond or give some other guarantee to secure the payment of current and overdue support. If the obligor fails to pay support as ordered, the court may collect on the bond or may declare a forfeiture of all or a portion of the security or other guarantee and apply the amounts collected as payment on the support arrearage. An obligor who derives income from self-employment shall be subject to the provisions of this act as a payor of income to the obligor's self.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 11; July 1.
§ 23-3112 Act not limitation on other remedies
(a) Nothing in this act shall limit the authority of an obligee or public office to use any and all civil and criminal remedies in addition to withholding to enforce an order for support including but not limited to the setoff provisions of K.S.A. 75-6201 et seq., and amendments thereto, and section 464 of part D of title IV of the federal social security act.
(b) Nothing in this act shall limit the filing of any action to modify the support order by the obligor.
(c) The rights, remedies, duties and penalties created by this act are in addition to and not in substitution for any other rights, remedies, duties and penalties created by any other law.
(d) Nothing in this act shall be construed as invalidating any assignment of income executed prior to January 1, 1986, despite the priority status given to withholding orders under this act.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 12; July 1.
§ 23-3113 Forms and informational materials; system to monitor payments; subcontractors
(a) The judicial administrator and the secretary for children and families shall cooperate to design suggested legal forms and informational materials which describe procedures and remedies under this act for distribution to all parties in support actions.
(b) The judicial administrator of the courts and the secretary for children and families shall enter into a contract to develop and maintain an automated management information system which will monitor support payments, maintain accurate records of support payments and permit prompt notice of arrearages in support payments. District courts, including court trustees, shall be subcontractors in the management information system and payments for their services shall be disbursed as directed by the judicial administrator. Unless good cause is shown, the secretary for children and families shall contract with court trustees for enforcement services. Subcontractor employees determined necessary to the performance of the contract by the judicial administrator shall be state employees paid by county general funds. The provisions of K.S.A. 20-358 and 20-359, and amendments thereto, shall apply. County expenditures for compensation of subcontractor employees may be paid during any budget year even though the expenditures were not included in the budget for that year. County general funds shall be promptly reimbursed for subcontractor employee compensation cost from the subcontractor's payment plus a reasonable administrative fee for the county for acting as fiscal and reporting agent as determined necessary by the judicial administrator. The provisions of the Kansas court personnel rules, except for pay and classification plans, shall apply to subcontractor employees.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 13; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 40; July 1.
§ 23-3114 Order; coverage under health benefit plan; limited power of attorney; enrollment by employer, sponsor or administrator of health benefit plan; disenrollment
(a) Whether or not a medical child support order has previously been entered, the court shall address the medical needs of the child, and if necessary, enter a medical child support order. Subject to any requirements in child support guidelines adopted by the supreme court pursuant to K.S.A. 20-165, and amendments thereto, the medical child support order may require either parent or both parents to furnish coverage under any health benefit plan as provided in this section, allocate between the parents responsibility for deductibles and copayments, allocate between the parents responsibility for medical costs not covered by any health benefit plan, include costs of coverage under a health benefit plan in the calculation of a current child support order, require cash medical support as an adjustment to a current support order, and make any other provision that justice may require. Before requiring either parent to provide coverage under any health benefit plan, the court shall consider whether the benefits of the plan are accessible to the child and the cost of coverage, including deductibles and copayments, in relation to the overall financial circumstances. In no event shall the court consider as a factor the availability of medical assistance to any person. Nothing in this section shall prevent the court from prospectively ordering a parent to provide coverage under any health benefit plan which may become available to the parent.
(b) Except for good cause shown, if more than one health benefit plan is available for and accessible to a child, the court shall give preference to the plan: (1) Designated by court order or agreement of the parties, or, if none, then (2) in which the child already has benefits, or, if none, then (3) with terms closest to those designated by court order or agreement of the parties, or, if none, then (4) in which the parent or members of the parent's household have benefits, or, if none, then (5) in which the child will receive the greatest benefits.
(c) When a medical child support order has been entered, the obligor shall be deemed to have granted by operation of law a limited power of attorney to submit claims to a health benefit plan on the child's behalf and to endorse and negotiate any check or other negotiable instrument issued in full or partial payment of the child's claim. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the limited power of attorney shall be held by the obligee. If the child is receiving medical assistance from the secretary for aging and disability services or the department of health and environment, the secretary for children and families shall be deemed the sole holder of the limited power of attorney with respect to payments subject to the secretary's claim for reimbursement. Upon termination of medical assistance in this state for the child, the secretary for children and families shall retain the limited power of attorney with respect to medical assistance already provided until the claim of the secretary for reimbursement is satisfied. If the child is receiving medical assistance under Title XIX of the federal social security act in another state or jurisdiction, the agency or official responsible for administering the Title XIX program in that state or jurisdiction shall be deemed the sole holder of the limited power of attorney with respect to payments subject to the claim of that agency or official for reimbursement. Upon termination of medical assistance in that state or jurisdiction for the child the agency or official administering the Title XIX program shall retain the limited power of attorney with respect to medical assistance already provided until the claim of that agency or official for reimbursement is satisfied.
(d) In any case in which a participating parent is required by a court or administrative order to provide health coverage for a child, the participating parent is eligible for family health coverage, and the child is otherwise eligible for family health coverage, without regard to any enrollment season restrictions the employer, sponsor or other administrator of a health benefit plan: (1) Shall permit the participating parent to enroll the child for coverage; or (2) if the participating parent is enrolled but has not applied for coverage for the child, shall permit the holder of a limited power of attorney pursuant to subsection (c) to enroll the child. A child enrolled under this subsection shall be treated, with regard to any preexisting condition, as though enrollment occurred during the normal open enrollment period.
(e) When a child has been enrolled for coverage pursuant to subsection (d), the employer, sponsor or other administrator of a health benefit plan shall not disenroll or eliminate coverage of the child unless the employer, sponsor or administrator is provided: (1) Satisfactory written evidence that the court or administrative order requiring the parent to provide health coverage is no longer in effect for the child and either the participating parent has requested a change or discontinuance of the child's coverage, or the child is otherwise ineligible for continued coverage; or (2) satisfactory written evidence, signed by all holders of a limited power of attorney pursuant to subsection (c), that the child is or will be enrolled in comparable health coverage through another insurer or health benefit plan which will take effect no later than the effective date of the disenrollment. An employer may also disenroll or eliminate coverage for the child if the employer has eliminated family health coverage for all of its employees.
(f) The provisions of this section and the income withholding act and amendments thereto shall apply to all orders for support, including all medical child support orders, entered in this state regardless of the date the order was entered.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 14; L. 2007, ch. 174, § 2; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 41; July 1.
§ 23-3115 Withholding order; issuance
(a) If, at the time a medical child support order requiring enrollment of a child in a health benefit plan is entered, the participating parent is also subject to a new or existing income withholding order, the court upon request and without further notice or hearing, shall include in the income withholding order a medical withholding order.
(b) If, at the time a medical child support order requiring enrollment of a child in a health benefit plan is entered, the participating parent is not otherwise subject to an income withholding order, the court upon request and without further notice or hearing shall enter a medical withholding order for the participating parent, except for good cause shown pursuant to subsection (j) of K.S.A. 23-3103, and amendments thereto.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, at any time after a medical child support order requiring enrollment of a child in a health benefit plan is entered, the court upon motion shall enter an income withholding order consisting in whole or in part of a medical withholding order. In Title IV-D cases, the court may deny the motion only if: (1) The participating parent is not otherwise subject to an income withholding order; and (2) the provisions of subsection (j) of K.S.A. 23-3103, and amendments thereto, have been met. In all other cases the court may grant or deny the motion after considering the following factors: (1) The medical needs of the child; (2) whether the participating parent has attempted to promptly comply with the medical child support order; and (3) any other relevant factor. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent or delay entry of an income withholding order pursuant to subsection (c) of K.S.A. 23-3103, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 15; July 1.
§ 23-3116 Requirements of withholding order
(a) A medical withholding order shall not require a health benefit plan to provide any type or form of benefit, or any option, not otherwise provided under the plan or required by federal law.
(b) A medical withholding order shall clearly specify: (1) The name, last known mailing address and, if known, social security number of the parent required to enroll a child in a health benefit plan; (2) for each child covered by the medical child support order, the child's name, date of birth, social security number and mailing address. The child's mailing address need not be the child's home address. In addition to the child's mailing address, the order may designate a representative to receive copies of notices to the child. If the holder of the limited power of attorney pursuant to subsection (c) of K.S.A. 23-3114 is someone other than the nonparticipating parent, the holder of the limited power of attorney shall be designated a representative entitled to receive copies of notices to the child; (3) the address where payments are to be sent, if different from the mailing address of the child or representative; (4) the type of coverage required for each child or how the type of coverage is to be determined; (5) the period to which the order applies; and (6) each plan to which the order applies. Except as otherwise specified in the order the order is presumed to apply to all plans whose applicable eligibility requirements have been met. The requirement of provision (5) may be met by providing the child's date of birth and the jurisdiction whose law governs the duration of the duty of support under the order.
(c) A medical withholding order meeting the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) shall be treated for all purposes as a qualified medical child support order under the federal employee retirement income security act (29 U.S.C. § 1161 et seq.).
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 16; July 1.
§ 23-3117 Duties of payor with respect to withholding order
(a) For purposes of the income withholding act, and amendments thereto, service of a medical withholding order on an employer shall constitute service of the medical withholding order on the sponsor or administrator of the employer's health benefit plan. It shall be the duty of the employer to provide to the sponsor or administrator of the health benefit plan any information in the medical withholding order needed by the sponsor or administrator to carry out duties pursuant to the income withholding act, and amendments thereto.
(b) An employer, sponsor or other administrator of a health benefit plan shall not unreasonably delay a child's enrollment pursuant to a medical withholding order. If there is a defect in the form or documentation, the employer, sponsor or other administrator of a health benefit plan shall process the enrollment to the extent possible and promptly inform the requesting person of any additional documents or information needed to complete enrollment.
(c) If a medical withholding order has been served and the payor has determined that the child will not be enrolled immediately because the parent required to provide health coverage for the child is not eligible for family coverage, it shall be the duty of the payor to promptly reconsider the determination not to enroll the child if the parent subsequently becomes eligible for family coverage.
(d) The payor shall deduct and remit premiums or other payments required by the health benefit plan as provided in the plan.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 17; July 1.
§ 23-3118 Failure to maintain coverage
(a) Except for good cause shown, the obligee shall be granted judgment against the obligor if: (1) The obligor was subject to a medical support order for a child; (2) under the Kansas child support guidelines the obligor received credit toward a cash child support obligation based upon health benefit premiums to be paid by the obligor; and (3) the anticipated premiums were not paid in full by the obligor because of the obligor's delay or failure in obtaining health benefit coverage for the child or the obligor's failure to maintain health benefit coverage for the child.
(b) The amount of the judgment shall include the lesser of: (1) Actual costs incurred by the obligee for substantially similar health benefits; or (2) the difference between the actual amount of the cash child support order and the amount the cash child support order would have been without the credit for unpaid premiums and with any premiums paid by the obligee for substantially similar health benefit coverage.
(c) Failure to obtain or maintain health benefit coverage as ordered, for whatever reason, shall be a material change of circumstances justifying modification of the order for support if credit has been given for health benefit premiums which were not paid timely.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 18; July 1.
§ 23-3119 Support enforcement proceeding; failure to comply; penalties
(a) If the court in any support enforcement proceeding finds that an obligor has failed to comply with an outstanding warrant or subpoena issued by a court of competent jurisdiction of this state or any other state and such obligor has or may have an occupational, professional or driver's license, the court may impose such sanctions under this section as the court deems appropriate until the person has complied with the warrant or subpoena. As used in this section, "support enforcement proceeding" means any civil proceeding to:
(1) Establish paternity; or
(2) establish, modify or enforce the duty to provide child support or maintenance.
(b) If the obligor is or may be authorized to practice a profession by a licensing body as defined in K.S.A. 74-146, and amendments thereto, the court may order that a notice pursuant to K.S.A. 74-147, and amendments thereto, be served on the licensing body. If the obligor is or may be a licensed attorney, the court may file a complaint with the disciplinary administrator of the Kansas supreme court or with the appropriate official or agency of any state in which the obligor may be licensed.
(c) The court may restrict the obligor's driving privileges as provided in K.S.A. 8-292, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1997, ch. 182, § 2; July 3.
§ 23-3120 Child support enforcement; licensing bodies; professional license
(a) When an order for the support of a child has been entered and the court upon motion finds that the requirements of subsection (b) have been met, the court shall order that a notice pursuant to subsection (a) of K.S.A. 74-147, and amendments thereto, be served on the licensing body. If the person who owes support is a licensed attorney, the court shall file a complaint with the disciplinary administrator if the licensing body is the Kansas supreme court, or the appropriate bar counsel's office if the licensee practices in another state.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) shall apply if the court finds, after notice to all interested parties, that: (1) The support debtor owes past due child support in an amount equal to or greater than three months' child support; (2) the support debtor is or may be licensed to practice a profession by a licensing body as defined in K.S.A. 74-146, and amendments thereto; and (3) the debtor has failed, after a reasonable opportunity, to comply with a payment plan previously established by the court or a written payment plan agreed upon by the parties.
History: L. 2009, ch. 52, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-3121 Reporting of support arrearages to consumer credit reporting agencies
(a) As used in this section, "consumer reporting agency" means any person which, for monetary fees or dues or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages in whole or in part in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer credit information or other information on consumers for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports to third parties and which uses any means or facility of interstate commerce for the purpose of preparing or furnishing consumer reports.
(b) The secretary for children and families shall develop procedures for making information concerning support arrearages owed or assigned to the secretary or owed to any person who has applied for services pursuant to K.S.A. 39-756, and amendments thereto, available to consumer reporting agencies upon their request. The procedures shall provide for the information to be made available to such agencies in any case in which the support arrearage is $1,000 or more unless the secretary determines that providing the information is not appropriate in a particular case. The procedures may additionally provide for the information to be available to such agencies if the amount of the support arrearage is less than $1,000.
(c) The secretary may charge a consumer reporting agency requesting support arrearage information a fee not to exceed the actual cost to the secretary in providing such information.
(d) Prior to providing any information concerning an obligor's arrearage to a consumer reporting agency, the secretary shall provide advance notice to the obligor who owes support by first-class mail to the obligor's last known address, concerning the proposed release of information to a consumer reporting agency and of the methods available for contesting the accuracy of the information as provided for in K.S.A. 50-710, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 28; L. 1991, ch. 97, § 1; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 42; July 1.
§ 23-3122 Lien upon vehicles, vessels, aircraft
(a) Whenever there is an arrearage in payment of an order of support in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for one month, a lien shall arise by operation of law upon certain personal property of the obligor. The lien may be perfected as follows:
(1) In the case of a vehicle, the secretary may perfect a lien on the vehicle by filing a notice of lien with the division of vehicles of the department of revenue. The perfection of the lien shall not be in effect until the notation of the lien is actually placed upon the certificate of title for the vehicle. The notice shall be in a form prescribed by the division, or on a federal form as required by title IV-D, and shall contain a description of the vehicle, the name and address of the obligee or secretary, the name and last known address of the obligor and any other information required by the division. The notice shall state the amount of the arrearage and that the arrearage is equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for one month. A copy of the notice of lien shall be sent by first-class mail to the obligor at the obligor's last known address.
Upon the filing of the notice of lien in accordance with this subsection (a)(1) and payment to the division of a fee of $5, the division shall be authorized to demand in writing the surrender of the title certificate from the owner of the vehicle for the purpose of recording the lien on the title certificate. Once the lien is properly recorded and perfected by actually noting it on the certificate of title, a transfer of title is not valid unless the lien has been released in the manner provided by K.S.A. 8-135, and amendments thereto, or the transfer has been consented to in writing by the lienholder. If the obligor fails to surrender the title certificate within 15 days after the written demand by the division of vehicles, the division shall notify the obligee seeking to perfect the lien. The obligee may obtain an order of the court which issued the support order requiring the obligor to surrender the title certificate so that the lien may be properly recorded. Notwithstanding any provision of this section authorizing a lien on a vehicle of an obligor, no lien shall attach to any vehicle which the obligor has transferred to another person who has purchased the vehicle or accepted it by trade in exchange for other property or services in good faith, for value, prior to the time that the lien on the vehicle has been noted and perfected in the manner provided by this subsection (a)(1).
(2) In the case of a vessel or aircraft, the obligee may perfect a lien on the vessel or aircraft by filing a notice of lien with the office where filing is required by K.S.A. 84-9-401, and amendments thereto, to perfect a security interest in the vessel or aircraft. The perfection of the lien shall not be in effect until the notation of the lien is actually placed upon the appropriate documentation of title for the vessel or aircraft. The notice shall contain a description of the make, model designation and serial number of the vessel or aircraft, including its identification or registration number, if any; the name and address of the obligee; and the name and last known address of the obligor. The notice shall state the arrearage and that the arrearage is equal to or greater than the amount of support payable for one month. A copy of the notice of lien shall be sent simultaneously by first-class mail to the obligor at the obligor's last known address.
Upon the filing of the notice of lien in accordance with this subsection (a)(2) and payment of a fee of $5, the notice of lien shall be retained by the office where filed and may be enforced and foreclosed in the same manner as a security agreement under the provisions of the uniform commercial code. If the notice of lien is filed in the office of the secretary of state, the filing officer shall file, index, amend, maintain, remove and destroy the notice of lien in the same manner as a financing statement filed under part 4 of article 9 of the uniform commercial code. The secretary of state shall charge the same filing and information retrieval fees and credit the amounts in the same manner as financing statements filed under part 4 of article 9 of the uniform commercial code. Notwithstanding any provision of this section authorizing a lien on a vessel or aircraft of an obligor, no lien shall attach to any vessel or aircraft which the obligor has transferred to another person who has purchased the vessel or aircraft or accepted it by trade in exchange for other property or services in good faith, for value, prior to the time that the lien on the vessel or aircraft has been noted and perfected in the manner provided by this subsection (a)(2).
(3) In any case filed under chapter 60 or 61 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, the obligee may perfect a lien on the obligor's interest in any judgment or settlement in the case by filing a notice of lien with the clerk of the district court. Copies shall be served on appropriate parties to the action. The notice of lien shall have the effect of attaching the obligor's interest in any judgment or settlement in the case. Any person holding property or funds to satisfy any judgment or settlement in the obligor's favor shall be prohibited from transferring to the obligor any of such property or funds without the written consent of the obligee. At the time that the holder would otherwise be required to transfer property to the obligor, such property shall be transferred to the obligee unless the lien on the property has been released. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the holder to transfer any property to the obligee any sooner than the holder would have been required to transfer property to the obligor. To the extent that an attorney's lien on the obligor's interest in any settlement or judgment is perfected before service of the notice of lien under this section, the attorney's lien shall have priority. If the property or funds are insufficient to satisfy all liens, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine the division of such property or funds for payment on each lien.
Any person affected by the notice of lien who is or will be a payor as defined in the income withholding act and amendments thereto may request that the obligee proceed under the income withholding act and release the lien perfected pursuant to this section.
(4) If the obligor is or may become entitled to workers compensation benefits, the obligee may perfect a lien on the benefits by serving a notice of lien on the obligor. Copies shall be served on appropriate persons, including but not limited to the director of workers compensation. The notice of lien shall have the effect of attaching the obligor's interest in the workers compensation benefits. Any person holding property or funds to satisfy the obligor's interest shall be prohibited from transferring to the obligor any of such property or funds without the written consent of the obligee. At the time that the holder would otherwise be required to transfer property to the obligor, such property shall be transferred to the obligee unless the lien on the property has been released. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the holder to transfer any property to the obligee any sooner than the holder would have been required to transfer property to the obligor. To the extent that attorney fees are allowed by K.S.A. 44-501 et seq., and amendments thereto, the attorney fees shall have priority subject to the current limitations provided in K.S.A. 44-720, and amendments thereto.
Any person affected by the notice of lien who is or will be a payor as defined in the income withholding act and amendments thereto may request that the obligee proceed under the income withholding act and release the lien perfected pursuant to this section.
(b) As used in this section:
(1) "Aircraft" has the meaning provided by K.S.A. 3-201, and amendments thereto.
(2) "Vehicle" has the meaning provided by K.S.A. 8-126, and amendments thereto.
(3) "Vessel" has the meaning provided by K.S.A. 82a-801, and amendments thereto.
(4) "Arrearage," "title IV-D," "obligor" and "order for support" have the meanings provided by K.S.A. 23-3102, and amendments thereto.
(5) "Obligee" means the person or entity to whom a duty of support is owed, including, but not limited to, any title IV-D agency.
(6) "Workers compensation" has the meaning provided by K.S.A. 44-501 et seq., and amendments thereto.
