Child custody and support in Kansas
For divorcing parents in Kansas: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026
The short answer
Kansas law uses the term “legal custody, residency and parenting time (parenting plan)” for custody. Parenting class: Some judicial districts require a parenting class in divorces with minor children; check your district court's local rules.
- Custody term
- Legal custody, residency and parenting time (parenting plan)
- Parenting class
- Depends on the court
- Child support agency
- Kansas Department for Children and Families, Child Support Services
Custody terms in Kansas
Legal custody, residency and parenting time (parenting plan)
Mediation
Courts may order mediation of custody and parenting issues (K.S.A. 23-3502); many districts use it routinely.
Parenting class in Kansas
Some judicial districts require a parenting class in divorces with minor children; check your district court's local rules.
Child support in Kansas
Child support follows Kansas's guidelines. For help setting up or collecting it, contact the state's child support agency.
Children in a Kansas divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use Kansas's term for custody: legal custody, residency and parenting time (parenting plan).
Parenting class
Take the parenting class described above if Kansas requires it in your case.
Mediation
If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.
The child support agency
For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.
Questions about custody and child support in Kansas
What is child custody called in Kansas?
Kansas uses the term “legal custody, residency and parenting time (parenting plan)”.
Do parents have to take a class in a Kansas divorce?
Some judicial districts require a parenting class in divorces with minor children; check your district court's local rules.
Which agency handles child support in Kansas?
Kansas Department for Children and Families, Child Support Services.
Is mediation required for custody in Kansas?
Courts may order mediation of custody and parenting issues (K.S.A. 23-3502); many districts use it routinely.
More about divorce in Kansas
- All Kansas divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in Kansas
- Kansas divorce forms and filing fees
- Alimony in Kansas
- Serving divorce papers in Kansas
- Divorce timeline estimator for Kansas
- Divorce checklist for Kansas
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
Sources
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.