Cowley County Court Records Search
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Cowley County, located in south-central Kansas, operates its court system through the 19th Judicial District, which serves residents across the county from two courthouse locations. Court records generated by these proceedings document everything from criminal charges and civil disputes to probate filings and domestic matters. They capture party names, docket numbers, hearing dates, court orders, judgments, and filed documents such as complaints, motions, and settlement agreements. These records serve both as official accounts of legal proceedings and as tools for public accountability under Kansas law.
Finding Court Records in Cowley County:
Court records for Kansas cases can be located through multiple channels, including clerk’s office visits, written record requests, public access terminals at each courthouse, and online systems. KansasCourts.us provides a starting point for identifying which court handled a case and how to access case information statewide. The Kansas eCourt public access portal has expanded online availability of district court records as courts transition to a centralized case management system.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Cowley County?
The 19th Judicial District offers several ways to search and obtain court records, depending on whether the case was heard in Winfield or Arkansas City.
Online Case Search
The most accessible option for most people is the Kansas Case Search portal, which allows searches by case number, party name, business name, or citation. This system reflects Cowley County District Court records as the court has transitioned to the Kansas eCourt centralized case management system. Additionally, the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal provides case information and, for cases filed after the eCourt transition date, access to actual court records. Guidance on using the portal is available through the Public Portal Smart Search instructions published by the Kansas Judicial Branch.
In-Person Search
Each courthouse maintains a computer terminal reserved for public searches of case information and court records. In-person visitors may search cases and review public documents at either location during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mail and Fax Requests
Written requests for copies of specific records may be submitted using the court’s official Record Request Form. Completed forms should be faxed to (620) 221-1097 or mailed to:
19th Judicial District Court — Records
Address: P.O. Box 472, Winfield, KS 67156
Alternatively, requests may be dropped off in person or placed in the court’s drop box at 311 E. 9th, Winfield (east side of the building), or at the West entrance of the Arkansas City municipal building on 1st Street.
Fees for Copies and Searches
The clerk’s office charges $0.25 per page for paper copies. A search fee of $12.00 per hour may apply when extensive staff time is required to locate records. Cases heard in Winfield carry a “W” suffix or a “CLW” prefix, while Arkansas City cases use an “A” suffix or “CLA” prefix — knowing which location handled a case can significantly speed up a request.
Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowley County Courthouse (Winfield) | 311 E. 9th Ave., P.O. Box 472, Winfield, KS 67156 | (620) 221-5470 | (620) 221-1097 |
| Arkansas City Branch | City Hall Building, 1st & Central St., P.O. Box 1152, Arkansas City, KS 67005 | (620) 441-4520 | (620) 442-7213 |
Fines and court fees may also be paid online through the Kansas online payment system.
Are Court Records Public in Cowley County?
Kansas law generally treats court records as public documents. The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. 45-215 et seq., establishes the right of public access to government records, including those held by courts. Under KORA, any person may inspect or obtain copies of court records that are not subject to a specific exemption.
However, Kansas law under K.S.A. 45-221 identifies a number of categories that are exempt from disclosure or restricted from routine public access. Records that are not available to the general public include:
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Juvenile records and Child in Need of Care (CINC) case files
- Adoption proceedings
- Grand jury proceedings and certain criminal investigation materials
- Records protected by judicial order or case law
- Personal identifying information subject to redaction requirements
The 19th Judicial District’s Rules of Court (2025 Update) also address confidentiality obligations applicable to local proceedings. Supreme Court Rule 22 governs access to public electronic district court case records through the eCourt portal and identifies categories of cases that will not be accessible online even if the underlying case is otherwise public. If a record is public but unavailable through the portal, it remains accessible at the courthouse terminal or through a written request to the clerk.
Cowley County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Cowley County — including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic matters — are filed and heard in the 19th Judicial District Court at both the Winfield and Arkansas City locations. All jury trials, however, are held exclusively at the main Cowley County Courthouse in Winfield.
