Miami County Court Records

Miami County court records are official documents generated during judicial proceedings within the county. These records provide essential evidence in legal disputes, support the appeals process, and maintain transparency and accountability within the judicial system. In compliance with Kansas law, including the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), Miami County ensures that most court records are accessible to the public, thereby fostering trust and enabling citizens to stay informed about the workings of their local courts.

Court records in Miami County commonly include:

• Names of involved parties
• Unique case numbers
• Scheduled hearing and trial dates
• Court orders, judgments, and rulings
• Written transcripts of hearings and trials
• Legal filings (complaints, motions, briefs, and related documents)
• Warrants or related enforcement records
• Settlement agreements or other resolution documents

Are Court Records Public in Miami County?

Yes. Under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.), most court records in Miami County are considered public records. This general rule allows citizens to inspect or copy documents from ongoing or concluded cases. However, K.S.A. 45-221 outlines specific exemptions to public disclosure. Records that are confidential by law or court order remain inaccessible without proper authorization. Some examples of restricted records include:

• Juvenile case files
• Adoption proceedings and related records
• Records pertaining to ongoing criminal or civil investigations
• Sealed or expunged records
• Private information that might facilitate identity theft
• Grand jury records and proceedings

Miami County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Miami County court records may do so in several ways:

1. Online Searches: The Kansas judicial branch offers an online case search tool (subject to availability and fees) that provides basic case information.
2. In-Person Requests: Visit the Miami County District Court Clerk’s Office to view or request copies of records.
3. Mail, Phone, or Email Requests: Contact the appropriate record custodian to make a formal request.
4. Third-Party Websites: Some non-governmental, third-party services compile and provide access to court records. These should be cross-referenced against official sources to ensure accuracy

Miami County Courts

Miami County is part of the 6th Judicial District of Kansas, which also includes Bourbon and Linn Counties. The Miami County District Court serves as the trial court for the county, handling a wide range of civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and family law cases.

Miami County District Court
120 S. Pearl Street, Suite 201
Paola, KS 66071
Phone: (913) 294-3326

Miami County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal and civil court records are accessible through the District Court Clerk’s Office. Written requests should provide detailed information, such as party names, case numbers, and the type of record sought. While per-page copy fees and research fees may apply—generally around $0.25 per page and an hourly search fee as mandated by local court rules—supplying a case number significantly reduces search time. Contact the clerk’s office to confirm current fee schedules and acceptable payment methods.

Miami County Marriage Records

Marriage licenses are issued by the Miami County District Court. After the officiant files the completed license, the court forwards the records to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Office of Vital Statistics. Historic marriage records may be available at the Kansas Historical Society for certain years predating centralized state recording. To request a marriage record, provide the full names of both parties, the date of the marriage, and the location.

Miami County Divorce Records

Divorce proceedings, as civil court cases, result in records that can be obtained through the Miami County District Court Clerk’s Office. For divorces finalized after July 1951, certified records may also be requested from the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics. Individuals seeking older divorce records should consult the Kansas Historical Society or contact the court clerk for guidance. Include names, approximate divorce dates, and case numbers (if known) in your request.

Miami County Birth Records

While the District Court does not maintain official birth certificates, it may hold records related to legal actions involving birth or guardianship. For certified birth certificates, the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics is the primary custodian. Under Kansas law, access to birth records is restricted to the individual named on the record (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order. Birth records are critical for tasks such as enrollment in school, claiming inheritance, obtaining identification, and conducting family history research.

Miami County Death Records

Death certificates are maintained by the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics for deaths recorded from July 1, 1911, onward. Requests for certified copies can be made in person, online, by mail, or over the phone. Older death records (pre-1911) may be available through the Kansas Historical Society. Access to death records is regulated to protect the privacy of the decedent’s family and to prevent interference with ongoing investigations. These records are often required for probate matters, estate settlement, life insurance claims, genealogical research, and public health analysis.

Contact for Vital Records:
Office of Vital Statistics
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612-2221
Phone: (785) 296-1400
Email: kdhe.VitalRecords@ks.gov

Miami County Probate Court Records

The Miami County District Court handles probate cases involving the estate administration of deceased or incapacitated individuals. Probate records may include:

• Wills, testaments, and codicils
• Estate inventories and distribution orders
• Guardianship and conservatorship documentation
• Trust agreements and related filings
• Adoption records (often restricted)
• Marriage application and license records (archived copies)

Requests for probate records must be made in writing to the District Court Clerk, including the names of the parties, case numbers (if known), and any other identifying details. Applicable copying and retrieval fees may apply.

Miami County Property Records

Property and land records in Miami County are maintained by both the Appraiser’s Office and the Register of Deeds. These records confirm ownership, boundaries, tax assessments, and historical transactions. Common property records include:

• Deeds and conveyances
• Property tax assessments
• Liens and mortgage documents
• Plat maps, surveys, and property descriptions
• Historical sales and transaction data

Contact Information:
Miami County Appraiser’s Office
201 S. Pearl Street, Suite 200
Paola, KS 66071
Phone: (913) 294-9311

Miami County Register of Deeds
201 S. Pearl Street, Suite 103
Paola, KS 66071
Phone: (913) 294-3716

Property records may be searched in person or online, often by owner name, parcel ID, or property address.

Miami County Court Records Online

Some private companies like Kansascourtrecords.us aggregate public records from multiple jurisdictions, including Miami County. While these third-party websites can be convenient for preliminary searches, their data may not be as current or reliable as records obtained directly from official government sources.