(7) "Attorney's lien" has the meaning provided by K.S.A. 7-108, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1985, ch. 115, § 29; L. 1986, ch. 137, § 21; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 31; July 3.
§ 23-3123 Distribution of support payments; rules and regulations
(a) On and after July 1, 2015, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, for any order of support required to be paid through the central unit for collection and disbursement of support payments designated pursuant to K.S.A. 39-7,135, and amendments thereto, regardless of when such order was entered or modified, amounts collected by such central unit shall be distributed in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the secretary of the department for children and families. Such rules and regulations shall be based on child support distribution requirements as set forth in part D of title IV of the federal social security act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq., as amended, and federal regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
(b) Prior to July 1, 2015, the secretary of the department for children and families shall adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section. Such rules and regulations shall not become effective until July 1, 2015.
History: L. 2013, ch. 124, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-3124 Income withholding order; lump sum payment; attachment
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an income withholding order for attachment of a lump sum payment shall have the effect of attaching: (1) Any intangible property, funds, credits or other indebtedness of a non-recurring nature belonging or owing to the obligor which is due from the payor or in the possession or under the control of the payor at the time of service of the order; and (2) all such personal property becoming due to the obligor between the time the order is served on the payor and the 35th day after the date the order is served.
(b) The payor shall hold the attached funds, credits or indebtedness at least 14 days following the date the income withholding order for attachment of a lump sum payment was served. Thereafter, except as otherwise provided in this section, the payor shall remit the amount attached no later than the date the lump sum payment would have been paid to the obligor or 21 days after the date the order was served, whichever is later.
(c) The payor shall hold the attached funds, credits or indebtedness until further order of the court if, before remitting funds pursuant to subsection (b), the payor receives notice of a hearing on the obligor's claim of exemption concerning the income withholding order for attachment of a lump sum payment.
(d) This section shall be part of and supplemental to the income withholding act, K.S.A. 23-3101 et seq., and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2013, ch. 124, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-3125 Same; notice to obligor; hearing
(a) Immediately following the date the income withholding order for attachment of a lump sum payment is served on the payor, the person or public office seeking the withholding shall send a notice to the obligor, notifying the obligor: (1) That an income withholding order to attach a lump sum payment has been served on the payor and the effect of such order; (2) of the obligor's right to assert any claim of exemption allowed under the income withholding act; and (3) of the obligor's right to a hearing on such claim. The notice shall be substantially in compliance with the form developed pursuant to K.S.A. 23-3113, and amendments thereto, and shall contain a description of the exemptions that are applicable under the income withholding act and the procedure by which the obligor can assert any claim of exemption.
(b) If the obligor requests a hearing to assert any claim of exemption, the request shall be filed no later than 10 days following the date the notice is served on the obligor. If a hearing is requested, the hearing shall be held by the court no sooner than five days nor later than 10 days after the request is filed. At the time the request for hearing is filed, the obligor shall obtain from the clerk of the court the date and time for the hearing which shall be noted on the request form. Immediately after the request for hearing is filed, the obligor shall hand-deliver or mail, by first-class mail, a copy of the request for hearing to the payor and to the person or public office seeking the withholding or such person's attorney, if the person is represented by an attorney.
(c) If a hearing is held, the obligor shall have the burden of proof to show that some or all of the property subject to the withholding is exempt, and the court shall enter an order determining the exemption and such other order as is appropriate.
(d) This section shall be part of and supplemental to the income withholding act, K.S.A. 23-3101 et seq., and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2013, ch. 124, § 5; July 1.
§ 23-3126 Income withholding; unemployment insurance benefits
(a) (1) The secretary of the department for children and families may collect, pursuant to the income withholding act, K.S.A. 23-3101 et seq., and amendments thereto, support owed in a title IV-D case from unemployment insurance benefits payable to the obligor. Such collections may be remitted directly to the secretary. The secretary, and any other agency affected, shall use electronic processes to the greatest extent feasible.
(2) All provisions of the income withholding act shall apply to the withholding of support from unemployment insurance benefits from the state employment security agency, which shall be considered a payor for the purposes of the income withholding act, except that any cost recovery fee as a result of such withholding shall be paid by the department for children and families and shall not be paid by the obligor.
(b) If the secretary of the department for children and families receives an income withholding collection directly from another state agency for a debtor with more than one income withholding order and the payor agency does not identify the amount to be applied to each withholding order, the secretary may apply the collection in any manner allowed under title IV-D, provided that all current support due for the month under the withholding orders is satisfied first.
(c) This section shall be part of and supplemental to the income withholding act, K.S.A. 23-3101 et seq., and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2013, ch. 124, § 6; July 1.
Article 32 Legal Custody, Residency and Parenting Plans
§ 23-3201 Legal custody, residency and parenting time criteria
The court shall determine legal custody, residency and parenting time of a child in accordance with the best interests of the child.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 18; L. 2017, ch. 58, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-3202 Parenting plan; best interest presumed
If the parties have entered into a parenting plan, it shall be presumed that the agreement is in the best interests of the child. This presumption may be overcome and the court may make a different order if the court makes specific findings of fact stating why the agreed parenting plan is not in the best interests of the child.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 19; July 1.
§ 23-3203 Factors considered in determination of legal custody, residency and parenting time of a child
(a) In determining the issue of legal custody, residency and parenting time of a child, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
(1) Each parent's role and involvement with the minor child before and after separation;
(2) the desires of the child's parents as to custody or residency;
(3) the desires of a child of sufficient age and maturity as to the child's custody or residency;
(4) the age of the child;
(5) the emotional and physical needs of the child;
(6) the interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interests;
(7) the child's adjustment to the child's home, school and community;
(8) the willingness and ability of each parent to respect and appreciate the bond between the child and the other parent and to allow for a continuing relationship between the child and the other parent;
(9) evidence of domestic abuse, including, but not limited to:
(A) A pattern or history of physically or emotionally abusive behavior or threat thereof used by one person to gain or maintain domination and control over an intimate partner or household member; or
(B) an act of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault;
(10) the ability of the parties to communicate, cooperate and manage parental duties;
(11) the school activity schedule of the child;
(12) the work schedule of the parties;
(13) the location of the parties' residences and places of employment;
(14) the location of the child's school;
(15) whether a parent is subject to the registration requirements of the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq., and amendments thereto, or any similar act in any other state, or under military or federal law;
(16) whether a parent has been convicted of abuse of a child, K.S.A. 21-3609, prior to its repeal, or K.S.A. 21-5602, and amendments thereto;
(17) whether a parent is residing with an individual who is subject to registration requirements of the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq., and amendments thereto, or any similar act in any other state, or under military or federal law; and
(18) whether a parent is residing with an individual who has been convicted of abuse of a child, K.S.A. 21-3609, prior to its repeal, or K.S.A. 21-5602, and amendments thereto.
(b) To aid in determining the issue of legal custody, residency and parenting time of a child, the court may order a parent to undergo a domestic violence offender assessment conducted by a certified batterer intervention program and may order such parent to follow all recommendations made by such program.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 20; L. 2014, ch. 116, § 9; L. 2016, ch. 102, § 7; L. 2017, ch. 58, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-3204 No vested interest or presumption to either parent
Neither parent shall be considered to have a vested interest in the custody or residency of any child as against the other parent, regardless of the age of the child, and there shall be no presumption that it is in the best interests of any infant or young child to give custody or residency to the mother.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 21; July 1.
§ 23-3205 Rebuttable presumption against best interest of child in certain instances
There shall be a rebuttable presumption that it is not in the best interest of the child to have custody or residency granted to a parent who:
(a) Is residing with an individual who is subject to registration requirements of the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq., and amendments thereto, or any similar act in any other state, or under military or federal law; or
(b) is residing with an individual who has been convicted of abuse of a child, K.S.A. 21-3609, prior to its repeal, or K.S.A. 21-5602, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 22; July 1.
§ 23-3206 Legal custodial arrangements
Subject to the provisions of this article, the court may make any order relating to custodial arrangements which is in the best interests of the child. The order shall provide one of the following legal custody arrangements, in the order of preference:
(a) Joint legal custody. The court may order the joint legal custody of a child with both parties. In that event, the parties shall have equal rights to make decisions in the best interests of the child.
(b) Sole legal custody. The court may order the sole legal custody of a child with one of the parties when the court finds that it is not in the best interests of the child that both of the parties have equal rights to make decisions pertaining to the child. If the court does not order joint legal custody, the court shall include on the record specific findings of fact upon which the order for sole legal custody is based. The award of sole legal custody to one parent shall not deprive the other parent of access to information regarding the child unless the court shall so order, stating the reasons for that determination.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 23; July 1.
§ 23-3207 Residential arrangements
After making a determination of the legal custodial arrangements, the court shall determine the residency of the child from the following options, which arrangement the court must find to be in the best interest of the child. The parties shall submit to the court either an agreed parenting plan or, in the case of dispute, proposed parenting plans for the court's consideration. Such options are:
(a)
Residency.
The court may order a residential arrangement in which the child resides with one or both parents on a basis consistent with the best interests of the child.
(b)
Divided residency.
In an exceptional case, the court may order a residential arrangement in which one or more children reside with each parent and have parenting time with the other.
(c)
Nonparental residency.
If during the proceedings the court determines that there is probable cause to believe that the child is a child in need of care as defined by subsections (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3) or (d)(11) of K.S.A. 38-2202, and amendments thereto, or that neither parent is fit to have residency, the court may award temporary residency of the child to a grandparent, aunt, uncle or adult sibling, or, another person or agency if the court finds by written order that:
(1) (A) The child is likely to sustain harm if not immediately removed from the home;
(B) allowing the child to remain in the home is contrary to the welfare of the child; or
(C) immediate placement of the child is in the best interest of the child; and
(2) reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the family unit and prevent the unnecessary removal of the child from the child's home or that an emergency exists which threatens the safety of the child. In making such a residency order, the court shall give preference, to the extent that the court finds it is in the best interests of the child, first to awarding such residency to a relative of the child by blood, marriage or adoption and second to awarding such residency to another person with whom the child has close emotional ties. The court may make temporary orders for care, support, education and visitation that it considers appropriate. Temporary residency orders are to be entered in lieu of temporary orders provided for in K.S.A. 38-2243 and 38-2244, and amendments thereto, and shall remain in effect until there is a final determination under the revised Kansas code for care of children. An award of temporary residency under this paragraph shall not terminate parental rights nor give the court the authority to consent to the adoption of the child. When the court enters orders awarding temporary residency of the child to an agency or a person other than the parent, the court shall refer a transcript of the proceedings to the county or district attorney. The county or district attorney shall file a petition as provided in K.S.A. 38-2234, and amendments thereto, and may request termination of parental rights pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2266, and amendments thereto. The costs of the proceedings shall be paid from the general fund of the county. When a final determination is made that the child is not a child in need of care, the county or district attorney shall notify the court in writing and the court, after a hearing, shall enter appropriate custody orders pursuant to this article. If the same judge presides over both proceedings, the notice is not required. Any order pursuant to the revised Kansas code for care of children shall take precedence over any order under this article.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 24; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 48; May 31.
§ 23-3208 Parenting time; enforcement; child exchange and visitation centers
(a)
Parents.
A parent is entitled to reasonable parenting time unless the court finds, after a hearing, that the exercise of parenting time would seriously endanger the child's physical, mental, moral or emotional health.
(b)
Enforcement of rights.
An order granting parenting time under this article may be enforced in accordance with the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act, or K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3401, and amendments thereto.
(c)
Court-ordered exchange or parenting time at a child exchange and visitation center.
The court may order exchange or parenting time to take place at a child exchange and visitation center, as established in K.S.A. 75-720, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 25; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 49; May 31.
§ 23-3209 Interviews; court; minors
The court may interview the minor children in chambers to assist the court in determining legal custody, residency, visitation rights and parenting time. The court may permit counsel to be present at the interviews. Upon request of any party, the court shall cause a record of the interview to be made as part of the record in the case.
History: L. 1982, ch. 152, § 13; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 17; July 1.
§ 23-3210 Information relating to custody or residency of children; visitation or parenting time with children
(a)
Investigation and report.
In any proceeding in which legal custody, residency, visitation rights or parenting time are contested, the court may order an investigation and report concerning the appropriate legal custody, residency, visitation rights and parenting time to be granted to the parties. The investigation and report may be made by court services officers or any consenting person or agency employed by the court for that purpose. The court may use the Kansas department for children and families to make the investigation and report if no other source is available for that purpose. The costs for making the investigation and report may be assessed as court costs in the case as provided in article 20 of chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
(b)
Consultation.
In preparing the report concerning a child, the investigator may consult any person who may have information about the child and the potential legal custodial arrangements. Upon order of the court, the investigator may refer the child to other professionals for diagnosis. The investigator may consult with and obtain information from medical, psychiatric or other expert persons who have served the child in the past. If the requirements of subsection (c) are fulfilled, the investigator's report may be received in evidence at the hearing.
(c)
Use of report and investigator's testimony.
The court shall make the investigator's report available prior to the hearing to counsel or to any party not represented by counsel. Upon motion of either party, the report may be made available to a party represented by counsel, unless the court finds that such distribution would be harmful to either party, the child or other witnesses. Any party to the proceeding may call the investigator and any person whom the investigator has consulted for cross-examination. In consideration of the mental health or best interests of the child, the court may approve a stipulation that the interview records not be divulged to the parties.
History: L. 1982, ch. 152, § 14; L. 1983, ch. 199, § 3; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 18; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 43; July 1.
§ 23-3211 Definitions
(a) "Temporary parenting plan" means an agreement or order issued defining the legal custody, residency and parenting time to be exercised by parents with regard to a child between the time of filing of a matter in which a parenting plan may be entered, and any other provisions regarding the child's care which may be in the best interest of the child, until a final order is issued.
(b) "Permanent parenting plan" means an agreement between parents which is incorporated into an order at a final hearing or an order or decree issued at a final hearing without agreement that establishes legal custody, residency, parenting time and other matters regarding a child custody arrangement in a matter in which a parenting plan may be entered.
(c) "Legal custody" means the allocation of parenting responsibilities between parents, or any person acting as a parent, including decision making rights and responsibilities pertaining to matters of child health, education and welfare.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 25; July 1.
§ 23-3212 Temporary orders
(a) The court may enter a temporary parenting plan in any case in which temporary orders relating to child custody is authorized.
(b) If the court deems it appropriate, a temporary parenting plan approved by the court may include one or more of the following provisions regarding children involved in the matter before the court:
(1) Designation of the temporary legal custody of the child;
(2) designation of a temporary residence for the child;
(3) allocation of parental rights and responsibilities regarding matters pertaining to the child's health, education and welfare;
(4) a schedule for the child's time with each parent, when appropriate.
(c) A parent seeking a temporary order in which matters of child custody, residency, or parenting time are included shall file a proposed temporary parenting plan contemporaneous with any request for issuance of such temporary orders, which plan shall be served with any such temporary orders.
(d) If the parent who has not filed a proposed temporary parenting plan disputes the allocation of parenting responsibilities, residency, parenting time or other matters included in the proposed temporary parenting plan, that parent shall file and serve a responsive proposed temporary parenting plan.
(e) Either parent may move to have a proposed temporary parenting plan entered as part of a temporary order. The parents may enter an agreed temporary parenting plan at any time as part of a temporary order.
(f) A parent may move for amendment of a temporary parenting plan, and the court may order amendment to the temporary parenting plan, if the amendment is in the best interest of the child.
(g) If a proceeding for divorce, separate maintenance, annulment or determination of parentage is dismissed, any temporary parenting plan is vacated.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 26; July 1.
§ 23-3213 Permanent; objectives; general outline, provisions
(a) The objectives of the permanent parenting plan are to:
(1) Establish a proper allocation of parental rights and responsibilities;
(2) establish an appropriate working relationship between the parents such that matters regarding the health, education and welfare of their child is best determined;
(3) provide for the child's physical care;
(4) set forth an appropriate schedule of parenting time;
(5) maintain the child's emotional stability;
(6) provide for the child's changing needs as the child grows and matures in a way that minimizes the need for future modifications to the permanent parenting plan;
(7) minimize the child's exposure to harmful parental conflict;
(8) encourage the parents, where appropriate, to meet their responsibilities to their minor children through agreements in the permanent parenting plan, rather than by relying on judicial intervention; and
(9) otherwise protect the best interests of the child.
(b) A permanent parenting plan may consist of a general outline of how parental responsibilities and parenting time will be shared and may allow the parents to develop a more detailed agreement on an informal basis; however, a permanent parenting plan must set forth the following minimum provisions:
(1) Designation of the legal custodial relationship of the child;
(2) a schedule for the child's time with each parent, when appropriate;
(3) a provision for a procedure by which disputes between the parents may be resolved without need for court intervention; and
(4) if either parent is a service member, as defined in K.S.A. 23-3217, and amendments thereto, provisions for custody and parenting time upon military deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour of such service member.
(c) A detailed permanent parenting plan shall include those provisions required by subsection (b), and may include, but need not be limited to, provisions relating to:
(1) Residential schedule;
(2) holiday, birthday and vacation planning;
(3) weekends, including holidays and school inservice days preceding or following weekends;
(4) allocation of parental rights and responsibilities regarding matters pertaining to the child's health, education and welfare;
(5) sharing of and access to information regarding the child;
(6) relocation of parents;
(7) telephone access;
(8) transportation; and
(9) methods for resolving disputes.
(d) The court shall develop a permanent parenting plan, which may include such detailed provisions as the court deems appropriate, when:
(1) So requested by either parent; or
(2) the parent or parents are unable to develop a parenting plan.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 27; L. 2008, ch. 151, § 2; May 22.
§ 23-3214 Court information; classes; mediation; forms
(a) The court shall inform the parents, or require them to be informed, about:
(1) How to prepare a parenting plan;
(2) the impact of family dissolution on children and how the needs of children facing family dissolution can best be addressed;
(3) the impact of domestic abuse on children, and resources for addressing domestic abuse; and
(4) mediation or other nonjudicial procedures designed to help them achieve an agreement.
(b) The court may require the parents to attend parent education classes.
(c) If parents are unable to resolve issues and agree to a parenting plan, the court may require mediation, unless mediation is determined inappropriate in the particular case.
(d) The clerk of the district court shall supply forms and information prescribed by the supreme court which may be used for submission of temporary and permanent parenting plans.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 28; July 1.
§ 23-3215 Notification of other parent of certain events; failure, indirect civil contempt; material change in circumstances
(a) A parent entitled to legal custody of, or residency of, or parenting time with a child pursuant to K.S.A. 23-3201 through 23-3207 and 23-3218, and amendments thereto, shall give written notice to the other parent of one or more of the following events when such parent: (1) Is subject to the registration requirements of the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq., and amendments thereto, or any similar act in any other state, or under military or federal law; (2) has been convicted of abuse of a child, K.S.A. 21-3609, prior to its repeal, or K.S.A. 21-5602, and amendments thereto; (3) is residing with an individual who is known by the parent to be subject to the registration requirements of the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq., and amendments thereto, or any similar act in any other state, or under military or federal law; or (4) is residing with an individual who is known by the parent to have been convicted of abuse of a child, K.S.A. 21-3609, prior to its repeal, or K.S.A. 21-5602, and amendments thereto. Such notice shall be sent by restricted mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the other parent within 14 days following such event.
(b) Failure to give notice as required by subsection (a) is an indirect civil contempt punishable as provided by law. In addition, the court may assess, against the parent required to give notice, reasonable attorney fees and any other expenses incurred by the other parent by reason of the failure to give notice.
(c) An event described in subsection (a) may be considered a material change of circumstances which justifies modification of a prior order of legal custody, residency, child support or parenting time.
History: L. 2005, ch. 154, § 1; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 177; L. 2011, ch. 26, § 45; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 50; May 31.
§ 23-3216 Reserved
§ 23-3217 Child custody and parenting time for parents deployed by the military; modification of orders; hearing
(a) As used in this section:
(1) "Deployment" means the temporary transfer of a service member serving in an active-duty status to another location in support of combat or some other military operation.
(2) "Mobilization" means the call-up of a national guard or reserve service member to extended active-duty status. "Mobilization" does not include national guard or reserve annual training.
(3) "Service member" means any member serving in an active-duty status in the armed forces of the United States, the national guard or the armed forces reserves.
(4) "Temporary duty" means the transfer of a service member from one military base to a different location for a limited period of time to accomplish training or to assist in the performance of a noncombat mission.
(5) "Unaccompanied tour" means a permanent change of station for a service member where dependent travel is not authorized.
(6) "Nondeploying parent" means the parent not subject to deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour orders from the military.
(b) The absence, relocation or failure to comply with a custody or parenting time order by a parent who has received deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour orders from the military, shall not, by itself, constitute a material change in circumstances warranting a permanent modification of a custody or parenting time order.
