Chase Court Records refers to the official judicial documents filed in Chase County, Kansas, a Flint Hills jurisdiction anchored by the courthouse at 300 Pearl Street in Cottonwood Falls. Many searchers confuse these files with Chase Bank legal filings or with Chase County, Nebraska, so confirming the correct state and county is the first critical step. The Chase County Kansas District Court operates under the 5th Judicial District and the Kansas Judicial Branch, which oversees how the public can review Chase County courthouse records and Chase County public court records through both physical files and digital dockets. Visitors, attorneys, and genealogy researchers regularly request civil case rulings, criminal dispositions, traffic matters, divorce decrees, probate filings, and child support files. Each category is held by specific clerks within the same building, and Kansas law under the Kansas Open Records Act dictates which files remain open and which stay restricted to protect sensitive parties involved in domestic or juvenile matters.
Chase Court Records can be located through three primary channels: the statewide Kansas Court Access portal, the 5th Judicial District docket page, or a direct inquiry at the courthouse. Anyone learning how to find Chase court records online will start at kansascourtaccess.org, where a Chase court records search runs by party name, attorney bar number, or case number. The system supports a Chase County court case lookup and a Chase County court document search through PDF dockets readable in Adobe Reader, and dockets refresh daily across the 5th Judicial District. Users running a Chase court docket search for a specific hearing date should verify the schedule with the District Court Clerk at (620) 273-6319, as online listings stay subject to last-minute changes. Those needing to access Chase court records for older files, sealed matters, or certified copies can submit a written request to the clerk’s office at P.O. Box 529, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, or pay court balances through CitePayUSA, which adds a 4% convenience fee per transaction.
Chase Court Records: Find Kansas County Court Files in Cottonwood Falls
Chase Court Records refers to the official judicial documents filed in Chase County, Kansas, a Flint Hills jurisdiction anchored by the courthouse at 300 Pearl Street in Cottonwood Falls. Many searchers confuse these files with Chase Bank legal filings or with Chase County, Nebraska, so confirming the correct state and county is the first critical step in any records request.
The Chase County Kansas District Court operates under the 5th Judicial District and the Kansas Judicial Branch, which oversees how the public can review Chase County courthouse records and Chase County public court records through both physical files and digital dockets. Visitors, attorneys, and genealogy researchers regularly request civil case rulings, criminal dispositions, traffic matters, divorce decrees, probate filings, and child support files.
Each category is held by specific clerks within the same building, and Kansas law under the Kansas Open Records Act dictates which files remain open and which stay restricted to protect sensitive parties involved in domestic or juvenile matters.
Chase Court Records can be located through three primary channels: the statewide Kansas Court Access portal, the 5th Judicial District docket page, or a direct inquiry at the courthouse. Anyone learning how to find Chase court records online will start at kansascourtaccess.org, where a Chase court records search runs by party name, attorney bar number, or case number.
The system supports a Chase County court case lookup and a Chase County court document search through PDF dockets readable in Adobe Reader, and dockets refresh daily across the 5th Judicial District. Users running a Chase court docket search for a specific hearing date should verify the schedule with the District Court Clerk at (620) 273-6319, as online listings stay subject to last-minute changes.
Those needing to access Chase court records for older files, sealed matters, or certified copies can submit a written request to the clerk’s office at P.O. Box 529, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, or pay court balances through CitePayUSA, which adds a 4% convenience fee per transaction.
Chase Court Records covers public court documents from the Chase County Kansas District Court and Municipal Court at 300 Pearl St, Cottonwood Falls. Records are searchable online via Kansas Court Access or in person at the courthouse. Phone: (620) 273-6319.
What Are Chase Court Records? Definition and Legal Scope
Chase Court Records are official judicial documents generated, filed, or maintained by courts operating within Chase County, Kansas. These records document civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, traffic violations, domestic relations hearings, probate proceedings, and marriage or divorce certificates.
The Kansas Judicial Branch administers these records under the authority of the Kansas Supreme Court. Chase County sits within the 5th Judicial District. The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) establishes the public’s right to inspect most records held by government agencies, including courts, with specific exceptions for sealed, expunged, or confidential files.
Defining “Chase Court Records” and Resolving Ambiguity
The phrase “Chase Court Records” carries ambiguity because multiple places share the Chase name. Identifying the correct jurisdiction prevents wasted search effort and fee charges.
Chase County, Kansas (Primary Reference)
Chase County, Kansas operates under the 5th Judicial District. The courthouse sits at 300 Pearl Street, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, and the District Court Clerk can be reached at (620) 273-6319. This piece anchors to Chase County, Kansas, as confirmed by official sources at chasecountyks.com, 5thjd.org, and kansascourtaccess.org.
Other Jurisdictions Named “Chase”
Chase County, Nebraska exists as a separate judicial jurisdiction with its own records portal. Users must verify the correct state before submitting a records request, as Kansas procedures do not apply to Nebraska filings. Chase County, Kansas should also not be confused with Chase Bank, a financial institution whose legal filings appear in federal court records through PACER.
