Skip to Main Content

FAQ Civil Process

CIVIL PROCESS FAQs

Need to file documents?  Please contact your local District Court or  click here to access Kansas Judicial Council on-line forms.

The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office serves only documents that originate from a court and bear the appropriate stamp and case number; private papers from attorneys will not be processed.

How much does it cost to have papers served?

In-State Service Fee
In compliance with state law, the Sheriff's Office requires a $15.00 Service of Process Fee for each document served. Payments must be made via check or money order, payable to the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office. Documents lacking this fee will be returned to the court marked as "Unable to serve without proper fee." The Sheriff's Office will e-file all in-state (KS) returns of service to the E-flex system.

Exemptions for In-State Fees Include:

  • Protection from Abuse or Protection from Stalking papers.
  • Papers filed by Government Entities.
  • Post Decree Motions in divorce cases.
  • Probate orders filed under KSA Chapter 59 for Mental, Drug and Alcohol Commitments.
  • Documents and Writs filed under Chapters 21 (Criminal), Chapter 38 (Child in Need of Care), etc.
  • Criminal subpoenas

Out-of-State Service Fee
The Sheriff's Office requires a $30.00 Service of Process Fee for each document served. Payments must be made via check or money order, payable to the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office. Documents lacking this fee will be returned to the sender marked as "Unable to serve without proper fee." The Sheriff's Office will mail out-of-state returns of service to the originator of the documents.

Exemptions for Out-of-State Fees Include:

  • Protective Orders meeting the criteria of The Violence Against Women Act (18 U.S.C. 2265)
  • Documents filed by government entities

Can I pay by credit card?  All major credit cards are accepted, but there is an additional $1.50 processing fee.  Papers must have been received by the Sheriff's Office prior to processing payment by credit card.

What should be included when I need out-of-state documents served?  

  • Payment of $30.00 (check or money order only) for each document, attached to the top page of the document/s
  • A self addressed stamped envelope
  • Specific service instructions as required by law
  • A cover letter that lists information on the person being served (address, phone, employer, etc.)
  • Contact information for the person issuing the documents

Where do I bring/send the documents, so they can be served?  If documents are faxed, documents must be clear and legible.  Documents may be dropped off at the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office or mailed to:

Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office
601 S 3rd St.
Suite 2007
Leavenworth, KS 66048

Is there a time limit on filing returns of service?  Most courts require a return of service to be filed five (5) days prior to the court date.  It is recommended that civil process be mailed with an expedited mail service if the court date is approaching (less than six weeks from court date).

I need information on a district court case, how do I get that? Please visit the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. If the confirmation of service (ROS-Return of Service) is not present, please check the public portal later.  The site is intended to assist you in accessing available case information without visiting the courthouse. Only case information allowed by law to be viewed by the public using internet access will be displayed through the public access portal. The public may view additional case information as permitted by law at a courthouse terminal located at the district court office.

To search cases, register for a Kansas District Court Public Access Portal account. You can register by selecting Register in the top right corner of the screen.

How do I serve papers to a person in prison?  This office serves civil process to persons incarcerated in the Leavenworth County Jail, Lansing Correctional Facility, United States Penitentiary FCI Federal Correctional Institute - Leavenworth (formerly United States Penitentiary USP), FCI Camp, United States Disciplinary Barracks - USDB and Joint Regional Correctional Facility - JRCF both on Fort Leavenworth.  Service at these facilities require additional time to get permission for service.  An Inmate Number, Date of Birth or both for identification purposes, middle name, initial or any suffix is also helpful in identifying correct recipient.  If unable to identify the recipient the civil process will be returned marked unable to serve.

How do I get civil process served on Fort Leavenworth?  All civil process requiring service on Fort Leavenworth must be served by The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office.  Service will require additional time due to having to obtain permission for personnel from this office to access Fort Leavenworth.

If your question is not answered above please contact the Civil Process Unit at 913-682-5724 for further assistance.  It is important to note that while the Sheriff's Office can execute court orders, only licensed attorneys may provide legal advice.

     Click here to access a list of Self-Representation Resources

Disclaimer:  Laws in Kansas may change and there may be times when information on this web site may not be current. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. This website is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject and is not a substitute for advice from an attorney.