(c) Any court order limiting previously ordered custodial or parenting time rights of a parent due to the parent's deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour shall specify the deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour as the basis for the order and shall be entered by the court as a temporary order. Any such order shall further require the nondeploying parent to provide the court with 30 days advance written notice of any change of address and any change of telephone number.
(d) The court, on motion of the parent returning from deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour, seeking to amend or review the custody or parenting time order based upon such deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour, shall set a hearing on the matter that shall take precedence on the court's docket and shall be set within 30 days of the filing of the motion. Service on the nondeploying parent shall be at such nondeploying parent's last address provided to the court in writing. Such service, if otherwise sufficient, shall be deemed sufficient for the purposes of notice for this subsection. For purposes of this hearing, such nondeploying parent shall bear the burden of showing that reentry of the custody or parenting time order in effect prior to deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour is no longer in the best interests of the child.
(e) If the parties in a custody or parenting time matter concerning a parent who receives deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour orders from the military have entered into a parenting plan pursuant to K.S.A. 23-3213, and amendments thereto, that includes provisions for custody and parenting time upon military deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour, it shall be presumed that the agreement is in the best interests of the child. This presumption may be overcome and the court may make a different order if the court makes specific findings of fact stating why the agreed parenting plan is not in the best interests of the child.
(f) If a parent with parenting time rights receives deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour orders from the military that involve moving a substantial distance from the parent's residence or otherwise have a material effect on the parent's ability to exercise parenting time rights, the court may delegate the parent's parenting time rights, or a portion thereof, to a member or members of the service member's family with a close and substantial relationship to the minor child for the duration of the parent's absence, if delegating parenting time rights is in the best interests of the child.
(g) Upon motion of a parent who has received deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour orders from the military, the court shall, for good cause shown, hold an expedited hearing in custody and parenting time matters instituted under this section when the military duties of the parent have a material effect on the parent's ability, or anticipated ability, to appear in person at a regularly scheduled hearing.
(h) Nothing in this section shall preclude a parent from petitioning for a modification of a custody or parenting time order based upon a material change in circumstances.
(i) Any order entered pursuant to this section shall provide that:
(1) The nondeploying parent shall reasonably accommodate the leave schedule of the parent subject to deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour orders;
(2) the nondeploying parent shall facilitate opportunities for telephonic and electronic mail contact between the parent subject to deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour orders and the child during the period of such deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour; and
(3) the parent subject to deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour shall provide timely information regarding such parent's leave schedule to the nondeploying parent. Willful violation of such order shall constitute contempt of court.
(j) Nothing in this section shall alter the duty of the court to determine custody or parenting time matters in accordance with the best interests of the child.
History: L. 2008, ch. 151, § 1; May 22.
§ 23-3218 Modification of child custody, residency, visitation and parenting time; examination of parties
(a) Subject to the provisions of the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act (K.S.A. 23-37,101 through 23-37,405, and amendments thereto), the court may change or modify any prior order of custody, residency, visitation and parenting time, when a material change of circumstances is shown, but no ex parte order shall have the effect of changing residency of a minor child from the parent who has had the sole de facto residency of the child to the other parent unless there is sworn testimony to support a showing of extraordinary circumstances. If an interlocutory order is issued ex parte, the court shall hear a motion to vacate or modify the order within 15 days of the date that a party requests a hearing whether to vacate or modify the order.
(b) The court may order physical or mental examinations of the parties if requested pursuant to K.S.A. 60-235, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 26; July 1.
§ 23-3219 Modification of final order; specify factual allegations
(a) A party filing a motion to modify a final order pertaining to child custody or residential placement pursuant to article 22, 27 or 32 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, shall include with specificity in the verified motion, or in an accompanying affidavit, all known factual allegations which constitute the basis for the change of custody or residential placement. If the court finds that the allegations set forth in the motion or the accompanying affidavit fail to establish a prima facie case, the court shall deny the motion. If the court finds that the motion establishes a prima facie case, the matter may be tried on factual issues.
(b) In the event the court is asked to issue an ex parte order modifying a final child custody or residential placement order based on alleged emergency circumstances, the court shall:
(1) Attempt to have the nonmoving party's counsel, if any, present before taking up the matter.
(2) Set the matter for review hearing at the earliest possible court setting after issuance of the ex parte order, but in no case later than 15 days after issuance.
(3) Require personal service of the order and notice of review hearing on the nonmoving party.
No ex parte order modifying a final custody or residential placement order shall be entered without sworn testimony to support a showing of the alleged emergency.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 30; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 51; May 31.
§ 23-3220 Modifications to orders enforced under title IV-D programs
Motions to modify legal custody, residency, visitation rights or parenting time in proceedings where support obligations are enforced under part D of title IV of the federal social security act (42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.), as amended, shall be considered proceedings in connection with the administration of the title IV-D program for the sole purpose of disclosing information necessary to obtain service of process on the parent with physical custody of the child.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 27; July 1.
§ 23-3221 Modification of parenting time order
(a) The court may modify an order granting or denying parenting time whenever modification would serve the best interests of the child.
(b) Repeated unreasonable denial of or interference with parenting time granted under this article may be considered a material change of circumstances which justifies modification of a prior order of legal custody, residency or parenting time.
(c) Any party may petition the court to modify an order granting parenting time to require that the exchange or transfer of children for parenting time take place at a child exchange and visitation center, as established in K.S.A. 75-720, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 28; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 52; May 31.
§ 23-3222 Change in child's residence; notice; effect; exceptions
(a) Except as provided in subsection (d), a parent entitled to legal custody or residency of or parenting time with a child under this article shall give written notice to the other parent not less than 30 days prior to: (1) Changing the residence of the child; or (2) removing the child from this state for a period of time exceeding 90 days. Such notice shall be sent by restricted mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the other parent.
(b) Failure to give notice as required by subsection (a) is an indirect civil contempt punishable as provided by law. In addition, the court may assess, against the parent required to give notice, reasonable attorney fees and any other expenses incurred by the other parent by reason of the failure to give notice.
(c) A change of the residence or the removal of a child as described in subsection (a) may be considered a material change of circumstances which justifies modification of a prior order of legal custody, residency, child support or parenting time. In determining any motion seeking a modification of a prior order based on change of residence or removal as described in (a), the court shall consider all factors the court deems appropriate including, but not limited to: (1) The effect of the move on the best interests of the child; (2) the effect of the move on any party having rights granted under this article; and (3) the increased cost the move will impose on any party seeking to exercise rights granted under this article.
(d) A parent entitled to the legal custody or residency of a child under this article shall not be required to give the notice required by this section to the other parent when the other parent has been convicted of any crime specified in article 34, 35 or 36 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, prior to their repeal, or K.S.A. 21-5401 through 21-5609, 21-6104, 21-6325, 21-6326 or 21-6419 through 21-6422, and amendments thereto, in which the child is the victim of such crime.
History: L. 1984, ch. 213, § 1; L. 1996, ch. 188, § 5; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 21; L. 2011, ch. 26, § 44; L. 2011, ch. 91, § 25; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 53; L. 2015, ch. 94, § 11; July 1.
Article 33 Nonparent Visitation
§ 23-3301 Repealed
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 29; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 54; Repealed, L. 2024, ch. 52, § 21; July 1.
§ 23-3302 Repealed
History: L. 1971, ch. 149, § 1; L. 1982, ch. 182, § 149; L. 1984, ch. 152, § 1; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 55; Repealed, L. 2024, ch. 52, § 21; July 1.
§ 23-3303 Repealed
History: L. 1971, ch. 149, § 2; L. 1984, ch. 152, § 2; Repealed, L. 2024, ch. 52, § 21; July 1.
§ 23-3304 Repealed
History: L. 1971, ch. 149, § 3; L. 1984, ch. 152, § 3; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 56; Repealed, L. 2024, ch. 52, § 21; July 1.
§ 23-3305 Citation of act
K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3305 through 23-3324, and amendments thereto, shall be known and may be cited as the uniform nonparent visitation act.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-3306 Definitions
As used in this act:
(a) "Child" means an unemancipated individual who is less than 18 years of age.
(b) "Compensation" means wages or other remuneration paid in exchange for care of a child. "Compensation" does not include reimbursement of expenses for care of the child, including payment for food, clothing and medical expenses.
(c) "Consistent caretaker" means a nonparent who meets the requirements of section 4(b), and amendments thereto.
(d) "Custody" means physical custody, legal custody or both.
(e) "Harm to a child" means significant adverse effect on a child's physical, emotional or psychological well-being.
(f) "Legal custody" means the right to make significant decisions regarding a child, including decisions regarding a child's education, healthcare and scheduled activity.
(g) "Nonparent" means an individual, other than a parent or person acting as a parent of a child. "Nonparent" includes a grandparent, sibling or stepparent of a child.
(h) "Parent" means an individual recognized as a parent under the laws of Kansas.
(i) "Person" means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, instrumentality or other legal entity.
(j) "Person acting as a parent" means a person, other than a parent, who:
(1) Has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for a period of six consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within one year immediately preceding the commencement of a child custody proceeding; and
(2) has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal custody under the laws of Kansas.
(k) "Physical custody" means living with a child and exercising day-to-day care of the child.
(l) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(m) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. "State" includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.
(n) "Substantial relationship with the child" means a relationship between a nonparent and child that meets the requirements of K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3308(c), and amendments thereto.
(o) "Visitation" means the right to spend time with a child who is living with another person and may include an overnight stay.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-3307 Scope
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), this act applies to a proceeding in which a nonparent seeks visitation, including proceedings in which the child has a guardian pursuant to article 30 of chapter 59 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, or a permanent custodian pursuant to article 22 of chapter 38 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.
(b) This act does not apply to a proceeding:
(1) Between nonparents, unless a parent or person acting as a parent is a party to the proceeding;
(2) pertaining to visitation with an Indian child as defined in the Indian child welfare act of 1978, 25 U.S.C. § 1903(4), to the extent the proceeding is governed by the Indian child welfare act of 1978, 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901 through 1963; and
(3) pertaining to a child who is the subject of an ongoing proceeding under article 22 of chapter 38 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, or a substantially similar proceeding in another state.
(c) A nonparent shall not maintain a proceeding under this act for visitation with a child solely because the nonparent served as a foster parent of the child.
(d) An individual whose parental rights concerning a child have been terminated shall not maintain a proceeding under this act concerning such child.
(e) Relief under this act is not available during the period of a visitation order entered under K.S.A. 23-3217, and amendments thereto, or other order related to visitation with a child of a deployed parent or person acting as a parent. A visitation order entered before a parent or person acting as a parent was deployed remains in effect unless modified by the court.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-3308 Requirements for order of visitation
(a) A court may order visitation to a nonparent only if the nonparent proves that:
(1) The denial of visitation would result in harm to the child;
(2) the nonparent:
(A) Is or has been a consistent caretaker as described in subsection (b) within one year of the initiation of the action; or
(B) has a substantial relationship with the child as described in subsection (c); and
(3) an order of visitation to the nonparent is in the best interest of the child applying the factors in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3315, and amendments thereto.
(b) A nonparent is a consistent caretaker if the nonparent, without expectation of compensation:
(1) Lived with the child for not less than 12 months, unless the court finds good cause to accept a shorter period;
(2) regularly exercised care of the child;
(3) made day-to-day decisions regarding the child solely or in cooperation with an individual having physical custody of the child; and
(4) established a bonded and dependent relationship with the child with the express or implied consent of a parent or person acting as a parent of the child or without the consent of a parent or person acting as a parent if no parent or person acting as a parent has been able or willing to perform parenting functions.
(c) A nonparent has a substantial relationship with the child if:
(1) The nonparent:
(A) Is an individual with a familiar relationship with the child by blood or law; or
(B) formed a relationship with the child without expectation of compensation;
(2) a significant emotional bond exists between the nonparent and the child from the child's point of view; and
(3) the nonparent:
(A) Regularly exercised care of the child; and
(B) established a bonded and dependent relationship with the child with the express or implied consent of a parent or person acting as a parent of the child or without the consent of a parent or person acting as a parent if no parent or person acting as a parent has been able or willing to perform parenting functions.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-3309 Presumption for parental decision
(a) In an initial proceeding under this act, there is a rebuttable presumption that a decision by a parent or person acting as a parent regarding a request for visitation by a nonparent is in the best interest of the child.
(b) Subject to K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3317, and amendments thereto, a nonparent has the burden to rebut the presumption described in subsection (a) by clear and convincing evidence of the facts required by K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3308(a), and amendments thereto. Proof of unfitness of a parent or person acting as a parent is not required to rebut the presumption described in subsection (a).
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 5; July 1.
§ 23-3310 Commencement of proceeding; jurisdiction
A nonparent may commence a proceeding by filing a petition under K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3311, and amendments thereto, in the court having jurisdiction to determine visitation under the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act, K.S.A. 23-37,101 through 23-37,405, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 6; July 1.
§ 23-3311 Verified petition
(a) A nonparent shall verify a petition for vistitation under penalty of perjury and allege facts showing that the nonparent:
(1) Meets the requirements of a consistent caretaker of the child as described in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3308(b), and amendments thereto; or
(2) has a substantial relationship with the child as described in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3308(c), and amendments thereto, and denial of visitation would result in harm to the child.
(b) A petition under subsection (a) shall state the relief sought and allege specific facts showing:
(1) The duration and nature of the relationship between the nonparent and the child, including the period, if any, the nonparent lived with the child and the care provided;
(2) the content of any agreement between the parties to the proceeding regarding care of the child and custody of or visitation or other contact with the child;
(3) a description of any previous attempt by the nonparent to obtain visitation or other contact with the child;
(4) the extent to which the parent or person acting as a parent is willing to permit the nonparent to have visitation or other contact with the child;
(5) information about compensation or expectation of compensation provided to the nonparent in exchange for care of the child;
(6) information required to establish the jurisdiction of the court under the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act, K.S.A. 23-37,101 through 23-37,405, and amendments thereto;
(7) the reason the requested visitation is in the best interest of the child, applying the factors in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3315, and amendments thereto; and
(8) if the nonparent alleges a substantial relationship with the child, the reason denial of visitation to the nonparent would result in harm to the child.
(c) If an agreement described in subsection (b)(2) is in a record, the nonparent shall attach a copy of the agreement to the petition.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 7; July 1.
§ 23-3312 Sufficiency of petition
(a) Based on the petition described in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3311, and amendments thereto, the court shall determine whether the nonparent has pleaded a prima facie case that:
(1) A denial of visitation would result in harm to the child;
(2) the nonparent:
(A) Is or has been a consistent caretaker, as described in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3308(b), and amendments thereto, during the year immediately preceding filing of the action; or
(B) has a substantial relationship with the child, as described in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3308(c), and amendments thereto; and
(3) an order of visitation to the nonparent is in the best interest of the child applying the factors in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3315, and amendments thereto.
(b) If the court determines that the nonparent has not pleaded a prima facie case, the court shall dismiss the petition.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 8; July 1.
§ 23-3313 Notice
On commencement of a proceeding under the act, the nonparent shall give notice as described in article 3 of chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, to each:
(a) Parent or person acting as a parent of the child who is the subject of the proceeding;
(b) person having legal custody, residency or parenting time with the child;
(c) individual having court-ordered visitation with the child; and
(d) attorney, guardian ad litem or similar representative appointed for the child.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 9; July 1.
§ 23-3314 Appointment; interview of child; court services
In the manner and to the extent authorized by chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, the court may do one or more of the following:
(a) Appoint a guardian ad litem for the child;
(b) interview the child if such child is of sufficient age and maturity;
(c) require the parties to participate in mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution, except that a party who has been the victim of a domestic violence offense, as defined in K.S.A. 21-5111, and amendments thereto, a sex offense described in article 55 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, stalking as described in K.S.A. 21-5427, and amendments thereto, or other offense committed by another party to the proceeding shall not be required to participate unless reasonable procedures are in place to protect the party from a risk of harm, harassment or intimidation; or
(d) order an evaluation, investigation or other assessment of the child's circumstances and the effect on the child of ordering or denying the requested visitation or modifying a visitation order.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 10; July 1.
§ 23-3315 Best interest of a child
(a) When determining whether an order of visitation to a nonparent is in the best interest of a child, the court shall consider:
(1) The nature and extent of the relationship between the child and the parent or person acting as a parent;
(2) the nature and extent of the relationship between the child and the nonparent;
(3) past or present conduct by a party or individual living with a party that poses a risk to the physical, emotional or psychological well-being of the child;
(4) the likely impact of the requested order on the relationship between the child and the parent or person acting as a parent;
(5) the applicable factors in K.S.A. 23-3203, and amendments thereto; and
(6) any other factor affecting the best interest of the child.
(b) The court may consider the views of the child, taking into account the age and maturity of the child.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 11; July 1.
§ 23-3316 Presumption arising from child abuse, child abandoment, domestic violence, sex offense or stalking
(a) The court shall presume that ordering visitation to a nonparent is not in the best interest of the child if the court finds that the nonparent or an individual living with the nonparent has:
(1) Committed abuse of a child as described in K.S.A. 21-5602, and amendments thereto;
(2) committed abandonment of a child or aggravated abandonment of a child as described in K.S.A. 21-5605, and amendments thereto;
(3) committed a domestic violence offense as defined in K.S.A. 21-5111, and amendments thereto;
(4) committed a sex offense described in article 55 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto;
(5) committed stalking as described in K.S.A. 21-5427, and amendments thereto;
(6) been subject to registration requirements under the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq., and amendments thereto; or
(7) committed an offense or been subjected to a registration requirement in another state that is comparable to those described in paragraphs (1) through (6).
(b) A finding that conduct described in subsection (a) occurred shall be based on:
(1) Evidence of a conviction in a criminal proceeding or final judgment in a civil proceeding; or
(2) proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) A nonparent may rebut the presumption described in subsection (a) by proving by clear and convincing evidence that ordering visitation to the nonparent will not endanger the health, safety or welfare of the child and is in the best interest of the child.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 12; July 1.
§ 23-3317 Modification of visitation
(a) On verified motion subject to subsection (c), the court may modify a final visitation order on a showing by a preponderance of the evidence that:
(1) A material change in circumstance has occurred relevant to the visitation with the child; and
(2) modification is in the best interest of the child.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), if a nonparent has rebutted the presumption described in K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3309, and amendments thereto, in an initial proceeding, the presumption remains rebutted.
(c) On agreement of the parties, the court may modify a visitation order unless the court finds that the agreement is not in the best interest of the child.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 13; July 1.
§ 23-3318 Findings of fact and conclusions of law
When issuing a final order of visitation, the court shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law as required by K.S.A. 60-252, and amendments thereto, in support of its decision or, if the petition is dismissed pursuant to K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3312, and amendments thereto, or a motion for modification is denied pursuant to K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3317, and amendments thereto, state the reasons for the dismissal or denial.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 14; July 1.
§ 23-3319 Notice to parent by nonparent required, when
(a) (1) A nonparent who is entitled to visitation with a child under this act shall give written notice to the parent or person acting as a parent if the nonparent:
(A) Is subject to the registration requirements of the Kansas offender registration act, K.S.A. 22-4901 et seq., and amendments thereto, or any comparable registration requirements of another jurisdiction;
(B) has been convicted of abuse of a child as described in K.S.A. 21-5602, and amendments thereto; or
(C) is residing with an individual who is known by the nonparent to be subject to the registration requirements or convicted as described in subparagraphs (A) or (B).
(2) The notice described in this subsection shall be sent by restricted mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the parent or person acting as a parent within 14 days following knowledge of an event described in paragraph (1).
(b) Failure to give notice as required in this section is an indirect civil contempt punishable as provided by law. The court may order the nonparent required to give notice to pay reasonable attorney fees and any other expenses incurred by the parent or person acting as a parent as a result of the failure to give notice.
(c) An event described in subsection (a)(1) may be considered a material change of circumstances that justifies modification of a prior order of visitation.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 15; July 1.
§ 23-3320 Expense of facilitating visitation
(a) The expense of facilitating visitation, including the expense of transportation, shall be paid by the nonparent unless the court determines justice and equity require otherwise.
(b) The nonparent shall pay for services ordered under K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 23-3314, and amendments thereto, unless the court determines that justice and equity require otherwise.
(c) Costs and reasonable attorney fees shall be awarded to the parent or person acting as a parent unless the court determines that justice and equity require otherwise.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 16; July 1.
§ 23-3321 Uniformity of application and construction
In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 17; July 1.
§ 23-3322 Relation to electronic signatures in global and national commerce act
This act modifies, limits or supersedes the electronic signatures in global and national commerce act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit or supersede section 101(c) of that act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. § 7003(b).
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 18; July 1.
§ 23-3323 Transitional provision
This act applies to a proceeding:
(a) Commenced before July 1, 2024, in which a final order has not been entered; and
(b) commenced on or after July 1, 2024.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 19; July 1.
§ 23-3324 Severability of provisions of act
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions of applications of this act that can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.
History: L. 2024, ch. 52, § 20; July 1.