“Chase” in Federal Case Captions
The name “Chase” appears in federal civil and criminal cases as either a surname (plaintiff or defendant) or a corporate entity (Chase Bank, JPMorgan Chase). Federal cases involving these parties fall under the District of Kansas (KSDC) on PACER, separate from Chase County state court records.
Record Types Maintained by Chase County Courts
The Chase County court system produces multiple categories of records, each serving distinct legal purposes and subject to different access rules.
Civil Case Records
Civil case records document disputes between individuals, businesses, or government entities. These filings cover contract disagreements, property disputes, personal injury claims, tort actions, small claims, and civil appeals. Filings include complaints, summonses, answers, motions, judgments, and post-judgment collections.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records track prosecutions brought by the State of Kansas against individuals accused of misdemeanor or felony offenses. Felonies are typically filed in District Court, while misdemeanors may proceed in either District Court or Municipal Court depending on the offense and jurisdiction.
Traffic and Municipal Violations
Traffic violations are filed in Municipal Court when issued within city limits and in District Court for county-wide enforcement. Records related to speeding tickets, DUI charges, and similar offenses are held by the Chase County Municipal Court.
Domestic Relations Records
Domestic relations records cover divorce filings, child support orders, custody determinations, paternity actions, and protective orders. These records receive heightened privacy protections under Kansas law, with certain filings automatically sealed to protect minor children and other sensitive parties.
Probate Records
Probate records encompass wills, estate inventories, guardianship appointments, conservatorship orders, and related filings. The Probate Judge for Chase County maintains these records at the courthouse.
Marriage Licenses and Vital Records
The County Clerk holds marriage license applications and certificates. Birth records from 1886 to 1911 and death records from 1886 to 1910 are also maintained by the County Clerk, per historical holdings cited by the County Clerk’s office.
Kansas Open Records Act: Disclosure Rules
KORA establishes a presumption that government records are open for public inspection. The Chase County Government responds to records requests, though in some instances may not have the records requested, or may need more than three business days to search. Certain records are closed or restricted in disclosure to protect confidential details or other public interests.
Public vs Restricted Records
Public records are available for inspection and copying upon request. Restricted records include juvenile case files, mental health commitment records, adoption proceedings, sealed financial documents, and records specifically protected by court order.
Closed and Sealed Records
Records subject to closure or sealing protect confidential details tied to minors, victims of certain crimes, trade secrets, or ongoing investigations. Unsealing requires a court order based on a showing of good cause.
How to Search Chase Court Records Online (Step-by-Step)
Online access to Chase Court Records begins with the Kansas Court Access portal maintained by the Kansas Judicial Branch. A secondary docket source lives on the 5th Judicial District website, while federal records require the PACER system.
Kansas Court Access provides the official online portal for Chase County case lookups, with dockets refreshed daily. Call the District Court Clerk at (620) 273-6319 to confirm docket status before relying on published schedules.
Using Kansas Court Access (kansascourtaccess.org)
Kansas Court Access operates as the single statewide portal for all district court case data in Kansas, including Chase County. Users register for a free account to perform name-based or case-number searches.
Navigating the Chase County Records Portal
After logging into kansascourtaccess.org, users select “Chase County” as the location filter. The portal then displays available search parameters and case categories.
Searching by Name vs Case Number
Name-based searches work best when the full legal name is known. Case-number searches return precise results when the docket number is available from prior correspondence or a related case file.
Reading PDF Dockets in Adobe Reader
Chase County dockets are delivered as PDF documents on the 5thjd.org portal. Dockets are searchable after opening in Adobe Reader by typing Shift+Ctrl+F or Ctrl+F. Users can search by case caption, attorney name, or hearing date within the PDF text.
Searching the Chase County Dockets Page (5thjd.org/chase-county)
The 5th Judicial District publishes updated dockets on its dedicated Chase County page. This resource complements Kansas Court Access for users seeking upcoming hearing dates.
Understanding the One-Month Docket Window
Dockets are updated daily and span a one month period. Users find hearing schedules, motion deadlines, and trial dates within this rolling window.
Dockets Updated Daily (Subject to Change)
Although dockets refresh daily, published schedules remain subject to change. Confirm any scheduled hearing with the District Court of Chase County at (620) 273-6319.
Federal Court Records via PACER (Kansas District Court — KSDC)
Federal cases involving Kansas parties proceed through the United States District Court for the District of Kansas (KSDC). Public access to federal filings requires a PACER account and incurs per-page fees beyond a quarterly fee waiver threshold.
Chase County Courthouse: Address, Phone Numbers and Offices
The Chase County Courthouse is located at 300 Pearl Street, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845. The District Court Clerk can be reached at (620) 273-6319, with fax (620) 273-6890. The Municipal Court uses (620) 273-6354.
| Office | Phone | Fax | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Court Clerk | (620) 273-6319 | (620) 273-6890 | P.O. Box 529, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 |
| Municipal Court | (620) 273-6354 | — | 300 Pearl St, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 |
Chase County District Court Contact Directory
Chase County Courthouse stands at 300 Pearl, P.O. Box 529, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845. District Court phone: (620) 273-6319. Fax line: (620) 273-6890. The District Court Clerk manages civil, criminal, domestic, traffic, and juvenile dockets at the state trial court level.
