Seward County Court Records

Seward County court records are documents, information, or other materials filed, docketed, or lodged by a court or clerk of court in connection with a judicial proceeding. These records typically include statements of claims, pleadings, defenses, witness testimonies, rulings, and the final judgment, which effectively resolves the dispute between the parties.

In criminal cases prosecuted by the District Attorney, Seward County arrest records may be tendered in evidence to show that the defendant has a prior criminal history and is not a first-time offender.

Are Court Records Public in Seward County?

It is consistent with the State's public policy that court records remain public unless exempt from public disclosure by statute, caselaw, Supreme Court rules, and court orders. While court records are generally public, the public's right of access to a case record and the events index depends on the type of case and the nature of the document. In Gem County, records that are not available include:

• Adoption records;
• Certain criminal investigation records;
• Expunged criminal records;
• Many children in need of care and juvenile records; and
• grand jury proceedings

Seward County Court Records Search

Seward County court records are available for viewing on the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. This online system provides convenience to members of the public by allowing users to access case information from remote locations using their internet-enabled smartphones or personal computers.

Court records may also be accessed in person at the district courthouse or via the public access terminal maintained in the courthouse lobby. Each District Court maintains a courthouse terminal accessible to the public for viewing and obtaining case records and event indices.

Seward County Courts

Seward County's judicial system is subsumed under the Kansas trial court system, which consists of District Courts, County Courts, and Municipal Courts. The District Court handles the bulk of the County's criminal and civil legal matters.

Seward County District Court
415 North Washington Street,
Suite 103, Liberal, KS 67901
Phone: (620) 626-3375
Fax: (620) 626-3302

Kismet Municipal Court
503 Main Street,
P.O. Box 44, Kismet, KS 67859
Phone: (620) 563-9503
Fax: (620) 563-7046

Liberal Municipal Court
325 North Washington Avenue,
P.O. Box 2199, Liberal, KS 67905
Phone: (620) 626-0143
Fax: (620) 626-0569

Seward County Criminal and Civil Records

Seward County criminal and civil court records are available at the District courthouse. The District courthouse has a computer reserved within the court premises for public searches of court case information and court records. To access court records, citizens should visit the court at:

Seward County District Court
415 North Washington Street,
Suite 103, Liberal, KS 67901
Phone: (620) 626-3375
Fax: (620) 626-3302

Without going to the courthouse, individuals may access Seward County criminal and civil court records over the internet through the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. They would need to register to perform a smart search for the records. A case number or name is required to perform a search.

Before initiating a query, users may further streamline search results using the Advanced Filtering Options below the search field. Using this feature, users may limit search results to just criminal or civil court records. Search results for criminal records may also reflect entries in the Seward County arrest records.

Seward County Marriage Records

In Seward County, Kansas, marriage records are classified as vital records under state law. Vital records are confidential and certified copies are released only to the registrant, immediate family, a legal representative, or anyone who may prove a direct interest, such as a named beneficiary or someone who jointly owns property with the person whose record is requested.

Marriage records are accessible to eligible individuals at the Seward County District Court. Marriage Licenses are first filed with the Clerk of the District Court before being sent to the State.

Individuals seeking access to marriage certificates and licenses may call the Marriage License Office directly ((620) 626-3231) or visit the District Court at:

415 North Washington #103,
Liberal, KS 67901

Marriage certificates and other related documents are also preserved at the state level by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Office of Vital Records. The Department has been keeping records of marriage events across counties in the state, including Seward, since May 1, 1913.

1000 SW Jackson
Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612-2221
Phone: (785) 296-1400

Seward County Divorce Records

Although classified as vital records, divorce records may be accessible to individuals who may show proof of either legal representation, direct interest, or written authorization with proper identification.
Certified copies of divorce decrees are available at the Seward County District Court. Individuals seeking access to divorce decrees may visit the Clerk of the Seward County District Court at:

415 N Washington Ste 103
Liberal, KS 67901
Phone: (620) 626-3375
Fax: (620) 626-3302

Divorce certificates are preserved at the state level by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Office of Vital Records. Divorce records held by the Office date back to July 1, 1951.

1000 SW Jackson
Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612-2221
Phone: (785) 296-1400

Seward Birth Records

Birth records in Seward County are subject to the same access restrictions as other vital records. The Office of Vital Statistics began officially recording birth certificates on July 1, 1911. Since then, it has maintained comprehensive records for individuals born within the state. Certified copies of these birth certificates may be requested through several convenient methods, including online, by phone, email, mail, or by visiting the Office of Vital Statistics in person at the following address:

1000 SW Jackson
Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612-2221
Phone: (785) 296-1400

To locate birth records prior to July 1, 1911, visit the Kansas Historical Society website.

Seward Death Records

Seward County death records, like other vital records, are subject to limited access. Death certificates began being filed with the Office of Vital Statistics on July 1, 1911.
There are multiple ways to obtain certified copies of birth certificates from the office. Requests may be made online, over the phone, via email, by mail, or in person by visiting the Office of Vital Statistics at:

1000 SW Jackson
Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612-2221
Phone: (785) 296-1400

For records of death occurring prior to July 1, 1911, visit the Kansas Historical Society website.

Seward County Probate Court Records

Seward County Probate court records are accessible at the District courthouse through the public access terminal reserved for public searches of court records. To access probate court records, visit the court at:

Seward County District Court
415 North Washington Street,
Suite 103, Liberal, KS 67901
Phone: (620) 626-3375
Fax: (620) 626-3302

Without going to the courthouse, individuals may access Seward County Probate court records over the internet through the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. They would need to register to perform a smart search for the records. A case number or name is required to perform a search. Some examples of probate Court records include wills, letters of administration, trusts, guardianship, and conservatorship documents.

Seward County Property Records

In Seward County, property records are maintained by the Register of Deeds Office. The Office is located at:

515 N Washington, Suite 103,
Liberal, KS 67901
Phone: (620) 626-3220

This office maintains records such as deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other real estate documents. There is currently no online system for direct public access, so citizens typically use the public terminals at the office or request assistance from staff during business hours.

Seward County Court Records Online

Seward County court records are generally available for viewing on the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. Third-party sites like Kansascourtrecords.us may also provide a searchable platform for accessing court records. While these websites are generally straightforward and easy to use, they provide no guarantees that the data retrieved is accurate or even comprehensive. Users are encouraged to ensure that the information retrieved is properly corroborated.