Article 34 Enforcement of Visitation and Parenting Time
§ 23-3401 Expedited procedure
(a) The purpose of this section is to enhance the enforcement of court ordered child visitation rights and parenting time by establishing a simplified, expedited procedure to provide justice without necessitating the assistance of legal counsel.
(b) A party who has been granted visitation rights or parenting time may file with the court a motion alleging denial or interference with those rights and enforcement of those rights. The district court shall provide a form on which such motion may be filed. Such expedited matters shall be heard by a district judge, court trustee, or magistrate, sitting as a hearing officer. The provisions of this section are in addition to those enforcement procedures provided in the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act, and amendments thereto, and other remedies provided by law.
(c) When a motion seeking expedited enforcement under subsection (b) is filed, the hearing officer shall immediately:
(1) Set a time and place for a hearing on the motion, which shall not be more than 21 days after the date on which the motion was filed; or
(2) if deemed appropriate, issue an ex parte order for mediation in accordance with K.S.A. 23-3501 through 23-3506, and amendments thereto.
(d) If mediation ordered pursuant to subsection (c) is completed, the mediator shall submit a summary of the parties' understanding to the hearing officer within five days after it is signed by the parties. Upon receipt of the summary, the hearing officer shall enter an order in accordance with the parties' agreement or set a time and place for a hearing on the matter, which shall be not more than 10 days after the summary is received by the hearing officer.
(e) If mediation ordered pursuant to subsection (c) is terminated pursuant to K.S.A. 23-3504, and amendments thereto, the mediator shall report the termination to the hearing officer within five days after the termination. Upon receipt of the report, the matter shall be set for hearing. Any such hearing shall be not more than 10 days after the mediator's report of termination is received by the hearing officer.
(f) Notice of the hearing date set by the hearing officer shall be given to all interested parties by certified mail, return receipt requested, or as the court may order.
(g) If, upon hearing the hearing officer finds that there has been an unreasonable interference with or denial of visitation or parenting time, the hearing officer shall enter an order providing for one or more of the following:
(1) A specific schedule for visitation or parenting time;
(2) compensating visitation or parenting time to the party suffering interference or denial of visitation or parenting time, which time shall be of the same type (e.g., holiday, weekday, weekend, summer) as for which denial or interference was found and which shall be at the convenience of the party suffering the denial or interference of visitation or parenting time;
(3) the posting of a bond, either cash or with sufficient sureties, conditioned upon compliance with the order granting visitation rights or parenting time;
(4) assessment of reasonable attorney fees, mediation costs and costs of the proceedings to enforce visitation rights or parenting time against the person responsible for the unreasonable denial or interference with visitation or parenting time other than the child;
(5) attendance of one or more of the parties to the action at counseling or educational sessions which focus on the impact on children of disputes regarding visitation or parenting time. Expenses shall be assessed to the person responsible for the denial or interference with visitation or parenting time;
(6) supervised visitation or parenting time; or
(7) any other remedy which the hearing officer considers appropriate, except, if a hearing officer is not a district judge, the hearing officer shall not enter any order which grants a new order, or modifies an existing order for child support, child custody, residency, or maintenance.
(h) Decisions of any hearing officer who is not a district judge shall be subject to review by a district judge on the motion of any party filed within 14 days after the order was entered.
(i) In no case shall final disposition of a motion filed pursuant to this section take place more than 45 days after the filing of such motion.
History: L. 1986, ch. 138, § 1; L. 1986, ch. 133, § 4; L. 1999, ch. 57, § 42; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 7; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 38; July 1.
§ 23-3402 Reserved
§ 23-3403 Orders; enforcement
(a) Any custody or parenting time order, or order relating to the best interests of a child, issued pursuant to the revised Kansas code for care of children or the revised Kansas juvenile justice code, shall take precedence over any order under article 32 or 33 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, or K.S.A. 60-1610, prior to its repeal, until jurisdiction under the revised Kansas code for care of children or the revised Kansas juvenile justice code is terminated.
(b) An order granting visitation rights under article 33 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, or parenting time under article 32 of chapter 23 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, may be enforced in accordance with the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act, or this article.
History: L. 2011, ch. 26, § 36; L. 2011, ch. 91, § 40; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 57; May 31.
Article 35 Alternative Dispute Resolution
§ 23-3501 Defined
Mediation under this section is the process by which a neutral mediator appointed by the court, or by a hearing officer, assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement as to issues of child custody, residency, visitation, parenting time, division of property or other issues. The role of the mediator is to aid the parties in identifying the issues, reducing misunderstandings, clarifying priorities, exploring areas of compromise and finding points of agreement. An agreement reached by the parties is to be based on the decisions of the parties and not the decisions of the mediator.
History: L. 1985, ch. 147, § 1; L. 1986, ch. 138, § 2; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 5; July 1.
§ 23-3502 When ordered; appointment and qualifications of mediator
(a) The court or hearing officer may order mediation of any contested issue of child custody, residency, visitation, parenting time, division of property or other issues, at any time, upon motion of a party or on the court's own motion.
(b) If the court or hearing officer orders mediation under subsection (a), the court or hearing officer shall appoint a mediator, taking into consideration the following:
(1) An agreement by the parties to have a specific mediator appointed by the court or hearing officer;
(2) the nature and extent of any relationships the mediator may have with the parties and any personal, financial or other interests the mediator may have which could result in bias or a conflict of interest;
(3) the mediator's knowledge of (A) the Kansas judicial system and the procedure used in domestic relations cases, (B) other resources in the community to which parties can be referred for assistance, (C) child development, (D) clinical issues relating to children, (E) the effects of divorce on children and (F) the psychology of families; and
(4) the mediator's training and experience in the process and techniques of mediation.
History: L. 1985, ch. 147, § 2; L. 1986, ch. 138, § 3; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 6; July 1.
§ 23-3503 Duties of mediator
(a) A mediator appointed under K.S.A. 23-3502, and amendments thereto, shall:
(1) Inform the parties of the costs of mediation;
(2) advise the parties that the mediator does not represent either or both of the parties;
(3) define and describe the process of mediation to the parties;
(4) disclose the nature and extent of any relationships with the parties and any personal, financial or other interests which could result in bias or a conflict of interest;
(5) advise each of the parties to obtain independent legal advice;
(6) allow only the parties to attend the mediation sessions;
(7) disclose to the parties' attorneys any factual documentation revealed during the mediation if at the end of the mediation process the disclosure is agreed to by the parties;
(8) ensure that the parties consider fully the best interests of the children and that the parties understand the consequences of any decision they reach concerning the children; and
(9) inform the parties of the extent to which information obtained from and about the participants through the mediation process is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.
(b) The mediator may meet with the children of any party and, with the consent of the parties, may meet with other persons.
(c) The mediator shall make a written summary of any understanding reached by the parties. A copy of the summary shall be provided to the parties and their attorneys, if any. The mediator shall advise each party in writing to obtain legal assistance in drafting any agreement or for reviewing any agreement drafted by the other party. Any understanding reached by the parties as a result of mediation shall not be binding upon the parties nor admissible in court until it is reduced to writing, signed by the parties and their attorneys, if any, and approved by the court. If the parties are not represented by attorneys, the mediator shall provide to the court or hearing officer the written summary of any understanding signed by the parties, which, if approved by the court or hearing officer, shall be incorporated in the order of the court or hearing officer.
(d) The mediator may act as a mediator in subsequent disputes between the parties. However, the mediator shall decline to act as attorney, counselor or psychotherapist for either party during or after the mediation or divorce proceedings unless the subsequent representation, counseling or treatment is clearly distinct from the mediation issues.
History: L. 1985, ch. 147, § 3; L. 1986, ch. 138, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-3504 Termination of mediation
(a) At any time after the second mediation session, either party may terminate mediation ordered under K.S.A. 23-3502*.
(b) The mediator shall terminate mediation whenever the mediator believes that: (1) Continuation of the process would harm or prejudice one or more of the parties or the children; or (2) the ability or willingness of any party to participate meaningfully in mediation is so lacking that a reasonable agreement is unlikely.
(c) The mediator shall report the termination of mediation to the court. The mediator shall not state the reason for termination except when the termination is due to a conflict of interest or bias on the part of the mediator.
History: L. 1985, ch. 147, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-3505 Confidentiality
(a) A mediator appointed under K.S.A. 23-3502, and amendments thereto, shall treat all verbal or written information transmitted between any party to a dispute and a mediator conducting the proceeding, or the staff of an approved program under K.S.A. 5-501 et seq., and amendments thereto, as confidential communications. No admission, representation or statement made in the proceeding shall be admissible as evidence or subject to discovery. A mediator shall not be subject to process requiring the disclosure of any matter discussed during the proceedings unless all the parties consent to a waiver. Any party and the neutral person or staff of an approved program conducting the proceeding, participating in the proceeding has a privilege in any action to refuse to disclose, and to prevent a witness from disclosing, any communication made in the course of the proceeding. The privilege may be claimed by the party or the neutral person or anyone the party or the neutral person authorizes to claim the privilege. A neutral person conducting the proceeding shall not be subject to process requiring the disclosure of any matter discussed within the proceedings unless all parties consent to a waiver.
(b) The confidentiality and privilege requirements of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Information that is reasonably necessary to allow investigation of or action for ethical violations against the neutral person conducting the proceeding or for the defense of the neutral person or staff of an approved program conducting the proceeding in an action against the neutral person or staff of an approved program if the action is filed by a party to the proceeding;
(2) any information that the mediator is required to report under K.S.A. 38-2223, and amendments thereto;
(3) any information that is reasonably necessary to stop the commission of an ongoing crime or fraud or to prevent the commission of a crime or fraud in the future for which there was an expressed intent to commit such crime or fraud;
(4) any information that the mediator is required to report or communicate under the specific provisions of any statute or in order to comply with orders of the court; or
(5) any report to the court that a party has issued a threat of physical violence against a party, a party's dependent or family member, the mediator or an officer or employee of the court with the apparent intention of carrying out such threat.
History: L. 1985, ch. 147, § 5; L. 1996, ch. 129, § 2; L. 1999, ch. 157, § 2; L. 2006, ch. 200, § 87; January 1, 2007.
§ 23-3506 Costs
The costs of any mediation ordered under K.S.A. 23-3502* shall be taxed to either or both parties as equity and justice require, unless the parties have reached a reasonable agreement as to payment of the costs.
History: L. 1985, ch. 147, § 7; July 1.
§ 23-3507 Process
Case management under this act is the process by which a neutral case manager appointed by the court, or by a hearing officer in a proceeding pursuant to K.S.A. 23-3401, and amendments thereto, or through agreement by the parties, assists the parties by providing a procedure, other than mediation, which facilitates negotiation of a plan for child custody, residency or visitation or parenting time. In the event that the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the case manager shall make recommendations to the court.
History: L. 1996, ch. 159, § 1; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 8; July 1.
§ 23-3508 When ordered; appointment of case manager; qualifications
(a) The court may order case management, when appropriate, of any contested issue of child custody or parenting time at any time, upon the motion of a party or on the court's own motion. A hearing officer in a proceeding pursuant to K.S.A. 23-3401, and amendments thereto, may order case management, if appropriate, of a contested issue of child visitation or parenting time in such a proceeding.
(b) Cases in which case management is appropriate shall include one or more of the following circumstances:
(1) Private or public neutral dispute resolution services have been tried and failed to resolve the disputes;
(2) other neutral services have been determined to be inappropriate for the family;
(3) repetitive conflict occurs within the family, as evidenced by the filing of at least two motions in a six-month period for enforcement, modification or change of residency, visitation, parenting time or custody which are denied by the court; or
(4) a parent exhibits diminished capacity to parent.
(c) If the court or hearing officer orders case management under subsection (a), the court or hearing officer shall appoint a case manager, taking into consideration the following:
(1) An agreement by the parties to have a specific case manager appointed by the court or hearing officer;
(2) the financial circumstances of the parties and the costs assessed by the case manager;
(3) the case manager's knowledge of (A) the Kansas judicial system and the procedure used in domestic relations cases, (B) other resources in the community to which parties can be referred for assistance, (C) child development, (D) clinical issues relating to children, (E) the effects of divorce on children and (F) the psychology of families; and
(4) the case manager's training and experience in the process and techniques of alternative dispute resolution and case management.
(d) To qualify as an appointed case manager, an individual shall:
(1) (A) Be currently licensed in Kansas as a licensed psychologist, licensed masters level psychologist, licensed clinical psychotherapist, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, licensed master social worker or licensed specialist social worker;
(B) be currently licensed to practice law in Kansas and have at least five years of experience in the field of domestic relations law or family law; or
(C) be a court services officer and have training in domestic relations cases as prescribed by the district court in which the case is filed;
(2) be qualified to conduct mediation;
(3) have experience as a mediator;
(4) attend one or more workshops, approved and as ordered by the district court in which the case is filed, on case management; and
(5) complete a minimum number of continuing education hours regarding case management issues or abuse and control dynamics issues as established and approved by the supreme court.
(e) On and after September 1, 2012, any case manager appointed by the court prior to, on or after July 1, 2012, shall meet the requirements of subsection (d).
History: L. 1996, ch. 159, § 2; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 9; L. 2012, ch. 162, § 18; July 1.
§ 23-3509 Case manager; duties; withdrawal; reassignment; recommendations
(a) A case manager appointed under K.S.A. 23-3508, and amendments thereto, shall:
(1) Meet with the parties, and other individuals deemed appropriate;
(2) gather information necessary to assist the parties in reaching an agreement or making recommendations, including medical, psychological, education and court records, including child custody investigations and child custody psychological evaluations, of the parties and children;
(3) report to the court as directed by court order;
(4) keep a record by date and topic of all contacts with the parties in the case. When requested, this record shall be made available to the court in total or summary form without the express consent of the parties and shall not be considered a medical or psychological record for purposes of confidentiality;
(5) notify the court when a party fails to meet the financial obligations of the case management process;
(6) file for collection of costs as necessary. The court shall assist in such filing or collection efforts, or both;
(7) be authorized by the court to report threats, imminent danger, suspected child abuse, fear of abduction and suspected or actual harm to any party or child involved in case management either directly to the court and to other authorities, or both. Such action shall be followed by a written summary within five business days of the initial filing of such report which shall be sent to the judge or the judge's designee and included in the court file; and
(8) directly contact the court with any other information the case manager determines that the court should know.
(b) A case manager appointed under K.S.A. 23-3508, and amendments thereto, may withdraw at any time following the initial order. Sufficient reasons for withdrawal may include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Loss of neutrality which prevents objectivity;
(2) nonpayment by a party;
(3) lack of cooperation by a party;
(4) threat to a party;
(5) retirement or case load reduction by a case manager; or
(6) any other reason which shall be stated to the court in writing and considered adequate and sufficient reason by the court.
(c) A disputant party may request reassignment of a case manager by filing a motion with the court. The court shall consider such requests upon review. Repeated requests may raise a presumption of lack of parental cooperation and the court may consider sanctions against the uncooperative parent or parents.
(d) (1) If parties have been ordered by the court to attempt to settle the party's disputes with the assistance of a case manager, and are unable to settle such disputes, the parties are to follow the recommendation or recommendations of the case manager as ordered by the court.
(2) When a case manager is forced to make recommendations for the parties, such recommendations shall be noted in writing as soon as possible and may be accompanied by supporting information. Such recommendation shall be reported to the court with copies to the attorneys of record for each party within 10 working days.
(3) Agreements of the parties and recommendations of the case manager which may concern temporary arrangements need not be entered into the court record by the attorneys of record.
(4) Case managers shall be furnished a form for orders to recommend such agreements to the court for the court's final order.
(5) Permanent issues such as designation of custody, primary residence or child support which are recommended by the case manager shall be entered into the court record within 10 working days of receipt of the recommendation. Should there be differing opinions as to the language of the journal entry, the case manager shall review the proposed journal entry and may recommend appropriate language to the court.
(6) If a disputant party disagrees with a recommendation such party may file a motion before the court for a review at which time an order shall be made by the court. The case manager shall explain to the court either by report or testimony the reasons for such recommendation or recommendations.
(7) Costs of the procedure and professional time may be assessed to the party who objected to the recommendations in the journal entry or may be otherwise assessed by the court.
History: L. 1996, ch. 159, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-3510 Counseling
(a)
Family counseling.
At any time prior or subsequent to the alteration of the parties' marital status the court may order that any party or parties and any of their children be interviewed by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist or other trained professional in family counseling, approved by the court, for the purpose of determining whether it is in the best interests of any of the parties' children that the parties and any of their children have counseling regarding matters of legal custody, residency, visitation or parenting time. The court shall receive the written opinion of the professional, and the court shall make the opinion available as provided by K.S.A. 23-3210, and amendments thereto. Any professional consulted by the court under this section may be examined as a witness. If the opinion of the professional is that counseling is in the best interests of any of the children, the court may order the parties and any of the children to obtain counseling. Neither party shall be required to obtain counseling pursuant to this section if the party objects thereto because the counseling conflicts with sincerely held religious tenets and practices to which any party is an adherent.
(b)
Costs.
The costs of the counseling shall be taxed to either party as equity and justice require.
History: L. 1982, ch. 152, § 16; L. 1986, ch. 299, § 10; L. 2000, ch. 171, § 20; July 1.
Article 36 Family Support Jurisdiction
§ 23-3601 International reciprocity for enforcement of support orders
(a) If the attorney general finds that reciprocal provisions are available in a foreign nation or a state of a foreign nation for the enforcement of support orders issued in this state, the attorney general may declare the foreign nation or state of a foreign nation to be a reciprocating state for the purpose of establishing or enforcing any duty of support. A declaration made pursuant to this subsection may be revoked by the attorney general.
(b) The attorney general shall review any declaration made pursuant to subsection (a) to determine whether the declaration should be revoked if all or part of the same jurisdiction was declared a foreign reciprocating country by the United States secretary of state and the declaration by the United States secretary of state has been revoked.
History: L. 1990, ch. 208, § 2; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 22; July 3.
§§ 23-3602 through 23-36,100 Reserved
§§ 23-36,101 Citation of act
This act may be cited as the uniform interstate family support act.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 32; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 32; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 1; July 1.
§§ 23-36,102 Definitions
In this act:
(a) "Child" means an individual, whether over or under the age of majority, who is or is alleged to be owed a duty of support by the individual's parent or who is or is alleged to be the beneficiary of a support order directed to the parent.
(b) "Child support order" means a support order for a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state or foreign country.
(c) "Convention" means the convention on the international recovery of child support and other forms of family maintenance, concluded at The Hague on November 23, 2007.
(d) "Duty of support" means an obligation imposed or imposable by law to provide support for a child, spouse or former spouse, including an unsatisfied obligation to provide support.
(e) "Foreign country" means a country, including a political subdivision thereof, other than the United States, that authorizes the issuance of support orders and:
(1) Which has been declared under the law of the United States to be a foreign reciprocating country;
(2) which has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this state as provided in K.S.A. 23-36,308, and amendments thereto;
(3) which has enacted a law or established procedures for the issuance and enforcement of support orders which are substantially similar to the procedures under this act; or
(4) in which the convention is in force with respect to the United States.
(f) "Foreign support order" means a support order of a foreign tribunal.
(g) "Foreign tribunal" means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity of a foreign country which is authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child. The term includes a competent authority under the convention.
(h) "Home state" means the state or foreign country in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as parent for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the time of filing of a petition or comparable pleading for support and, if a child is less than six months old, the state or foreign country in which the child lived from birth with any of them. A period of temporary absence of any of them is counted as part of the six-month or other period.
(i) "Income" includes earnings or other periodic entitlements to money from any source and any other property subject to withholding for support under the law of this state.
(j) "Income withholding order" means an order or other legal process directed to an obligor's employer, or other debtor, as defined by the income withholding act, K.S.A. 23-3101, and amendments thereto, to withhold support from the income of the obligor.
(k) "Initiating tribunal" means the tribunal of a state or foreign country from which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded or in which a petition or comparable pleading is filed for forwarding to another state or foreign country.
(l) "Issuing foreign country" means the foreign country in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.
(m) "Issuing state" means the state in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.
(n) "Issuing tribunal" means the tribunal of a state or foreign country that issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.
(o) "Law" includes decisional and statutory law and rules and regulations having the force of law.
(p) "Obligee" means:
(1) An individual to whom a duty of support is or is alleged to be owed or in whose favor a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child has been issued;
(2) a foreign country, state or political subdivision of a state to which the rights under a duty of support or support order have been assigned or which has independent claims based on financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support;
(3) an individual seeking a judgment determining parentage of the individual's child; or
(4) a person that is a creditor in a proceeding under part 7 of this act.
(q) "Obligor" means an individual, or the estate of a decedent that:
(1) Owes or is alleged to owe a duty of support;
(2) is alleged, but has not been, adjudicated to be a parent of a child;
(3) is liable under a support order; or
(4) is a debtor in a proceeding under part 7 of this act.
