Divorce Attorney In Johnson County, Kansas
Divorce includes far more steps than having a judge grant your divorce petition. In much the same way that your and your spouse’s life merge in marriage, there is a similar amount of work to disentangle your lives. The result can be a lengthy and highly emotional process where you will reach the best outcomes when you work with a Kansas attorney who takes the time to understand your needs and who has the experience to achieve your goals.
At The Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C., our attorney brings decades of experience to your case, all with a personal touch. Our legal advice is to the point, honest and designed to help. We are your advocates throughout divorce, no matter what challenges accompany it.
Ensuring You Make The Best Of Your Fresh Start
Your divorce is highly personal, regardless of whether it is amiable or contentious, and you deserve personal advice. Your divorce agreements can determine your ability to move forward financially and logistically. At in Lenexa, Kansas, we support individuals throughout all phases of divorce, including:
- Negotiating for your best interests during property division, including fighting for your home or family business
- Finding a cooperative and practical parenting agreement that creates healthy expectations and boundaries
- Advocating for you during spousal maintenance/alimony determinations
Our goal is always to give you the most opportunities to thrive moving forward. Your divorce is not the end of your life; it is the start of a new chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Kansas
Separating from a marriage that was once joyful is a deeply emotional process. Please know that it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by the transition, and we are here to help you understand your rights and available options to protect your interests and financial stability.
What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in Johnson County, Kansas?
To file for divorce, at least one party must have lived in Kansas for at least 60 days before filing; a member of the armed forces stationed at a Kansas military post for that period may also qualify. If either spouse resides in Johnson County, they may file the case there.
This residency requirement is separate from Kansas’s 60-day “waiting period” after filing before a divorce can be finalized. In most cases, the court cannot issue the divorce decree until that waiting period has passed.
How does Kansas divide property in a divorce?
Kansas follows the legal theory of “equitable distribution” when dividing property, which means the court seeks a division that is fair, but not necessarily a 50/50 split. The court evaluates various factors to determine this division, including the length of marriage, the age of the parties, the present and future earning capacities of each spouse, and how and when the property was acquired.
How long does a divorce take in Kansas?
The timeline for a divorce in Kansas includes a mandatory “cooling-off” period of 60 days. This means that even in the most amicable and uncontested cases, a judge must wait at least 60 days after the initial petition is filed before signing the final divorce decree.
If the divorce is a contested case – meaning there are disagreements over custody, child support costs or property division – the process can take significantly longer, often lasting several months to over a year.
How do Kansas courts determine spousal maintenance?
When determining spousal maintenance or “alimony,” Kansas courts look at what is fair based on the specific circumstances of the couple. There is no set formula; instead, judges consider the financial needs of the spouse seeking support and the other spouse’s ability to pay.
Kansas Statutes § 23-2904 restricts maintenance to a maximum duration of 121 months, although the parties can agree on another timeframe or the court can grant an extension under certain legal conditions.
Begin Your New Life On Your Terms
Kansas residents can get straight-forward, honest and genuinely helpful advice at The Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C.. Our attorney can advise you on all areas of divorce and will offer a compassionate environment where your future is the priority. When you are ready to start a conversation about divorce proceedings, schedule a time to talk at 913-717-0655 or by email.