With each passing year, the law continues to recognize different types of relationships. There are traditional marriages, civil unions, cohabitation, couples who have children together and may or may not live with each other, and common law marriages.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Kansas ranks 33rd in births to unmarried mothers among states in the U.S. Approximately 36.4 percent of children in Kansas are born out of wedlock. Unfortunately, never being married to the other parent of your child can bring about some legal legwork if you plan to pursue child support or custody.
In Kansas, about 14% of females (162k) and 12% of males (133k), aged 18 and above, are either separated or divorced. Married couples can choose to file either for divorce or separate maintenance ("a legal separation"). A divorce permanently terminates the marriage, whereas a decree of separate maintenance allows the spouses to live apart and have a settlement agreement while they remain legally married.
There are two ways to end a marriage – divorce or annulment. Jeffers Law Office can provide you with the experienced legal counsel and advocacy you need to understand the entire process of divorce and annulment.
Approximately 23 percent of children under 18 years in the United States live with a single mother, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Quality child support arrangements are usually established to ensure that these children are adequately cared for.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the divorce rate in Kansas is 8.6 percent. During divorce proceedings, a spouse may need to request a court order for a specific reason until the divorce is finalized. Reasons for obtaining a court order may include child custody, child support, spousal support, or a restraining order.
In Kansas, there is a waiting period of 60 days after one or both parties file a Petition For Divorce. If an emergency exists, the courts may grant a divorce sooner.
The grounds for divorce in Kansas include incompatibility (no-fault), failure to perform a material marital duty, and incompatibility by reason of mental illness. Kansas courts require the divorcing couple to clearly identify and explain the legal grounds under which they are terminating the marriage.
The state of Kansas has specific requirements regarding residency for a couple that is filing for divorce. As such, it is important for divorcing couples to understand Kansas law as it applies to both parties and their children.