(r) "Outside this state" means a location in another state or a country other than the United States, whether or not the country is a foreign country.
(s) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(t) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(u) "Register" means to file in a tribunal of this state a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child issued in another state or a foreign country.
(v) "Registering tribunal" means a tribunal in which a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child is registered.
(w) "Responding state" means a state in which a petition or comparable pleading for support or to determine parentage of a child is filed or to which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded for filing from another state or a foreign country.
(x) "Responding tribunal" means the authorized tribunal in a responding state or foreign country.
(y) "Spousal support order" means a support order for a spouse or former spouse of the obligor.
(z) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession under the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes an Indian nation or tribe.
(aa) "Support enforcement agency" means a public official, governmental entity or private agency authorized to:
(1) Seek enforcement of support orders or laws relating to the duty of support;
(2) seek establishment or modification of child support;
(3) request determination of parentage of a child;
(4) attempt to locate obligors or their assets; or
(5) request determination of the controlling child support order.
(bb) "Support order" means a judgment, decree, order, decision or directive, whether temporary, final or subject to modification, issued in a state or foreign country for the benefit of a child, a spouse or a former spouse, which provides for monetary support, health care, arrearages, retroactive support or reimbursement for financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support. The term may include related costs and fees, interest, income withholding, automatic adjustment, reasonable attorney fees and other relief.
(cc) "Tribunal" means a court, administrative agency or quasi-judicial entity authorized to establish, enforce or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 33; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 2; July 1.
§§ 23-36,103 State tribunal and support enforcement agency
(a) The courts are the tribunals of this state.
(b) The department for children and families is the support enforcement agency of this state.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 34; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 3; July 1.
§§ 23-36,104 Remedies cumulative
(a) Remedies provided by this act are cumulative and do not affect the availability of remedies under other law or the recognition of a foreign support order on the basis of comity.
(b) This act does not:
(1) Provide the exclusive method of establishing or enforcing a support order under the law of this state; or
(2) grant a tribunal of this state jurisdiction to render judgment or issue an order relating to child custody, parenting time or visitation pursuant to K.S.A. 23-3201 et seq., and amendments thereto, in a proceeding under this act.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 4; July 1.
§§ 23-36,105 Application of act to resident of foreign country and foreign support proceeding
(a) A tribunal of this state shall apply parts 1 through 6 of this act and, as applicable, part 7 of this act, to a support proceeding involving:
(1) A foreign support order;
(2) a foreign tribunal; or
(3) an obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.
(b) A tribunal of this state that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of parts 1 through 6 of this act.
(c) Part 7 of this act applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of part 7 of this act is inconsistent with parts 1 through 6 of this act, part 7 of this act controls.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 5; July 1.
§§ 23-36,201 Bases for jurisdiction over nonresident
(a) In a proceeding to establish or enforce a support order or to determine parentage of a child, a tribunal of this state may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual or the individual's guardian or conservator if:
(1) The individual is personally served with notice within this state;
(2) the individual submits to the jurisdiction of this state by consent in a record, by entering a general appearance, or by filing a responsive document having the effect of waiving any contest to personal jurisdiction;
(3) the individual resided with the child in this state;
(4) the individual resided in this state and provided prenatal expenses or support for the child;
(5) the child resides in this state as a result of the acts or directives of the individual;
(6) the individual engaged in sexual intercourse in this state and the child may have been conceived by that act of intercourse;
(7) the individual asserted parentage of a child in the putative father registry maintained in this state by the secretary of the Kansas department for children and families; or
(8) there is any other basis consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States for the exercise of personal jurisdiction.
(b) The bases of personal jurisdiction set forth in subsection (a) or in any other law of this state may not be used to acquire personal jurisdiction for a tribunal of this state to modify a child support order of another state unless the requirements of K.S.A. 23-36,611, and amendments thereto, are met, or, in the case of a foreign support order, unless the requirements of K.S.A. 23-36,615, and amendments thereto, are met.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 35; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 44; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 6; July 1.
§§ 23-36,202 Duration of personal jurisdiction
Personal jurisdiction acquired by a tribunal of this state in a proceeding under this act or other law of this state relating to a support order continues as long as a tribunal of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its order or continuing jurisdiction to enforce its order as provided by K.S.A. 23-36,205, 23-36,206 and K.S.A. 23-36,211, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 36; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 33; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 7; July 1.
§§ 23-36,203 Initiating and responding tribunal of state
Under this act, a tribunal of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to forward proceedings to a tribunal of another state and as a responding tribunal for proceedings initiated in another state or a foreign country.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 37; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 8; July 1.
§§ 23-36,204 Simultaneous proceedings
(a) A tribunal of this state may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed after a pleading is filed in another state or foreign country only if:
(1) The petition or comparable pleading in this state is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state or the foreign country for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state or the foreign country;
(2) the contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state or the foreign country; and
(3) if relevant, this state is the home state of the child.
(b) A tribunal of this state may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed before a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country if:
(1) The petition or comparable pleading in the other state or foreign country is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in this state for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by this state;
(2) the contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in this state; and
(3) if relevant, the other state or foreign country is the home state of the child.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 38; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 9; July 1.
§§ 23-36,205 Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify child support order
(a) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state has and shall exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its child support order if the order is the controlling order and:
(1) At the time of the filing of a request for modification this state is the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or
(2) even if this state is not the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued, the parties consent in a record or in open court that the tribunal of this state may continue to exercise jurisdiction to modify its order.
(b) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state may not exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the order if:
(1) All of the parties who are individuals file consent in a record with the tribunal of this state that a tribunal of another state that has jurisdiction over at least one of the parties who is an individual or that is located in the state of residence of the child may modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or
(2) its order is not the controlling order.
(c) If a tribunal of another state has issued a child support order pursuant to the uniform interstate family support act or a law substantially similar to that act which modifies a child support order of a tribunal of this state, tribunals of this state shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the tribunal of the other state.
(d) A tribunal of this state that lacks continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child support order may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to modify a support order issued in that state.
(e) A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 39; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 34; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 10; July 1.
§§ 23-36,206 Continuing jurisdiction to enforce child support order
(a) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce:
(1) The order if the order is the controlling order and has not been modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction pursuant to the uniform interstate family support act; or
(2) a money judgment for arrears of support and interest on the order accrued before a determination that an order of a tribunal of another state is the controlling order.
(b) A tribunal of this state having continuing jurisdiction over a support order may act as a responding tribunal to enforce the order.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 40; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 35; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 11; July 1.
§§ 23-36,207 Determination of controlling child support order
(a) If a proceeding is brought under this act and only one tribunal has issued a child support order, the order of that tribunal controls and must be recognized.
(b) If a proceeding is brought under this act, and two or more child support orders have been issued by tribunals of this state, another state or a foreign country with regard to the same obligor and same child, a tribunal of this state having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and individual obligee shall apply the following rules and by order shall determine which order controls and must be recognized:
(1) If only one of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this act, the order of that tribunal controls.
(2) If more than one of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this act:
(A) An order issued by a tribunal in the current home state of the child controls; or
(B) if an order has not been issued in the current home state of the child, the order most recently issued controls.
(3) If none of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this act, the tribunal of this state shall issue a child support order, which controls.
(c) If two or more child support orders have been issued for the same obligor and same child, upon request of a party who is an individual or that is a support enforcement agency, a tribunal of this state having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and the obligee who is an individual shall determine which order controls under subsection (b). The request may be filed with a registration for enforcement or registration for modification pursuant to part 6 of this act, or may be filed as a separate proceeding.
(d) A request to determine which is the controlling order must be accompanied by a copy of every child support order in effect and the applicable record of payments. The requesting party shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.
(e) The tribunal that issued the controlling order under subsection (a), (b) or (c) has continuing jurisdiction to the extent provided in K.S.A. 23-36,205 or 23-36,206, and amendments thereto.
(f) A tribunal of this state that determines by order which is the controlling order under subsection (b)(1) or (2) or (c), or that issues a new controlling order under subsection (b)(3), shall state in that order:
(1) The basis upon which the tribunal made its determination;
(2) the amount of prospective support, if any; and
(3) the total amount of consolidated arrears and accrued interest, if any, under all of the orders after all payments made are credited as provided by K.S.A. 23-36,209, and amendments thereto.
(g) Within 30 days after issuance of an order determining which is the controlling order, the party obtaining the order shall file a certified copy of it in each tribunal that issued or registered an earlier order of child support. A party or support enforcement agency obtaining the order that fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the controlling order.
(h) An order that has been determined to be the controlling order, or a judgment for consolidated arrears of support and interest, if any, made pursuant to this section must be recognized in proceedings under this act.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 41; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 36; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 12; July 1.
§§ 23-36,208 Child support orders for two or more obligees
In responding to registrations or petitions for enforcement of two or more child support orders in effect at the same time with regard to the same obligor and different individual obligees, at least one of which was issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country, a tribunal of this state shall enforce those orders in the same manner as if the orders had been issued by a tribunal of this state.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 42; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 13; July 1.
§§ 23-36,209 Credit for payments
A tribunal of this state shall credit amounts collected for a particular period pursuant to any child support order against the amounts owed for the same period under any other child support order for support of the same child issued by a tribunal of this state, another state or a foreign country.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 43; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 14; July 1.
§§ 23-36,210 Application of act to nonresident subject to personal jurisdiction
A tribunal of this state exercising personal jurisdiction over a nonresident in a proceeding under this act, under other law of this state relating to a support order, or recognizing a foreign support order may receive evidence from outside this state pursuant to K.S.A. 23-36,316, and amendments thereto, communicate with a tribunal outside this state pursuant to K.S.A. 23-36,317, and amendments thereto, and obtain discovery through a tribunal outside this state pursuant to K.S.A. 23-36,318, and amendments thereto. In all other respects, parts 3 through 6 of this act do not apply and the tribunal shall apply the procedural and substantive law of this state.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 15; July 1.
§§ 23-36,211 Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify spousal support order
(a) A tribunal of this state issuing a spousal support order consistent with the law of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the spousal support order throughout the existence of the support obligation.
(b) A tribunal of this state may not modify a spousal support order issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over that order under the law of that state or foreign country.
(c) A tribunal of this state that has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over a spousal support order may serve as:
(1) An initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce the spousal support order issued in this state; or
(2) a responding tribunal to enforce or modify its own spousal support order.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 16; July 1.
§§ 23-36,301 Proceedings under act
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this act, K.S.A. 23-36,301 through 23-36,319, and amendments thereto, apply to all proceedings under this act.
(b) An individual petitioner or a support enforcement agency may initiate a proceeding authorized under this act by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country which has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 44; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 37; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 17; July 1.
§§ 23-36,302 Action by minor parent
A minor parent, or a guardian or other legal representative of a minor parent, may maintain a proceeding on behalf of or for the benefit of the minor's child.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 45; July 1.
§§ 23-36,303 Application of law of state
Except as otherwise provided in this act, a responding tribunal of this state shall:
(a) Apply the procedural and substantive law generally applicable to similar proceedings originating in this state and may exercise all powers and provide all remedies available in those proceedings; and
(b) determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with the law and support guidelines of this state.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 46; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 18; July 1.
§§ 23-36,304 Duties of initiating tribunal
(a) Upon the filing of a petition authorized by this act, an initiating tribunal of this state shall forward the petition and its accompanying documents:
(1) To the responding tribunal or appropriate support enforcement agency in the responding state; or
(2) if the identity of the responding tribunal is unknown, to the state information agency of the responding state with a request that they be forwarded to the appropriate tribunal and that receipt be acknowledged.
(b) If requested by the responding tribunal, a tribunal of this state shall issue a certificate or other document and make findings required by the law of the responding state. If the responding tribunal is in a foreign country, upon request the tribunal of this state shall specify the amount of support sought, convert that amount into the equivalent amount in the foreign currency under applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported and provide any other documents necessary to satisfy the requirements of the responding foreign tribunal.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 47; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 38; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 19; July 1.
§§ 23-36,305 Duties and powers of responding tribunal
(a) When a responding tribunal of this state receives a petition or comparable pleading from an initiating tribunal or directly pursuant to K.S.A. 23-36,301(b), and amendments thereto, it shall cause the petition or pleading to be filed and notify the petitioner where and when it was filed.
(b) A responding tribunal of this state, to the extent not prohibited by other law, may do one or more of the following:
(1) Establish or enforce a support order, modify a child support order, determine the controlling support order or determine parentage of a child;
(2) order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance;
(3) order income withholding;
(4) determine the amount of any arrearages, and specify a method of payment;
(5) enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both;
(6) set aside property for satisfaction of the support order;
(7) place liens and order execution on the obligor's property;
(8) order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, electronic-mail address, telephone number, employer, address of employment and telephone number at the place of employment;
(9) issue a bench warrant for an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the bench warrant in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants;
(10) order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods;
(11) award reasonable attorney fees and other fees and costs; and
(12) grant any other available remedy.
(c) A responding tribunal of this state shall include in a support order issued under this act, or in the documents accompanying the order, the calculations on which the support order is based.
(d) A responding tribunal of this state may not condition the payment of a support order issued under this act upon compliance by a party with provisions for visitation.
(e) If a responding tribunal of this state issues an order under this act, the tribunal shall send a copy of the order to the petitioner and the respondent and to the initiating tribunal, if any.
(f) If requested to enforce a support order, arrears, or judgment or modify a support order stated in a foreign currency, a responding tribunal of this state shall convert the amount stated in the foreign currency to the equivalent amount in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 48; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 39; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 20; July 1.
§§ 23-36,306 Inappropriate tribunal
If a petition or comparable pleading is received by an inappropriate tribunal of this state, the tribunal shall forward the pleading and accompanying documents to an appropriate tribunal of this state or another state and notify the petitioner where and when the pleading was sent.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 49; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 40; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 21; July 1.
§§ 23-36,307 Duties of support enforcement agency
(a) A support enforcement agency of this state, upon request, shall provide services to a petitioner in a proceeding under this act.
(b) A support enforcement agency of this state that is providing services to the petitioner shall:
(1) Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal of this state, another state or a foreign country to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent;
(2) request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time and place for a hearing;
(3) make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties;
(4) within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of notice in a record from an initiating, responding or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice to the petitioner;
(5) within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of communication in a record from the respondent or the respondent's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner; and
(6) notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.
(c) A support enforcement agency of this state that requests registration of a child support order in this state for enforcement or for modification shall make reasonable efforts:
(1) To ensure that the order to be registered is the controlling order; or
(2) if two or more child support orders exist and the identity of the controlling order has not been determined, to ensure that a request for such a determination is made in a tribunal having jurisdiction to do so.
(d) A support enforcement agency of this state that requests registration and enforcement of a support order, arrears, or judgment stated in a foreign currency shall convert the amounts stated in the foreign currency into the equivalent amounts in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.
(e) A support enforcement agency of this state shall request a tribunal of this state to issue a child support order and an income withholding order that redirects payment of current support, arrears, and interest if requested to do so by a support enforcement agency of another state pursuant to K.S.A. 23-36,319, and amendments thereto.
(f) This act does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 50; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 41; L. 2010, ch. 11, § 2; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 22; July 1.
§§ 23-36,308 Duties of attorney general
(a) If the attorney general determines that the support enforcement agency is neglecting or refusing to provide services to an individual, the attorney general may order the agency to perform its duties under this act or may provide those services directly to the individual.
(b) The attorney general may determine that a foreign country has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this state and take appropriate action for notification of the determination.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 51; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 23; July 1.
§§ 23-36,309 Private counsel
An individual may employ private counsel to represent the individual in proceedings authorized by this act.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 52; July 1.
§§ 23-36,310 Duties of state information agency
(a) The Kansas department for children and families is the state information agency under this act.
(b) The state information agency shall:
(1) Compile and maintain a current list, including addresses, of the tribunals in this state which have jurisdiction under this act and any support enforcement agencies in this state and transmit a copy to the state information agency of every other state;
(2) maintain a register of names and addresses of tribunals and support enforcement agencies received from other states;
(3) forward to the appropriate tribunal in the county in this state in which the obligee who is an individual or the obligor resides, or in which the obligor's property is believed to be located, all documents concerning a proceeding under this act received from another state or a foreign country; and
(4) obtain information concerning the location of the obligor and the obligor's property within this state not exempt from execution, by such means as postal verification and federal or state locator services, examination of telephone directories, requests for the obligor's address from employers, and examination of governmental records, including, to the extent not prohibited by other law, those relating to real property, vital statistics, law enforcement, taxation, motor vehicles, drivers' licenses and social security.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 53; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 45; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 24; July 1.
§§ 23-36,311 Pleadings and accompanying documents
(a) In a proceeding under this act, a petitioner seeking to establish a support order, to determine parentage of a child or to register and modify a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country must file a petition. Unless otherwise ordered under K.S.A. 23-36,312, and amendments thereto, the petition or accompanying documents must provide, so far as known, the name, residential address and social security numbers of the obligor and the obligee or the parent and alleged parent, and the name, sex, residential address, social security number and date of birth of each child for whose benefit support is sought or whose parentage is to be determined. Unless filed at the time of registration, the petition must be accompanied by a copy of any support order known to have been issued by another tribunal. The petition may include any other information that may assist in locating or identifying the respondent.
(b) The petition must specify the relief sought. The petition and accompanying documents must conform substantially with the requirements imposed by the forms mandated by federal law for use in cases filed by a support enforcement agency.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 54; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 42; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 25; July 1.
§§ 23-36,312 Nondisclosure of information in exceptional circumstances
If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of specific identifying information, that information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public. After a hearing in which a tribunal takes into consideration the health, safety or liberty of the party or child, the tribunal may order disclosure of information that the tribunal determines to be in the interest of justice.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 55; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 26; July 1.
§§ 23-36,313 Costs and fees
(a) The petitioner may not be required to pay a filing fee or other costs.
(b) If an obligee prevails, a responding tribunal of this state may assess against an obligor filing fees, reasonable attorney fees, other costs and necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by the obligee and the obligee's witnesses. The tribunal may not assess fees, costs or expenses against the obligee or the support enforcement agency of either the initiating or the responding state or foreign country, except as provided by other law. Attorney fees may be taxed as costs, and may be ordered paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name. Payment of support owed to the obligee has priority over fees, costs and expenses.
(c) The tribunal shall order the payment of costs and reasonable attorney fees if it determines that a hearing was requested primarily for delay. In a proceeding under part 6, a hearing is presumed to have been requested primarily for delay if a registered support order is confirmed or enforced without change.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 56; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 43; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 27; July 1.
§§ 23-36,314 Limited immunity of petitioner
(a) Participation by a petitioner in a proceeding under this act before a responding tribunal, whether in person, by private attorney, or through services provided by the support enforcement agency, does not confer personal jurisdiction over the petitioner in another proceeding.
(b) A petitioner is not amenable to service of civil process while physically present in this state to participate in a proceeding under this act.
(c) The immunity granted by this section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to a proceeding under this act committed by a party while present in this state to participate in the proceeding.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 57; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 28; July 1.
§§ 23-36,315 Nonparentage as defense
A party whose parentage of a child has been previously determined by or pursuant to law may not plead nonparentage as a defense to a proceeding under this act.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 58; July 1.
§§ 23-36,316 Special rules of evidence and procedure
(a) The physical presence of a nonresident party who is an individual in a tribunal of this state is not required for the establishment, enforcement or modification of a support order or the rendition of a judgment determining parentage of a child.
(b) An affidavit, a document substantially complying with federally mandated forms, or a document incorporated by reference in any of them, which would not be excluded under the hearsay rule if given in person, is admissible in evidence if given under penalty of perjury by a party or witness residing outside this state.
(c) A copy of the record of child support payments certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the record may be forwarded to a responding tribunal. The copy is evidence of facts asserted in it, and is admissible to show whether payments were made.
(d) Copies of bills for testing for parentage of a child, and for prenatal and postnatal health care of the mother and child, furnished to the adverse party at least 10 days before trial, are admissible in evidence to prove the amount of the charges billed and that the charges were reasonable, necessary and customary.
(e) Documentary evidence transmitted from outside this state to a tribunal of this state by telephone, telecopier or other electronic means that do not provide an original record may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.
(f) In a proceeding under this act, a tribunal of this state shall permit a party or witness residing outside this state to be deposed or to testify under penalty of perjury by telephone, audiovisual means or other electronic means at a designated tribunal or other location. A tribunal of this state shall cooperate with other tribunals in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.
(g) If a party called to testify at a civil hearing refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the trier of fact may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.
(h) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses does not apply in a proceeding under this act.
(i) The defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child does not apply in a proceeding under this act.
(j) A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, certified as a true copy, is admissible to establish parentage of the child.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 59; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 29; July 1.
