Kansas Child Custody Laws

Many a happy relationship has blossomed in the Sunflower State. Unfortunately, not every fairytale romance has a happy ending. If your relationship involved children and has come to an end, you may be trying to figure out who will get custody of your children and which Kansas statutes might affect that determination. Here is an overview of child custody laws in Mississippi.

Child Custody Laws

States child custody laws can vary depending on where you live, although many, like Kansas, have adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The Uniform Enforcement Act is a federal law which requires each state to honor and enforce child custody rulings made by courts in other states. Kansas law also protects joint custody for parents and visitation rights for grandparents. And in many child custody proceedings, courts will consider the wishes of the child before making custody determinations.

Child Custody Statutes in Kansas

The details of Kansas’s child custody statutes are listed below.

Kansas Custody Hearings

If separating parents are able to come up with their own custody arrangement, child custody courts will generally honor their agreements. However, if they cannot agree, the court may have to decide any contested custody issues in a hearing. In nearly every child custody hearing, the primary concern for the court in creating a custody arrangement will be the child’s best interests. Family courts in Kansas have the ability to consider all relevant factors to the child’s best interests, safety, and wellbeing.

Some of these factors will focus on the child, like the child’s own wishes and the general interest in maintaining consistency and continuity in his or her family life, community, and education. Other factors will focus on the parents, like which parent is more able to take care of the child’s daily physical, emotional, and educational needs, while maintaining a loving, stable, and nurturing relationship with the child.

More Resources for Kansas Child Custody Laws

Sorting out child custody issues can be emotionally and legally difficult. You can visit FindLaw's section on Child Custody for additional articles and information on this topic. You can also consult with a Kansas family law attorney in your area if you would like legal assistance regarding a child custody matter.