Criminal case filings carry the following docket fees:
| Case Type | Statute | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | K.S.A. 28-172a | $193.00 |
| Murder/Manslaughter | K.S.A. 28-172a | $202.50 |
| Misdemeanor | K.S.A. 28-172a | $158.00 |
| Traffic | K.S.A. 28-172a | $108.00 |
| DL Reinstatement | K.S.A. 8-2110 | $122.00 |
Criminal case records — including charging documents, hearing dates, plea entries, and sentencing orders — are searchable through the Kansas Case Search portal for cases where Cowley County is on the eCourt system. Public terminals at the courthouse also allow on-site review.
Criminal History and Arrest Records
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) offers a statewide criminal history record check for researching an individual’s criminal background. The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest and inmate-related information, and an offender search through OffenderWatch allows the public to look up registered sex offenders by name, address, city, or compliance status.
Expungement of Criminal Records
Eligible individuals may petition the 19th Judicial District Court to have arrest records or conviction records expunged under K.S.A. 21-6614. The filing fee for an expungement of a conviction is $195.00 (docket fee $176.00 + surcharge $19.00), and for an expungement of an arrest record it is also $195.00 under K.S.A. 22-2410. Expunged records are removed from public access and are not disclosed through standard records requests. The Kansas Judicial Branch self-help expungement resources provide forms and instructions for individuals seeking to clear their records.
Cowley County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Cowley County are divided between general civil cases (governed by Chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes) and limited actions cases (Chapter 61), which cover smaller monetary disputes including small claims. All limited actions cases are filed in the District Court in Winfield regardless of the amount in controversy.
Filing Fees for Civil Cases
| Case Type | Statute | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 60 Civil / Domestic | K.S.A. 60-2001 | $195.00 |
| Domestic Post-Decree Motion | K.S.A. 28-179 | $62.00 |
| Limited Action ≤ $500 | K.S.A. 61-4001 | $54.00 |
| Limited Action $500–$5,000 | K.S.A. 61-4001 | $74.00 |
| Limited Action $5,000–$25,000 | K.S.A. 61-4001 | $120.00 |
| Small Claims ≤ $500 | K.S.A. 61-2704 | $47.50 |
| Small Claims $500–$4,000 | K.S.A. 61-2704 | $67.50 |
| Motion for Summary Judgment | K.S.A. 60-256 | $195.00 |
| Garnishment (Chapter 60) | K.S.A. 28-178 / 60-729 | $20.00 |
Civil case records — including complaints, answers, orders, and judgments — may be searched online through the Kansas Case Search portal or inspected at the courthouse terminal. Copies may be requested in writing using the court’s Record Request Form at the standard rate of $0.25 per page, with any applicable search fee.
Most court hearings are conducted virtually via Zoom unless specifically scheduled as in-person appearances. Non-confidential hearings may also be viewed through the assigned judge’s YouTube Live channel. Limited actions hearings are held on Mondays via Zoom (Meeting ID: (161) 536-6922, Passcode: 2025; phone dial-in: (669) 254-5252). Additional case docket information is publicly posted for each division of the 19th Judicial District.
Civil filing cover sheets required under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 123 are available directly from the Kansas Judicial Council’s case filing cover sheet forms page.
Cowley County Family Court Records
All domestic relations cases — including divorce, legal separation, and post-decree motions — are filed exclusively at the Cowley County Courthouse in Winfield and are assigned to the Honorable LaDonna Lanning, Division 3. Even cases that were originally filed in Arkansas City must have post- or pre-trial motions submitted in Winfield. Hearing date information for domestic cases is available by contacting the Domestic Clerk at (620) 221-5470.