§§ 23-36,317 Communications between tribunals
A tribunal of this state may communicate with a tribunal outside this state in a record or by telephone, electronic mail or other means, to obtain information concerning the laws, the legal effect of a judgment, decree or order of that tribunal, and the status of a proceeding. A tribunal of this state may furnish similar information by similar means to a tribunal outside this state.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 60; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 30; July 1.
§§ 23-36,318 Assistance with discovery
A tribunal of this state may:
(a) Request a tribunal outside this state to assist in obtaining discovery; and
(b) upon request, compel a person over which it has jurisdiction to respond to a discovery order issued by a tribunal outside this state.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 61; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 31; July 1.
§§ 23-36,319 Receipt and disbursement of payments
(a) A support enforcement agency or tribunal of this state shall disburse promptly any amounts received pursuant to a support order, as directed by the order. The agency or tribunal shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of another state or a foreign country a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amounts and dates of all payments received.
(b) If neither the obligor, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the child resides in this state, upon request from the support enforcement agency of this state or another state, the support enforcement agency of this state or a tribunal of this state shall:
(1) Direct that the support payment be made to the support enforcement agency in the state in which the obligee is receiving services; and
(2) issue and send to the obligor's employer a conforming income withholding order or an administrative notice of change of payee, reflecting the redirected payments.
(c) The support enforcement agency of this state receiving redirected payments from another state pursuant to a law similar to subsection (b) shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of the other state a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amount and dates of all payments received.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 62; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 32; July 1.
§§ 23-36,401 Establishment of support order
(a) If a support order entitled to recognition under this act has not been issued, a responding tribunal of this state with personal jurisdiction over the parties may issue a support order if:
(1) The individual seeking the order resides outside this state; or
(2) the support enforcement agency seeking the order is located outside this state.
(b) The tribunal may issue a temporary child support order if the tribunal determines that such an order is appropriate and the individual ordered to pay is:
(1) A presumed father of the child;
(2) petitioning to have his paternity adjudicated;
(3) identified as the father of the child through genetic testing;
(4) an alleged father who has declined to submit to genetic testing;
(5) shown by clear and convincing evidence to be the father of the child;
(6) an acknowledged father as provided by K.S.A. 23-2201 et seq., and amendments thereto;
(7) the mother of the child; or
(8) an individual who has been ordered to pay child support in a previous proceeding and the order has not been reversed or vacated.
(c) Upon finding, after notice and opportunity to be heard, that an obligor owes a duty of support, the tribunal shall issue a support order directed to the obligor and may issue other orders pursuant to K.S.A. 23-36,305, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 63; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 44; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 33; July 1.
§§ 23-36,402 Proceeding to determine parentage
A tribunal of this state authorized to determine parentage of a child may serve as a responding tribunal in a proceeding to determine parentage of a child brought under this act or a law or procedure substantially similar to this act.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 34; July 1.
§§ 23-36,501 Employer's receipt of income withholding order of another state
An income withholding order issued in another state may be sent by or on behalf of the obligee, or by the support enforcement agency, to the person defined as the obligor's employer under the income withholding act, K.S.A. 23-3101 et seq., and amendments thereto, without first filing a petition or comparable pleading or registering the order with a tribunal of this state.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 64; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 45; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 35; July 1.
§§ 23-36,502 Employer's compliance with income withholding order of another state
(a) Upon receipt of an income withholding order, the obligor's employer shall immediately provide a copy of the order to the obligor.
(b) The employer shall treat an income withholding order issued in another state which appears regular on its face as if it had been issued by a tribunal of this state.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) and K.S.A. 23-36,503, and amendments thereto, the employer shall withhold and distribute the funds as directed in the withholding order by complying with terms of the order which specify:
(1) The duration and amount of periodic payments of current child support, stated as a sum certain;
(2) the person designated to receive payments and the address to which the payments are to be forwarded;
(3) medical support, whether in the form of periodic cash payment, stated as a sum certain, or ordering the obligor to provide health insurance coverage for the child under a policy available through the obligor's employment;
(4) the amount of periodic payments of fees and costs for a support enforcement agency, the issuing tribunal, and the obligee's attorney, stated as sums certain; and
(5) the amount of periodic payments of arrearages and interest on arrearages, stated as sums certain.
(d) An employer shall comply with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment for withholding from income with respect to:
(1) The employer's fee for processing an income withholding order;
(2) the maximum amount permitted to be withheld from the obligor's income; and
(3) the times within which the employer must implement the withholding order and forward the child support payment.
History: L. 1997, ch. 182, § 46; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 36; July 1.
§§ 23-36,503 Employer's compliance with two or more income withholding orders
If an obligor's employer receives two or more income withholding orders with respect to the earnings of the same obligor, the employer satisfies the terms of the orders if the employer complies with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment to establish the priorities for withholding and allocating income withheld for two or more child support obligees.
History: L. 1997, ch. 182, § 47; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 37; July 1.
§§ 23-36,504 Immunity from civil liability
An employer that complies with an income withholding order issued in another state in accordance with this article is not subject to civil liability to an individual or agency with regard to the employer's withholding of child support from the obligor's income.
History: L. 1997, ch. 182, § 48; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 38; July 1.
§§ 23-36,505 Penalties for noncompliance
An employer that willfully fails to comply with an income withholding order issued in another state and received for enforcement is subject to the same penalties that may be imposed for noncompliance with an order issued by a tribunal of this state.
History: L. 1997, ch. 182, § 49; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 39; July 1.
§§ 23-36,506 Contest by obligor
(a) An obligor may contest the validity or enforcement of an income withholding order issued in another state and received directly by an employer in this state by registering the order in a tribunal of this state and filing a contest to that order as provided in part 6 of this act, or otherwise contesting the order in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of this state.
(b) The obligor shall give notice of the contest to:
(1) A support enforcement agency providing services to the obligee;
(2) each employer that has directly received an income withholding order relating to the obligor; and
(3) the person designated to receive payments in the income withholding order or, if no person is designated, to the obligee.
History: L. 1997, ch. 182, § 50; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 40; July 1.
§§ 23-36,507 Administrative enforcement of orders
(a) A party or support enforcement agency seeking to enforce a support order or an income withholding order, or both, issued in another state or a foreign support order may send the documents required for registering the order to a support enforcement agency of this state.
(b) Upon receipt of the documents, the support enforcement agency, without initially seeking to register the order, shall consider and, if appropriate, use any administrative procedure authorized by the law of this state to enforce a support order or an income withholding order, or both. If the obligor does not contest administrative enforcement, the order need not be registered. If the obligor contests the validity or administrative enforcement of the order, the support enforcement agency shall register the order pursuant to this act.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 65; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 41; July 1.
§§ 23-36,601 Registration of order for enforcement
A support order or income withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order may be registered in this state for enforcement.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 66; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-36,602 Procedure to register order for enforcement
(a) Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-36,706, and amendments thereto, a support order or income withholding order of another state or a foreign support order may be registered in this state by sending the following records to the appropriate tribunal in this state:
(1) A letter of transmittal to the tribunal requesting registration and enforcement;
(2) two copies, including one certified copy, of the order to be registered, including any modification of the order;
(3) a sworn statement by the person requesting registration or a certified statement by the custodian of the records showing the amount of any arrearage;
(4) the name of the obligor and, if known:
(A) The obligor's address and social security number;
(B) the name and address of the obligor's employer and any other source of income of the obligor; and
(C) a description and the location of property of the obligor in this state not exempt from execution; and
(5) except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-36,312, and amendments thereto, the name and address of the obligee and, if applicable, the person to whom support payments are to be remitted.
(b) On receipt of a request for registration, the registering tribunal shall cause the order to be filed as an order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign support order, together with one copy of the documents and information, regardless of their form.
(c) A petition or comparable pleading seeking a remedy that must be affirmatively sought under other law of this state may be filed at the same time as the request for registration or later. The pleading must specify the grounds for the remedy sought.
(d) If two or more orders are in effect, the person requesting registration shall:
(1) Furnish to the tribunal a copy of every support order asserted to be in effect in addition to the documents specified in this section;
(2) specify the order alleged to be the controlling order, if any; and
(3) specify the amount of consolidated arrears, if any.
(e) A request for a determination of which is the controlling order may be filed separately or with a request for registration and enforcement or for registration and modification. The person requesting registration shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 67; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 43; July 1.
§§ 23-36,603 Effect of registration for enforcement
(a) A support order or income withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered when the order is filed in the registering tribunal of this state.
(b) A registered support order issued in another state or a foreign country is enforceable in the same manner and is subject to the same procedures as an order issued by a tribunal of this state.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this act, a tribunal of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, a registered support order if the issuing tribunal had jurisdiction.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 68; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 44; July 1.
§§ 23-36,604 Choice of law
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), the law of the issuing state or foreign country governs:
(1) The nature, extent, amount and duration of current payments under a registered support order;
(2) the computation and payment of arrearages and accrual of interest on the arrearages under the support order; and
(3) the existence and satisfaction of other obligations under the support order.
(b) In a proceeding for arrears under a registered support order, the statute of limitation of this state, or of the issuing state or foreign country, whichever is longer, applies.
(c) A responding tribunal of this state shall apply the procedures and remedies of this state to enforce current support and collect arrears and interest due on a support order of another state or a foreign country registered in this state.
(d) After a tribunal of this or another state determines which is the controlling order and issues an order consolidating arrears, if any, a tribunal of this state shall prospectively apply the law of the state or foreign country issuing the controlling order, including its law on interest on arrears, on current and future support, and on consolidated arrears.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 69; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 45; July 1.
§§ 23-36,605 Notice of registration of order
(a) When a support order or income withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered, the registering tribunal of this state shall notify the nonregistering party. The notice must be accompanied by a copy of the registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order.
(b) A notice must inform the nonregistering party:
(1) That a registered support order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of this state;
(2) that a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within 20 days after notice unless the registered order is under K.S.A. 23-36,707, and amendments thereto;
(3) that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages; and
(4) of the amount of any alleged arrearages.
(c) If the registering party asserts that two or more orders are in effect, a notice must also:
(1) Identify the two or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any;
(2) notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which is the controlling order;
(3) state that the procedures provided in subsection (b) apply to the determination of which is the controlling order; and
(4) state that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order.
(d) Upon registration of an income withholding order for enforcement, the support enforcement agency or the registering tribunal shall notify the obligor's employer pursuant to the income withholding act, K.S.A. 23-3101 et seq., and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 70; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 51; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 46; July 1.
§§ 23-36,606 Procedure to contest validity or enforcement of registered support order
(a) A nonregistering party seeking to contest the validity or enforcement of a registered support order in this state shall request a hearing within the time required by K.S.A. 23-36,605, and amendments thereto. The nonregistering party may seek to vacate the registration, to assert any defense to an allegation of noncompliance with the registered order, or to contest the remedies being sought or the amount of any alleged arrearages pursuant to K.S.A. 23-36,607, and amendments thereto.
(b) If the nonregistering party fails to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered support order in a timely manner, the order is confirmed by operation of law.
(c) If a nonregistering party requests a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered support order, the registering tribunal shall schedule the matter for hearing and give notice to the parties of the date, time and place of the hearing.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 71; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 52; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 47; July 1.
§§ 23-36,607 Contest of registration or enforcement
(a) A party contesting the validity or enforcement of a registered support order or seeking to vacate the registration has the burden of proving one or more of the following defenses:
(1) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction over the contesting party;
(2) the order was obtained by fraud;
(3) the order has been vacated, suspended or modified by a later order;
(4) the issuing tribunal has stayed the order pending appeal;
(5) there is a defense under the law of this state to the remedy sought;
(6) full or partial payment has been made;
(7) the statute of limitations under K.S.A. 23-36,604, and amendments thereto, precludes enforcement of some or all of the alleged arrearages; or
(8) the alleged controlling order is not the controlling order.
(b) If a party presents evidence establishing a full or partial defense under subsection (a), a tribunal may stay enforcement of a registered support order, continue the proceeding to permit production of additional relevant evidence, and issue other appropriate orders. An uncontested portion of the registered support order may be enforced by all remedies available under the law of this state.
(c) If the contesting party does not establish a defense under subsection (a) to the validity or enforcement of a registered support order, the registering tribunal shall issue an order confirming the order.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 72; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 53; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 48; July 1.
§§ 23-36,608 Confirmed order
Confirmation of a registered support order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 73; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 49; July 1.
§§ 23-36,609 Procedure to register child support order of another state for modification
A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a child support order issued in another state shall register that order in this state in the same manner provided in K.S.A. 23-36,601 through 23-36,608, and amendments thereto, if the order has not been registered. A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or later. The pleading must specify the grounds for modification.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 74; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 54; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 50; July 1.
§§ 23-36,610 Effect of registration for modification
A tribunal of this state may enforce a child support order of another state registered for purposes of modification, in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of this state, but the registered support order may be modified only if the requirements of K.S.A. 23-36,611 or 23-36,613, and amendments thereto, have been met.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 75; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 55; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 51; July 1.
§§ 23-36,611 Modification of child support order of another state
(a) If K.S.A. 23-36,613, and amendments thereto, does not apply, upon petition a tribunal of this state may modify a child support order issued in another state which is registered in this state if, after notice and hearing the tribunal finds that:
(1) The following requirements are met:
(A) Neither the child, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the obligor resides in the issuing state;
(B) a petitioner who is a nonresident of this state seeks modification; and
(C) the respondent is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this state; or
(2) this state is the state of residence of the child, or a party who is an individual is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this state, and all of the parties who are individuals have filed consents in a record in the issuing tribunal for a tribunal of this state to modify the support order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.
(b) Modification of a registered child support order is subject to the same requirements, procedures and defenses that apply to the modification of an order issued by a tribunal of this state and the order may be enforced and satisfied in the same manner.
(c) A tribunal of this state may not modify any aspect of a child support order that may not be modified under the law of the issuing state, including the duration of the obligation of support. If two or more tribunals have issued child support orders for the same obligor and child, the order that controls and must be so recognized under K.S.A. 23-36,207, and amendments thereto, establishes the aspects of the support order which are nonmodifiable.
(d) In a proceeding to modify a child support order, the law of the state that is determined to have issued the initial controlling order governs the duration of the obligation of support. The obligor's fulfillment of the duty of support established by that order precludes imposition of a further obligation of support by a tribunal of this state.
(e) On the issuance of an order by a tribunal of this state modifying a child support order issued in another state, the tribunal of this state becomes the tribunal of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.
(f) Notwithstanding subsections (a) through (e) and K.S.A. 23-36,201(b), and amendments thereto, a tribunal of this state retains jurisdiction to modify an order issued by a tribunal of this state if:
(1) One party resides in another state; and
(2) the other party resides outside the United States.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 76; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 56; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 52; July 1.
§§ 23-36,612 Recognition of order modified in another state
If a child support order issued by a tribunal of this state is modified by a tribunal of another state which assumed jurisdiction pursuant to the uniform interstate family support act, a tribunal of this state:
(a) May enforce its order that was modified only as to arrears and interest accruing before the modification;
(b) may provide appropriate relief for violations of its order which occurred before the effective date of the modification; and
(c) shall recognize the modifying order of the other state, upon registration, for the purpose of enforcement.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 77; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 53; July 1.
§§ 23-36,613 Jurisdiction to modify child support order of another state when individual parties reside in this state
(a) If all of the parties who are individuals reside in this state and the child does not reside in the issuing state, a tribunal of this state has jurisdiction to enforce and to modify the issuing state's child support order in a proceeding to register that order.
(b) A tribunal of this state exercising jurisdiction under this section shall apply the provisions of parts 1 and 2 of this act, this part and the procedural and substantive law of this state to the proceeding for enforcement or modification. Parts 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of this act do not apply.
History: L. 1997, ch. 182, § 57; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 54; July 1.
§§ 23-36,614 Notice to issuing tribunal of modification
Within 30 days after issuance of a modified child support order, the party obtaining the modification shall file a certified copy of the order with the issuing tribunal that had continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the earlier order, and in each tribunal in which the party knows the earlier order has been registered. A party who obtains the order and fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the modified order of the new tribunal having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.
History: L. 1997, ch. 182, § 58; July 3.
§§ 23-36,615 Jurisdiction to modify child support order of foreign country
(a) Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-36,711, and amendments thereto, if a foreign country lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its child support order pursuant to its laws, a tribunal of this state may assume jurisdiction to modify the child support order and bind all individuals subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal whether the consent to modification of a child support order otherwise required of the individual pursuant to K.S.A. 23-36,611, and amendments thereto, has been given or whether the individual seeking modification is a resident of this state or of the foreign country.
(b) An order issued by a tribunal of this state modifying a foreign child support order pursuant to this section is the controlling order.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 55; July 1.
§§ 23-36,616 Procedure to register child support order of foreign country for modification
A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a foreign child support order not under the convention may register that order in this state under K.S.A. 23-36,601 through 23-36,608, and amendments thereto, if the order has not been registered. A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or at another time. The petition must specify the grounds for modification.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 56; July 1.
§§ 23-36,701 Definitions
In this part:
(a) "Application" means a request under the convention by an obligee or obligor, or on behalf of a child, made through a central authority for assistance from another central authority.
(b) "Central authority" means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in K.S.A. 23-36,102(e)(4), and amendments thereto, to perform the functions specified in the convention.
(c) "Convention support order" means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in K.S.A. 23-36,102(e)(4), and amendments thereto.
(d) "Direct request" means a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of this state in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor or child residing outside the United States.
(e) "Foreign central authority" means the entity designated by a foreign country described in K.S.A. 23-36,102(e)(4), and amendments thereto, to perform the functions specified in the convention.
(f) "Foreign support agreement":
(1) Means an agreement for support in a record that:
(A) Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;
(B) has been:
(i) Formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or
(ii) authenticated by, or concluded, registered, or filed with a foreign tribunal; and
(C) may be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and
(2) includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the convention.
(g) "United States central authority" means the secretary of the United States department of health and human services.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 78; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 57; July 1.
§§ 23-36,702 Applicability
This part applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of this part is inconsistent with parts 1 through 6 of this act, this part controls.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 58; July 1.
§§ 23-36,703 Relationship of department for children and families to United States central authority
The department for children and families of this state is recognized as the agency designated by the United States central authority to perform specific functions under the convention.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 59; July 1.
§§ 23-36,704 Initiation by department for children and families of support proceeding under convention
(a) In a support proceeding under this part, the department for children and families of this state shall:
(1) Transmit and receive applications; and
(2) initiate or facilitate the institution of a proceeding regarding an application in a tribunal of this state.
(b) The following support proceedings are available to an obligee under the convention:
(1) Recognition or recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order;
(2) enforcement of a support order issued or recognized in this state;
(3) establishment of a support order if there is no existing order, including, if necessary, determination of parentage of a child;
(4) establishment of a support order if recognition of a foreign support order is refused under K.S.A. 23-36,708(b)(2), (4) or (9), and amendments thereto;
(5) modification of a support order of a tribunal of this state; and
(6) modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.
(c) The following support proceedings are available under the convention to an obligor against which there is an existing support order:
(1) Recognition of an order suspending or limiting enforcement of an existing support order of a tribunal of this state;
(2) modification of a support order of a tribunal of this state; and
(3) modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.
(d) A tribunal of this state may not require security, bond or deposit, however described, to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in proceedings under the convention.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 60; July 1.
§§ 23-36,705 Direct request
(a) A petitioner may file a direct request seeking establishment or modification of a support order or determination of parentage of a child. In the proceeding, the law of this state applies.
(b) A petitioner may file a direct request seeking recognition and enforcement of a support order or support agreement. In the proceeding, K.S.A. 23-36,706 through 23-36,713, and amendments thereto, apply.
(c) In a direct request for recognition and enforcement of a convention support order or foreign support agreement:
(1) A security, bond or deposit is not required to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses; and
(2) an obligee or obligor that in the issuing country has benefited from free legal assistance is entitled to benefit, at least to the same extent, from any free legal assistance provided for by the law of this state under the same circumstances.
(d) A petitioner filing a direct request is not entitled to assistance from the department for children and families.
(e) This part does not prevent the application of laws of this state that provide simplified, more expeditious rules regarding a direct request for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order or foreign support agreement.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 61; July 1.
§§ 23-36,706 Registration of convention support order
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, a party who is an individual or a support enforcement agency seeking recognition of a convention support order shall register the order in this state as provided in part 6 of this act.
(b) Notwithstanding K.S.A. 23-36,311 and 23-36,602(a), and amendments thereto, a request for registration of a convention support order must be accompanied by:
(1) A complete text of the support order;
(2) a record stating that the support order is enforceable in the issuing country;
(3) if the respondent did not appear and was not represented in the proceedings in the issuing country, a record attesting, as appropriate, either that the respondent had proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard or that the respondent had proper notice of the support order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal;
(4) a record showing the amount of arrears, if any, and the date the amount was calculated;
(5) a record showing a requirement for automatic adjustment of the amount of support, if any, and the information necessary to make the appropriate calculations; and
(6) if necessary, a record showing the extent to which the applicant received free legal assistance in the issuing country.
(c) A request for registration of a convention support order may seek recognition and partial enforcement of the order.
(d) A tribunal of this state may vacate the registration of a convention support order without the filing of a contest under K.S.A. 23-36,707, and amendments thereto, only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement of the order would be manifestly incompatible with public policy.
(e) The tribunal shall promptly notify the parties of the registration or the order vacating the registration of a convention support order.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 62; July 1.
§§ 23-36,707 Contest of registered convention support order
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, K.S.A. 23-36,605 through 23-36,608, and amendments thereto, apply to a contest of a registered convention support order.
(b) A party contesting a registered convention support order shall file a contest not later than 30 days after notice of the registration, but if the contesting party does not reside in the United States, the contest must be filed not later than 60 days after notice of the registration.
(c) If the nonregistering party fails to contest the registered convention support order by the time specified in subsection (b), the order is enforceable.
(d) A contest of a registered convention support order may be based only on grounds set forth in K.S.A. 23-36,708, and amendments thereto. The contesting party bears the burden of proof.
(e) In a contest of a registered convention support order, a tribunal of this state:
(1) Is bound by the findings of fact on which the foreign tribunal based its jurisdiction; and
(2) may not review the merits of the order.
(f) A tribunal of this state deciding a contest of a registered convention support order shall promptly notify the parties of its decision.
(g) A challenge or appeal, if any, does not stay the enforcement of a convention support order unless there are exceptional circumstances.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 63; July 1.
§§ 23-36,708 Recognition and enforcement of registered convention support order
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a tribunal of this state shall recognize and enforce a registered convention support order.
(b) The following grounds are the only grounds on which a tribunal of this state may refuse recognition and enforcement of a registered convention support order:
(1) Recognition and enforcement of the order is manifestly incompatible with public policy, including the failure of the issuing tribunal to observe minimum standards of due process, which include notice and an opportunity to be heard;
(2) the issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction consistent with K.S.A. 23-36,201, and amendments thereto;
(3) the order is not enforceable in the issuing country;
(4) the order was obtained by fraud in connection with a matter of procedure;
(5) a record transmitted in accordance with K.S.A. 23-36,706, and amendments thereto, lacks authenticity or integrity;
(6) a proceeding between the same parties and having the same purpose is pending before a tribunal of this state and that proceeding was the first to be filed;
(7) the order is incompatible with a more recent support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose if the more recent support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this act in this state;
(8) payment, to the extent alleged arrears have been paid in whole or in part;
(9) in a case in which the respondent neither appeared nor was represented in the proceeding in the issuing foreign country:
(A) If the law of that country provides for prior notice of proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; or
(B) if the law of that country does not provide for prior notice of the proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal; or
(10) the order was made in violation of K.S.A. 23-36,711, and amendments thereto.
(c) If a tribunal of this state does not recognize a convention support order under subsection (b)(2), (4) or (9):
(1) The tribunal may not dismiss the proceeding without allowing a reasonable time for a party to request the establishment of a new convention support order; and
(2) the department for children and families shall take all appropriate measures to request a child support order for the obligee if the application for recognition and enforcement was received under K.S.A. 23-36,704, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 64; July 1.
§§ 23-36,709 Partial enforcement
If a tribunal of this state does not recognize and enforce a convention support order in its entirety, it shall enforce any severable part of the order. An application or direct request may seek recognition and partial enforcement of a convention support order.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 65; July 1.
§§ 23-36,710 Foreign support order
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d), a tribunal of this state shall recognize and enforce a foreign support agreement registered in this state.
(b) An application or direct request for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support agreement must be accompanied by:
(1) A complete text of the foreign support agreement; and
(2) a record stating that the foreign support agreement is enforceable as a decision in the issuing country.
(c) A tribunal of this state may vacate the registration of a foreign support agreement only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement would be manifestly incompatible with public policy.
(d) In a contest of a foreign support agreement, a tribunal of this state may refuse recognition and enforcement of the agreement if it finds:
(1) Recognition and enforcement of the agreement is manifestly incompatible with public policy;
(2) the agreement was obtained by fraud or falsification;
(3) the agreement is incompatible with a support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose in this state, another state or a foreign country if the support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this act in this state; or
(4) the record submitted under subsection (b) lacks authenticity or integrity.
(e) A proceeding for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support agreement must be suspended during the pendency of a challenge to or appeal of the agreement before a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 66; July 1.
§§ 23-36,711 Modification of convention child support order
(a) A tribunal of this state may not modify a convention child support order if the obligee remains a resident of the foreign country where the support order was issued unless:
(1) The obligee submits to the jurisdiction of a tribunal of this state, either expressly or by defending on the merits of the case without objecting to the jurisdiction at the first available opportunity; or
(2) the foreign tribunal lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its support order or issue a new support order.
(b) If a tribunal of this state does not modify a convention child support order because the order is not recognized in this state, K.S.A. 23-36,708(c), and amendments thereto, applies.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 67; July 1.
§§ 23-36,712 Personal information; limit on use
Personal information gathered or transmitted under this part may be used only for the purposes for which it was gathered or transmitted.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 68; July 1.
§§ 23-36,713 Record in original language; English translation
A record filed with a tribunal of this state under this part must be in the original language and, if not in English, must be accompanied by an English translation.
History: L. 2015, ch. 64, § 69; July 1.
§§ 23-36,801 Grounds for rendition
(a) For purposes of K.S.A. 23-36,801 and 23-36,802, and amendments thereto, "governor" includes an individual performing the functions of governor or the executive authority of a state covered by this act.
(b) The governor of this state may:
(1) Demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual found in the other state who is charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee; or
(2) on the demand of the governor of another state, surrender an individual found in this state who is charged criminally in the other state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee.
(c) A provision for extradition of individuals not inconsistent with this act applies to the demand even if the individual whose surrender is demanded was not in the demanding state when the crime was allegedly committed and has not fled therefrom.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 79; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 59; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 70; July 1.
§§ 23-36,802 Conditions of rendition
(a) Before making a demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee, the governor of this state may require a prosecutor of this state to demonstrate that at least 60 days previously the obligee had initiated proceedings for support pursuant to this act or that the proceeding would be of no avail.
(b) If, under this act or a law substantially similar to this act, the governor of another state makes a demand that the governor of this state surrender an individual charged criminally in that state with having failed to provide for the support of a child or other individual to whom a duty of support is owed, the governor may require a prosecutor to investigate the demand and report whether a proceeding for support has been initiated or would be effective. If it appears that a proceeding would be effective but has not been initiated, the governor may delay honoring the demand for a reasonable time to permit the initiation of a proceeding.
(c) If a proceeding for support has been initiated and the individual whose rendition is demanded prevails, the governor may decline to honor the demand. If the petitioner prevails and the individual whose rendition is demanded is subject to a support order, the governor may decline to honor the demand if the individual is complying with the support order.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 80; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 71; July 1.
§§ 23-36,901 Uniformity of application and construction
In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 81; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 72; July 1.
§§ 23-36,902 Transitional provision
This act applies to proceedings begun on or after the effective date of this act to establish a support order or determine parentage of a child or to register, recognize, enforce or modify a prior support order, determination or agreement, whenever issued or entered.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 82; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 60; L. 2015, ch. 64, § 73; July 1.
§§ 23-36,903 Severability clause
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.
History: L. 1994, ch. 301, § 83; July 1.
Article 37 Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (Uccjea)
§§ 23-37,101 Short title
(UCCJEA 101). The provisions of K.S.A. 23-37,101 through 23-37,405 may be cited as the uniform child-custody jurisdiction and enforcement act.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 31; July 1.
§§ 23-37,102 Definitions
(UCCJEA 102). As used in K.S.A. 23-37,101 through 23-37,405:
(1) "Abandoned" means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision.
(2) "Act" means the uniform child-custody jurisdiction and enforcement act.
(3) "Child" means an individual who has not attained 18 years of age.
(4) "Child-custody determination" means a judgment, decree or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial and modification order. The term does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual.
(5) "Child-custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may appear. The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto.
(6) "Commencement" means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding.
(7) "Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child-custody determination.
(8) "Home state" means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child-custody proceeding. In the case of a child less than six months of age, the term means the state in which the child lived from birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period.
(9) "Initial determination" means the first child-custody determination concerning a particular child.
(10) "Issuing court" means the court that makes a child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought under this act.
(11) "Issuing state" means the state in which a child-custody determination is made.
(12) "Modification" means a child-custody determination that changes, replaces, supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous determination concerning the same child, whether or not it is made by the court that made the previous determination.
(13) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government; governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; public corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity.
(14) "Person acting as a parent" means a person, other than a parent, who:
(A) Has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for * period of six consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within one year immediately before the commencement of a child-custody proceeding; and
(B) has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal custody under the law of this state.
(15) "Physical custody" means the physical care and supervision of a child.
(16) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(17) "Tribe" means an Indian tribe or band, or Alaskan Native village, which is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.
(18) "Warrant" means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 32; July 1.
§§ 23-37,103 Proceeding governed by other law
(UCCJEA 103). This act does not govern a proceeding pertaining to the authorization of emergency medical care for a child.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 33; July 1.
§§ 23-37,104 Application to Indian tribes
(UCCJEA 104). (a) A child-custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian child welfare act, 25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq., is not subject to this act to the extent that it is governed by the Indian child welfare act.
(b) A court of this state shall treat a tribe as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying K.S.A. 23-37,101 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto.
(c) A child-custody determination made by a tribe under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this act must be recognized and enforced under K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 34; July 1.
§§ 23-37,105 International application of act
(UCCJEA 105). (a) A court of this state shall treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying K.S.A. 23-37,101 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a child-custody determination made in a foreign country under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this act must be recognized and enforced under K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto.
(c) A court of this state need not apply this act if the child custody law of a foreign country violates fundamental principles of human rights.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 35; July 1.
§§ 23-37,106 Effect of child-custody determination
(UCCJEA 106). A child-custody determination made by a court of this state that had jurisdiction under this act binds all persons who have been served in accordance with the laws of this state or notified in accordance with K.S.A. 23-37,108, and amendments thereto, or who have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court, and who have been given an opportunity to be heard. As to those persons, the determination is conclusive as to all decided issues of law and fact except to the extent the determination is modified.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 36; July 1.
§§ 23-37,107 Priority
(UCCJEA 107). If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this act is raised in a child-custody proceeding, the question, upon request of a party, must be given priority on the calendar and handled expeditiously.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 37; July 1.
§§ 23-37,108 Notice to persons outside state
(UCCJEA 108). (a) Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this state may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of this state for service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice but may be by publication if other means are not effective.
(b) Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the law of this state or by the law of the state in which the service is made.
(c) Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 38; July 1.
§§ 23-37,109 Appearance and limited immunity
(UCCJEA 109). (a) A party to a child-custody proceeding, including a modification proceeding, or a petitioner or respondent in a proceeding to enforce or register a child-custody determination, is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this state for another proceeding or purpose solely by reason of having participated, or of having been physically present for the purpose of participating, in the proceeding.
(b) A person who is subject to personal jurisdiction in this state on a basis other than physical presence is not immune from service of process in this state. A party present in this state who is subject to the jurisdiction of another state is not immune from service of process allowable under the laws of that state.
(c) The immunity granted by subsection (a) does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to the participation in a proceeding under this act committed by an individual while present in this state.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 39; July 1.
§§ 23-37,110 Communication between courts
(UCCJEA 110). (a) A court of this state may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under this act.
(b) The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. If the parties are not able to participate in the communication, they must be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on jurisdiction is made.
(c) Communication between courts on schedules, calendars, court records, and similar matters may occur without informing the parties. A record need not be made of the communication.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a record must be made of a communication under this section. The parties must be informed promptly of the communication and granted access to the record.
(e) For the purposes of this section, "record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 40; July 1.
§§ 23-37,111 Taking testimony in another state
(UCCJEA 111). (a) In addition to other procedures available to a party, a party to a child-custody proceeding may offer testimony of witnesses who are located in another state, including testimony of the parties and the child, by deposition or other means allowable in this state for testimony taken in another state. The court on its own motion may order that the testimony of a person be taken in another state and may prescribe the manner in which and the terms upon which the testimony is taken.
(b) A court of this state may permit an individual residing in another state to be deposed or to testify by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means before a designated court or at another location in that state. A court of this state shall cooperate with courts of other states in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.
(c) Documentary evidence transmitted from another state to a court of this state by technological means that do not produce an original writing may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 41; July 1.
§§ 23-37,112 Cooperation between courts; preservation of records
(UCCJEA 112). (a) A court of this state may request the appropriate court of another state to:
(1) Hold an evidentiary hearing;
(2) order a person to produce or give evidence pursuant to procedures of that state;
(3) order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a child involved in a pending proceeding;
(4) forward to the court of this state a certified copy of the transcript of the record of the hearing, the evidence otherwise presented, and any evaluation prepared in compliance with the request; and
(5) order a party to a child-custody proceeding or any person having physical custody of the child to appear in the proceeding with or without the child.
(b) Upon request of a court of another state, a court of this state may hold a hearing or enter an order described in subsection (a).
(c) Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under subsections (a) and (b) may be assessed against the parties according to the law of this state.
(d) A court of this state shall preserve the pleadings, orders, decrees, records of hearings, evaluations, and other pertinent records with respect to a child-custody proceeding until the child attains 18 years of age. Upon appropriate request by a court or law enforcement official of another state, the court shall forward a certified copy of those records.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 42; July 1.
§§ 23-37,201 Initial child-custody jurisdiction
(UCCJEA 201). (a) Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child-custody determination only if:
(1) This state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state;
(2) a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under paragraph (1), or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under K.S.A. 23-37,207 or 23-37,208, and amendments thereto, and:
(A) The child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and
(B) substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;
(3) all courts having jurisdiction under paragraph (1) or (2) have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under K.S.A. 23-37,207 or 23-37,208, and amendments thereto; or
(4) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3).
(b) Subsection (a) is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child-custody determination by a court of this state.
(c) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child-custody determination.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 43; July 1.
§§ 23-37,202 Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction
(UCCJEA 202). (a) Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, a court of this state which has made a child-custody determination consistent with K.S.A. 23-37,201 or 23-37,203, and amendments thereto, has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until:
(1) A court of this state determines that neither the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not have a significant connection with this state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships; or
(2) a court of this state or a court of another state determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in this state.
(b) A court of this state which has made a child-custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under K.S.A. 23-37,201, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 44; July 1.
§§ 23-37,203 Jurisdiction to modify determination
(UCCJEA 203). Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, a court of this state may not modify a child-custody determination made by a court of another state unless a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under subsection (a)(1) or (2) of K.S.A. 23-37,201, and amendments thereto, and:
(1) The court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,202, and amendments thereto, or that a court of this state would be a more convenient forum under K.S.A. 23-37,207, and amendments thereto; or
(2) a court of this state or a court of the other state determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in the other state.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 45; July 1.
§§ 23-37,204 Temporary emergency jurisdiction
(UCCJEA 204). (a) A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse.
(b) If there is no previous child-custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this act and a child-custody proceeding has not been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto, a child-custody determination made under this section remains in effect until an order is obtained from a court of a state having jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto. If a child-custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto, a child-custody determination made under this section becomes a final determination, if it so provides and this state becomes the home state of the child.
(c) If there is a previous child-custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this act, or a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto, any order issued by a court of this state under this section must specify in the order a period that the court considers adequate to allow the person seeking an order to obtain an order from the state having jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto. The order issued in this state remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other state within the period specified or the period expires.
(d) A court of this state which has been asked to make a child-custody determination under this section, upon being informed that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child-custody determination has been made by, a court of a state having jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto, shall immediately communicate with the other court. A court of this state which is exercising jurisdiction pursuant to K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto, upon being informed that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child-custody determination has been made by, a court of another state under a statute similar to this section shall immediately communicate with the court of that state to resolve the emergency, protect the safety of the parties and the child, and determine a period for the duration of the temporary order.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 46; July 1.
§§ 23-37,205 Notice; opportunity to be heard; joinder
(UCCJEA 205). (a) Before a child-custody determination is made under this act, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards of K.S.A. 23-37,108, and amendments thereto, must be given to all persons entitled to notice under the law of this state as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this state, any parent whose parental rights have not been previously terminated, and any person having physical custody of the child.
(b) This act does not govern the enforceability of a child-custody determination made without notice or an opportunity to be heard.
(c) The obligation to join a party and the right to intervene as a party in a child-custody proceeding under this act are governed by the law of this state as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this state.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 47; July 1.
§§ 23-37,206 Simultaneous proceedings
(UCCJEA 206). (a) Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, a court of this state may not exercise its jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto, if, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, a proceeding concerning the custody of the child has been commenced in a court of another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with this act, unless the proceeding has been terminated or is stayed by the court of the other state because a court of this state is a more convenient forum under K.S.A. 23-37,207, and amendments thereto.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, a court of this state, before hearing a child-custody proceeding, shall examine the court documents and other information supplied by the parties pursuant to K.S.A. 23-37,209, and amendments thereto. If the court determines that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this act, the court of this state shall stay its proceeding and communicate with the court of the other state. If the court of the state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this act does not determine that the court of this state is a more appropriate forum, the court of this state shall dismiss the proceeding.
(c) In a proceeding to modify a child-custody determination, a court of this state shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the determination has been commenced in another state. If a proceeding to enforce a child-custody determination has been commenced in another state, the court may:
(1) Stay the proceeding for modification pending the entry of an order of a court of the other state enforcing, staying, denying, or dismissing the proceeding for enforcement;
(2) enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for enforcement; or
(3) proceed with the modification under conditions it considers appropriate.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 48; July 1.
§§ 23-37,207 Inconvenient forum
(UCCJEA 207). (a) A court of this state which has jurisdiction under this act to make a child-custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the court's own motion, or request of another court.
(b) Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of this state shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors, including:
(1) Whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;
(2) the length of time the child has resided outside this state;
(3) the distance between the court in this state and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;
(4) the relative financial circumstances of the parties;
(5) any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;
(6) the nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;
(7) the ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and
(8) the familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending litigation.
(c) If a court of this state determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child-custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.
(d) A court of this state may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this act if a child-custody determination is incidental to an action for divorce or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce or other proceeding.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 49; July 1.
§§ 23-37,208 Jurisdiction declines by reason of conduct
(UCCJEA 208). (a) Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, or by other law of this state, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this act because a person seeking to invoke its jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:
(1) The parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the exercise of jurisdiction;
(2) a court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto, determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under K.S.A. 23-37,207, and amendments thereto; or
(3) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto.
(b) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a), it may fashion an appropriate remedy to ensure the safety of the child and prevent a repetition of the unjustifiable conduct, including staying the proceeding until a child-custody proceeding is commenced in a court having jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,203, and amendments thereto.
(c) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a), it shall assess against the party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction necessary and reasonable expenses including costs, communication expenses, attorney fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees are sought establishes that the assessment would be clearly inappropriate. The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against this state unless authorized by law other than this act.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 50; July 1.
§§ 23-37,209 Information to be submitted to court
(UCCJEA 209). (a) Subject to subsection (e), in a child-custody proceeding, each party, in its first pleading or in an attached affidavit, shall give information, if reasonably ascertainable, under oath as to the child's present address or whereabouts, the places where the child has lived during the last five years, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the child has lived during that period. The pleading or affidavit must state whether the party:
(1) Has participated, as a party or witness or in any other capacity, in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or visitation with the child and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the date of the child-custody determination, if any;
(2) knows of any proceeding that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings for enforcement and proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; and
(3) knows the names and addresses of any person not a party to the proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of, or visitation with, the child and, if so, the names and addresses of those persons.
(b) If the information required by subsection (a) is not furnished, the court, upon motion of a party or its own motion, may stay the proceeding until the information is furnished.
(c) If the declaration as to any of the items described in subsection (a)(1) through (3) is in the affirmative, the declarant shall give additional information under oath as required by the court. The court may examine the parties under oath as to details of the information furnished and other matters pertinent to the court's jurisdiction and the disposition of the case.
(d) Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any proceeding in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.
(e) If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, the information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 51; July 1.
§§ 23-37,210 Appearance to parties and child
(UCCJEA 210). (a) In a child-custody proceeding in this state, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this state to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who is in this state and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person with the child.
(b) If a party to a child-custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside this state, the court may order that a notice given pursuant to K.S.A. 23-37,108, and amendments thereto, include a statement directing the party to appear in person with or without the child and informing the party that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party.
(c) The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section.
(d) If a party to a child-custody proceeding who is outside this state is directed to appear under subsection (b) or desires to appear personally before the court with or without the child, the court may require another party to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party so appearing and of the child.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 52; July 1.