Divorce Records
Divorce proceedings are governed by K.S.A. 23-2701 et seq. The filing fee for a domestic case is $195.00. The clerk of the 19th Judicial District maintains divorce records generated through court proceedings. For divorces finalized after July 1951, certified documentation is also available from the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Office of Vital Statistics serves as the statewide repository and can be contacted at:
Kansas Office of Vital Statistics
Address: 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612-2221
Phone: (785) 296-1400
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are obtained through the District Court clerk’s office — at either the Winfield or Arkansas City location — under K.S.A. 23-2504 et seq. The filing fee for a marriage license is $85.50 (docket fee $59.00 + surcharge $26.50 under K.S.A. 23-2510). Certified copies of marriage certificates are maintained by the Cowley County Register of Deeds at 311 E. 9th Ave., P.O. Box 741, Winfield, KS 67156, Phone: (620) 221-5461
Child Custody, Support, and Protection Orders
The District Court handles child custody, child support, and protection from abuse and stalking cases at both court locations. These matters may appear in the same case file as a divorce proceeding or as independent actions. Protection orders and domestic cases involving minors may be subject to restricted access provisions under Kansas law.
Adoption Records
Adoption proceedings are handled through the District Court under K.S.A. 59-2111 et seq. The filing fee for adoption is $70.50. Adoption records are sealed under Kansas law and are not available through standard public records requests.
Birth and Death Records
Birth records in Kansas are administered under K.S.A. 65-2422d, with the KDHE Office of Vital Statistics maintaining records statewide. Locally, the Cowley County Clerk’s Office at 311 E. 9th Ave., Winfield, KS 67156, (620) 221-5461, can direct requesters to appropriate resources. Certified copies of birth certificates are available from KDHE for $20.00 each. Death records from July 1, 1911, onward are similarly held by KDHE, with certified copies available for a fee.
Cowley County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Kansas are heard in the District Court under K.S.A. 59-301 et seq. In Cowley County, probate cases are filed and managed through the 19th Judicial District and may be heard at either courthouse location. The types of matters handled through probate include estate administration, the filing and probating of wills, guardianships, conservatorships, trusteeships, and proceedings related to incapacitated individuals.
Probate Filing Fees
| Proceeding Type | Statute | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Probate of Estate or Will | K.S.A. 59-104 | $131.50 |
| Filing Will & Affidavit | K.S.A. 59-104 | $70.50 |
| Conservatorship and/or Guardianship | K.S.A. 59-104 | $91.50 |
| Trusteeship | K.S.A. 59-104 | $91.50 |
| Determination of Descent of Property | K.S.A. 59-104 | $71.50 |
| Adoption | K.S.A. 59-104 | $70.50 |
| Termination of Joint Tenancy | K.S.A. 59-104 | $70.50 |
| Termination of Life Estate | K.S.A. 59-104 | $70.50 |
| Certified Probate Proceedings (out of county) | K.S.A. 59-104 | $45.50 |
| Decrees in Probate from Another State | K.S.A. 59-104 | $195.00 |
How to Request Probate Records
Written requests for probate records should be directed to the Clerk of the 19th Judicial District Court. To ensure efficient processing, requests should include the full name of the decedent or subject of the proceeding, the case number if known, the approximate filing date, and a clear description of the documents needed. The standard copy fee of $0.25 per page and the $12.00-per-hour search fee apply. Standard probate forms, including those required under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 123, are available through the Kansas Judicial Council’s legal forms page.
Winfield Courthouse (Main)
Address: 311 E. 9th Ave., P.O. Box 472, Winfield, KS 67156
Phone: (620) 221-5470 | Fax: (620) 221-1097
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Arkansas City Branch
Address: City Hall Building, 1st & Central St., P.O. Box 1152, Arkansas City, KS 67005
Phone: (620) 441-4520 | Fax: (620) 442-7213
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Probate records that are not restricted by court order are generally public under KORA. However, mental health commitment records and certain care-and-treatment proceedings may have restricted access under Kansas statute. The full Rules of Court for the 19th Judicial District, along with the Rules Appendices, provide additional procedural detail for practitioners and self-represented litigants.