§§ 23-37,301 Definitions; enforcement
(UCCJEA 301). In K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto:
(1) "Petitioner" means a person who seeks enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction or enforcement of a child-custody determination.
(2) "Respondent" means a person against whom a proceeding has been commenced for enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction or enforcement of a child-custody determination.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 53; July 1.
§§ 23-37,302 Enforcement under Hague Convention
(UCCJEA 302). Under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto, a court of this state may enforce an order for the return of the child made under the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction as if it were a child-custody determination.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 54; July 1.
§§ 23-37,303 Duty to enforce
(UCCJEA 303). (a) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce a child-custody determination of a court of another state if the latter court exercised jurisdiction in substantial conformity with this act or the determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the jurisdictional standards of this act and the determination has not been modified in accordance with this act.
(b) A court of this state may utilize any remedy available under other law of this state to enforce a child-custody determination made by a court of another state. The remedies provided in K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto, are cumulative and do not affect the availability of other remedies to enforce a child-custody determination.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 55; July 1.
§§ 23-37,304 Temporary visitation
(UCCJEA 304). (a) A court of this state which does not have jurisdiction to modify a child-custody determination, may issue a temporary order enforcing:
(1) A visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or
(2) the visitation provisions of a child-custody determination of another state that does not provide for a specific visitation schedule.
(b) If a court of this state makes an order under subsection (a)(2), it shall specify in the order a period that it considers adequate to allow the petitioner to obtain an order from a court having jurisdiction under the criteria specified in K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto. The order remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 56; July 1.
§§ 23-37,305 Registration of child-custody determination
(UCCJEA 305). (a) A child-custody determination issued by a court of another state may be registered in this state, with or without a simultaneous request for enforcement, by sending to the district court in this state:
(1) A letter or other document requesting registration;
(2) two copies, including one certified copy, of the determination sought to be registered, and a statement under penalty of perjury that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person seeking registration the order has not been modified; and
(3) except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-37,209, and amendments thereto, the name and address of the person seeking registration and any parent or person acting as a parent who has been awarded custody or visitation in the child-custody determination sought to be registered.
(b) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (a), the registering court shall:
(1) Cause the determination to be filed as a foreign judgment, together with one copy of any accompanying documents and information, regardless of their form; and
(2) serve notice upon the persons named pursuant to subsection (a)(3) and provide them with an opportunity to contest the registration in accordance with this section.
(c) The notice required by subsection (b)(2) must state that:
(1) A registered determination is enforceable as of the date of the registration in the same manner as a determination issued by a court of this state;
(2) a hearing to contest the validity of the registered determination must be requested within 20 days after service of notice; and
(3) failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the child-custody determination and preclude further contest of that determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted.
(d) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered order must request a hearing within 20 days after service of the notice. At that hearing, the court shall confirm the registered order unless the person contesting registration establishes that:
(1) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto;
(2) the child-custody determination sought to be registered has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto; or
(3) the person contesting registration was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of K.S.A. 23-37,108, and amendments thereto, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which registration is sought.
(e) If a timely request for a hearing to contest the validity of the registration is not made, the registration is confirmed as a matter of law and the person requesting registration and all persons served must be notified of the confirmation.
(f) Confirmation of a registered order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.
(g) There shall be no fee for registering a child-custody determination issued by a court of another state pursuant to this section. The fee for enforcement or modification of any child custody determination shall be as prescribed in K.S.A. 28-179, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 57; July 1.
§§ 23-37,306 Enforcement of registered determination
(UCCJEA 306). (a) A court of this state may grant any relief normally available under the law of this state to enforce a registered child-custody determination made by a court of another state.
(b) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto, a registered child-custody determination of a court of another state.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 58; July 1.
§§ 23-37,307 Simultaneous proceedings
(UCCJEA 307). If a proceeding for enforcement under K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto, is commenced in a court of this state and the court determines that a proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto, the enforcing court shall immediately communicate with the modifying court. The proceeding for enforcement continues unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 59; July 1.
§§ 23-37,308 Expedited enforcement of child-custody determination
(UCCJEA 308). (a) A petition under K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto, must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.
(b) A petition for enforcement of a child-custody determination must state:
(1) Whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was;
(2) whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this act and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;
(3) whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;
(4) the present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known;
(5) whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorney fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and
(6) if the child-custody determination has been registered and confirmed under K.S.A. 23-37,305, and amendments thereto, the date and place of registration.
(c) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear in person with or without the child at a hearing and may enter any order necessary to ensure the safety of the parties and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial day after service of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of hearing at the request of the petitioner.
(d) An order issued under subsection (c) must state the time and place of the hearing and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under K.S.A. 23-37,312, and amendments thereto, and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that:
(1) The child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under K.S.A. 23-37,305, and amendments thereto, and that:
(A) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto;
(B) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto;
(C) the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of K.S.A. 23-37,108, and amendments thereto, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or
(2) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under K.S.A. 23-37,304, and amendments thereto, but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 60; July 1.
§§ 23-37,309 Service of petition and order
(UCCJEA 309). Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 23-37,311, and amendments thereto, the petition and order must be served, by any method authorized by the law of this state, upon respondent and any person who has physical custody of the child.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 61; July 1.
§§ 23-37,310 Hearing and order
(UCCJEA 310). (a) Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent establishes that:
(1) The child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under K.S.A. 23-37,305, and amendments thereto, and that:
(A) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto;
(B) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto; or
(C) the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of K.S.A. 23-37,108, and amendments thereto, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or
(2) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under K.S.A. 23-37,305, and amendments thereto, but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto.
(b) The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under K.S.A. 23-37,312, and amendments thereto, and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.
(c) If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.
(d) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 62; July 1.
§§ 23-37,311 Warrant to take physical custody of child
(UCCJEA 311). (a) Upon the filing of a petition seeking enforcement of a child-custody determination, the petitioner may file a verified application for the issuance of a warrant to take physical custody of the child if the child is immediately likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this state.
(b) If the court, upon the testimony of the petitioner or other witness, finds that the child is imminently likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this state, it may issue a warrant to take physical custody of the child. The petition must be heard on the next judicial day after the warrant is executed unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The application for the warrant must include the statements required by subsection (b) of K.S.A. 23-37,308, and amendments thereto.
(c) A warrant to take physical custody of a child must:
(1) Recite the facts upon which a conclusion of imminent serious physical harm or removal from the jurisdiction is based;
(2) direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of the child immediately; and
(3) provide for the placement of the child pending final relief.
(d) The respondent must be served with the petition, warrant, and order immediately after the child is taken into physical custody.
(e) A warrant to take physical custody of a child is enforceable throughout this state. If the court finds on the basis of the testimony of the petitioner or other witness that a less intrusive remedy is not effective, it may authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical custody of the child. If required by exigent circumstances of the case, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.
(f) The court may impose conditions upon placement of a child to ensure the appearance of the child and the child's custodian.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 63; July 1.
§§ 23-37,312 Costs, fees, and expenses
(UCCJEA 312). (a) The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.
(b) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this act.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 64; July 1.
§§ 23-37,313 Recognition and enforcement
(UCCJEA 313). A court of this state shall accord full faith and credit to an order issued by another state and consistent with this act which enforces a child-custody determination by a court of another state unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under K.S.A. 23-37,201 through 23-37,210, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 65; July 1.
§§ 23-37,314 Appeals
(UCCJEA 314). An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto, in accordance with expedited appellate procedures in other civil cases. Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child-custody determination pending appeal.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 66; July 1.
§§ 23-37,315 Role of prosecutor
(UCCJEA 315). (a) In a case arising under this act or involving the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction, the prosecutor may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under K.S.A. 23-37,301 through 23-37,317, and amendments thereto, or any other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child-custody determination if there is:
(1) An existing child-custody determination;
(2) a request to do so from a court in a pending child-custody proceeding;
(3) a reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or
(4) a reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction.
(b) A prosecutor acting under this section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 67; July 1.
§§ 23-37,316 Role of law enforcement
(UCCJEA 316). At the request of a prosecutor acting under K.S.A. 23-37,315, and amendments thereto, a law enforcement officer may take any lawful action reasonably necessary to locate a child or a party and assist a prosecutor with responsibilities under K.S.A. 23-37,315, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 68; July 1.
§§ 23-37,317 Costs and expenses
(UCCJEA 317). If the respondent is not the prevailing party, the court may assess against the respondent all direct expenses and costs incurred by the prosecutor and law enforcement officers under K.S.A. 23-37,315 or 23-37,316, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 69; July 1.
§§ 23-37,401 Application and construction
(UCCJEA 401). In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 70; July 1.
§§ 23-37,402 Severability clause
(UCCJEA 402). If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 71; July 1.
§§ 23-37,403, 23-37,404 Reserved
§§ 23-37,405 Transitional provision
(UCCJEA 405). A motion or other request for relief made in a child-custody proceeding or to enforce a child-custody determination which was commenced before the effective date of this act is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other request was made.
History: L. 2000, ch. 171, § 72; July 1.
Article 38 Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act (Ucapa)
§ 23-3801 Short title
This act may be cited as the uniform child abduction prevention act.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 1; July 1.
§ 23-3802 Definitions
In this act:
(1) "Abduction" means the wrongful removal or wrongful retention of a child.
(2) "Child" means an unemancipated individual who is less than 18 years of age.
(3) "Child-custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order.
(4) "Child-custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is at issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, or protection from domestic violence.
(5) "Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child-custody determination.
(6) "Petition" includes a motion or its equivalent.
(7) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(8) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation.
(9) "Travel document" means records relating to a travel itinerary, including travel tickets, passes, reservations for transportation, or accommodations. The term does not include a passport or visa.
(10) "Wrongful removal" means the taking of a child that breaches rights of custody or visitation given or recognized under the law of this state.
(11) "Wrongful retention" means the keeping or concealing of a child that breaches rights of custody or visitation given or recognized under the law of this state.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 2; July 1.
§ 23-3803 Cooperation and communication among courts
K.S.A. 23-37,110, 23-37,111 and 23-37,112, and amendments thereto, apply to cooperation and communications among courts in proceedings under this act.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 3; July 1.
§ 23-3804 Actions for abduction prevention measures
(a) A court on its own motion may order abduction prevention measures in a child-custody proceeding if the court finds that the evidence establishes a credible risk of abduction of the child.
(b) A party to a child-custody determination or another individual or entity having a right under the law of this state or any other state to seek a child-custody determination for the child may file a petition seeking abduction prevention measures to protect the child under this act.
(c) A prosecutor or public authority designated under K.S.A. 23-37,315 may seek a warrant to take physical custody of a child under K.S.A. 23-3809, and amendments thereto, or other appropriate prevention measures.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 4; July 1.
§ 23-3805 Jurisdiction
(a) A petition under this act may be filed only in a court that has jurisdiction to make a child-custody determination with respect to the child at issue under the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act, K.S.A. 23-37,101 et seq., and amendments thereto.
(b) A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,204, and amendments thereto, if the court finds a credible risk of abduction.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 5; July 1.
§ 23-3806 Contents of petition
A petition under this act must be verified and include a copy of any existing child-custody determination, if available. The petition must specify the risk factors for abduction, including the relevant factors described in K.S.A. 23-3807, and amendments thereto. Subject to K.S.A. 23-37,209, and amendments thereto, if reasonably ascertainable, the petition must contain:
(1) the name, date of birth, and gender of the child;
(2) the customary address and current physical location of the child;
(3) the identity, customary address, and current physical location of the respondent;
(4) a statement of whether a prior action to prevent abduction or domestic violence has been filed by a party or other individual or entity having custody of the child, and the date, location, and disposition of the action;
(5) a statement of whether a party to the proceeding has been arrested for a crime related to domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect, and the date, location, and disposition of the case; and
(6) any other information required to be submitted to the court for a child-custody determination under K.S.A. 23-37,209, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 6; July 1.
§ 23-3807 Factors to determine risk of abduction
(a) In determining whether there is a credible risk of abduction of a child, the court shall consider any evidence that the petitioner or respondent:
(1) Has previously abducted or attempted to abduct the child;
(2) has threatened to abduct the child;
(3) has recently engaged in activities that may indicate a planned abduction, including:
(A) Abandoning employment;
(B) selling a primary residence;
(C) terminating a lease;
(D) closing bank or other financial management accounts, liquidating assets, hiding or destroying financial documents, or conducting any unusual financial activities;
(E) applying for a passport or visa or obtaining travel documents for the respondent, a family member, or the child; or
(F) seeking to obtain the child's birth certificate or school or medical records;
(4) has engaged in domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect;
(5) has refused to follow a child-custody determination;
(6) lacks strong familial, financial, emotional, or cultural ties to the state or the United States;
(7) has strong familial, financial, emotional, or cultural ties to another state or country;
(8) is likely to take the child to a country that:
(A) Is not a party to the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction and does not provide for the extradition of an abducting parent or for the return of an abducted child;
(B) is a party to the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction but:
(i) The Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction is not in force between the United States and that country;
(ii) is noncompliant according to the most recent compliance report issued by the United States department of state; or
(iii) lacks legal mechanisms for immediately and effectively enforcing a return order under the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction;
(C) poses a risk that the child's physical or emotional health or safety would be endangered in the country because of specific circumstances relating to the child or because of human rights violations committed against children;
(D) has laws or practices that would:
(i) Enable the respondent, without due cause, to prevent the petitioner from contacting the child;
(ii) restrict the petitioner from freely traveling to or exiting from the country because of the petitioner's gender, nationality, marital status, or religion; or
(iii) restrict the child's ability legally to leave the country after the child reaches the age of majority because of a child's gender, nationality, or religion;
(E) is included by the United States department of state on a current list of state sponsors of terrorism;
(F) does not have an official United States diplomatic presence in the country; or
(G) is engaged in active military action or war, including a civil war, to which the child may be exposed;
(9) is undergoing a change in immigration or citizenship status that would adversely affect the respondent's ability to remain in the United States legally;
(10) has had an application for United States citizenship denied;
(11) has forged or presented misleading or false evidence on government forms or supporting documents to obtain or attempt to obtain a passport, a visa, travel documents, a social security card, a driver's license, or other government-issued identification card or has made a misrepresentation to the United States government;
(12) has used multiple names to attempt to mislead or defraud; or
(13) has engaged in any other conduct the court considers relevant to the risk of abduction.
(b) In the hearing on a petition under this act, the court shall consider any evidence that the respondent believed in good faith that the respondent's conduct was necessary to avoid imminent harm to the child or respondent and any other evidence that may be relevant to whether the respondent may be permitted to remove or retain the child.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 7; July 1.
§ 23-3808 Provisions and measures to prevent abduction
(a) If a petition is filed under this act, the court may enter an order that must include:
(1) The basis for the court's exercise of jurisdiction;
(2) the manner in which notice and opportunity to be heard were given to the persons entitled to notice of the proceeding;
(3) a detailed description of each party's custody and visitation rights and residential arrangements for the child;
(4) a provision stating that a violation of the order may subject the party in violation to civil and criminal penalties; and
(5) identification of the child's country of habitual residence at the time of the issuance of the order.
(b) If, at a hearing on a petition under this act or on the court's own motion, the court after reviewing the evidence finds a credible risk of abduction of the child, the court shall enter an abduction prevention order. The order must include the provisions required by subsection (a) and measures and conditions, including those in subsections (c), (d), and (e), that are reasonably calculated to prevent abduction of the child, giving due consideration to the custody and visitation rights of the parties. The court shall consider the age of the child, the potential harm to the child from an abduction, the legal and practical difficulties of returning the child to the jurisdiction if abducted, and the reasons for the potential abduction, including evidence of domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect.
(c) An abduction prevention order may include one or more of the following:
(1) An imposition of travel restrictions that require that a party traveling with the child outside a designated geographical area provide the other party with the following:
(A) The travel itinerary of the child;
(B) a list of physical addresses and telephone numbers at which the child can be reached at specified times; and
(C) copies of all travel documents;
(2) a prohibition of the respondent directly or indirectly:
(A) Removing the child from this state, the United States, or another geographic area without permission of the court or the petitioner's written consent;
(B) removing or retaining the child in violation of a child-custody determination;
(C) removing the child from school or a child-care or similar facility; or
(D) approaching the child at any location other than a site designated for supervised visitation;
(3) a requirement that a party to register the order in another state as a prerequisite to allowing the child to travel to that state;
(4) with regard to the child's passport:
(A) A direction that the petitioner to place the child's name in the United States department of state's child passport issuance alert program;
(B) a requirement that the respondent surrender to the court or the petitioner's attorney any United States or foreign passport issued in the child's name, including a passport issued in the name of both the parent and the child; and
(C) a prohibition upon the respondent from applying on behalf of the child for a new or replacement passport or visa;
(5) as a prerequisite to exercising custody or visitation, a requirement that the respondent provide:
(A) To the United States department of state office of children's issues and the relevant foreign consulate or embassy, an authenticated copy of the order detailing passport and travel restrictions for the child;
(B) to the court:
(i) Proof that the respondent has provided the information in subparagraph (A); and
(ii) an acknowledgment in a record from the relevant foreign consulate or embassy that no passport application has been made, or passport issued, on behalf of the child;
(C) to the petitioner, proof of registration with the United States embassy or other United States diplomatic presence in the destination country and with the central authority for the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction, if that Convention is in effect between the United States and the destination country, unless one of the parties objects; and
(D) a written waiver under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. Section 552a, as amended, with respect to any document, application, or other information pertaining to the child authorizing its disclosure to the court and the petitioner; and
(6) upon the petitioner's request, a requirement that the respondent obtain an order from the relevant foreign country containing terms identical to the child-custody determination issued in the United States.
(d) In an abduction prevention order, the court may impose conditions on the exercise of custody or visitation that:
(1) Limit visitation or require that visitation with the child by the respondent be supervised until the court finds that supervision is no longer necessary and order the respondent to pay the costs of supervision;
(2) require the respondent to post a bond or provide other security in an amount sufficient to serve as a financial deterrent to abduction, the proceeds of which may be used to pay for the reasonable expenses of recovery of the child, including reasonable attorney's fees and costs if there is an abduction; and
(3) require the respondent to obtain education on the potentially harmful effects to the child from abduction.
(e) To prevent imminent abduction of a child, a court may:
(1) Issue a warrant to take physical custody of the child under K.S.A. 23-3809, and amendments thereto, or the law of this state other than this act;
(2) direct the use of law enforcement to take any action reasonably necessary to locate the child, obtain return of the child, or enforce a custody determination under this act or the law of this state other than this act; or
(3) grant any other relief allowed under the law of this state other than this act.
(f) The remedies provided in this act are cumulative and do not affect the availability of other remedies to prevent abduction.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 8; July 1.
§ 23-3809 Warrant to take physical custody of child
(a) If a petition under this act contains allegations, and the court finds that there is a credible risk that the child is imminently likely to be wrongfully removed, the court may issue an ex parte warrant to take physical custody of the child.
(b) The respondent on a petition under subsection (a) must be afforded an opportunity to be heard at the earliest possible time after the ex parte warrant is executed, but not later than the next judicial day unless a hearing on that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible.
(c) An ex parte warrant under subsection (a) to take physical custody of a child must:
(1) Recite the facts upon which a determination of a credible risk of imminent wrongful removal of the child is based;
(2) direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of the child immediately;
(3) state the date and time for the hearing on the petition; and
(4) provide for the safe interim placement of the child pending further order of the court.
(d) If feasible, before issuing a warrant and before determining the placement of the child after the warrant is executed, the court may order a search of the relevant databases of the national crime information center system and similar state databases to determine if either the petitioner or respondent has a history of domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect.
(e) The petition and warrant must be served on the respondent when or immediately after the child is taken into physical custody.
(f) A warrant to take physical custody of a child, issued by this state or another state, is enforceable throughout this state. If the court finds that a less intrusive remedy will not be effective, it may authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical custody of the child. If required by exigent circumstances, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.
(g) If the court finds, after a hearing, that a petitioner sought an ex parte warrant under subsection (a) for the purpose of harassment or in bad faith, the court may award the respondent reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and expenses.
(h) This act does not affect the availability of relief allowed under the law of this state other than this act.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 9; July 1.
§ 23-3810 Duration of abduction prevention order
An abduction prevention order remains in effect until the earliest of:
(1) The time stated in the order;
(2) the emancipation of the child;
(3) the child's attaining 18 years of age; or
(4) the time the order is modified, revoked, vacated, or superseded by a court with jurisdiction under K.S.A. 23-37,201, 23-37,202 and 23-37,203, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 10; July 1.
§ 23-3811 Uniformity of application and construction
In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 11; July 1.
§ 23-3812 Relation to electronic signatures in global and national commerce act
This act modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal electronic signatures in global and national commerce act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of the act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7001(c), of that act or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7003(b).
History: L. 2007, ch. 75, § 12; July 1.
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