District Court Clerk — (620) 273-6319
Call (620) 273-6319 to request case status, hearing dates, certified copies, or general procedural questions. Office hours follow standard Kansas courthouse schedules.
Mailing Address — P.O. Box 529, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845
Written records requests, payment correspondence, and formal letters use the P.O. Box 529 mailing address.
Fax — (620) 273-6890
Send document submissions and formal correspondence to (620) 273-6890. Confirm fax receipt by calling the District Court Clerk’s office.
Chase County Municipal Court — (620) 273-6354
Chase County Municipal Court: 300 Pearl St, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845. Phone: (620) 273-6354. The Municipal Court processes city ordinance violations, traffic infractions issued within city limits, and preliminary hearings for certain misdemeanor charges.
County Clerk vs Court Clerk — Which Office Holds What
Different clerks within the same courthouse maintain distinct record categories. Identifying the correct custodian speeds up any records request.
County Clerk: Birth (1886–1911), Death (1886–1910)
The County Clerk retains historical birth and death records within these date ranges, per the official County Clerk holdings. Marriage license records and related filings also pass through the County Clerk.
Register of Deeds: Land Records
The Register of Deeds holds land records, deeds, mortgages, and related real estate filings.
Probate Judge: Probate Records
The Probate Judge maintains probate files, including wills, estate inventories, and guardianship orders.
District Court Clerk: Civil, Criminal, Domestic, Traffic Dockets
The District Court Clerk maintains active case dockets for civil, criminal, domestic relations, traffic, and juvenile cases. Certified copies of court orders originate from this office.
In-Person Records Request Procedure
Visitors can request records at the courthouse counter during business hours. Requesters should bring a valid photo ID, case number (if available), and payment for any applicable fees. The clerk retrieves records from active and archived files.
Chase County Court Record Request Workflow
Kansas follows the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) for non-court records and standard court rules for judicial records. Requests may be made in person, by mail, or by phone. Government agencies may need more than three business days to search.
- Identify the Correct Custodian. Match the requested record to the office holding it (District Court Clerk, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Probate Judge, or Municipal Court).
- Submit a Written or Verbal Request. State the request clearly, identifying the case name, case number, and record type desired. Verbal requests are accepted by phone; written requests are accepted in person, by mail, or by fax at (620) 273-6890.
- Pay Applicable Fees. Refer to the current county fee schedule posted by the clerk for copy and search fees.
- Court Payment via CitePayUSA. Court payments may be made using a credit or debit card online at CitePayUSA. A 4% convenience fee is added to each transaction.
- Receive Records or Denial with Appeal Rights. The custodian either produces the records or issues a written denial citing the legal basis. Denials carry appeal rights through the Kansas Attorney General or the District Court.
What to Do If a Request Is Denied
Requesters who receive a denial can pursue an administrative appeal through the Kansas Attorney General’s office or file a petition in District Court under KORA. The denial letter should cite the specific statute or court rule that authorizes closure.
Chase Court Records vs Other Kansas Counties
Chase County is part of the 5th Judicial District alongside several neighboring Kansas counties. While records access follows uniform Kansas rules, individual county clerks maintain separate case indexes and fee schedules. For information about judicial districts in other Kansas counties, refer to the Kansas Judicial Branch website.
Why Kansas Uses a Single Statewide Portal
Kansas operates a unified statewide electronic records system under the Kansas Judicial Branch. This single-portal model lets users search Chase court records and filings from other counties through one login, with county-level filtering on the backend. This streamlined approach reduces friction for attorneys, employers, and self-represented litigants.
Restricted, Sealed and Expunged Chase Court Records
Certain Chase County records are closed or restricted by law to protect confidential details, minors, or other public interests. Access requires a court order.
Categories of Restricted Records in Kansas
Restricted records in Kansas cover juvenile adjudications, mental health commitments, certain domestic relations files, sexual assault victim identities, trade secrets, and pending grand jury materials. The court issues a written order sealing each restricted file.
How to Request Unsealing or Expungement
Unsealing requires a motion filed in the original case, supported by sworn testimony demonstrating good cause. Expungement eligibility depends on Kansas statutes and the disposition of the underlying case. A licensed Kansas attorney can advise on the specific procedural pathway.
Juvenile Court Records — Special Protections
Juvenile records receive heightened confidentiality protections. Most juvenile case files stay sealed from public view upon the juvenile reaching age 18, except for adjudications involving serious felonies.
Domestic Violence and Protective Order Records
Protective order petitions, supporting affidavits, and the petitioner’s identifying data may be redacted to protect victim safety. The court reviews each protective order file for sealing or redaction at filing.
Third-Party Chase Court Records Search Platforms
Third-party aggregators like PublicOffices.org and PublicRecords.com offer alternate access to Chase County records, but the authoritative source is the Kansas Court Access portal maintained by the Kansas Judicial Branch.
Official Source: Kansas Court Access (kansascourtaccess.org)
Kansas Court Access remains the authoritative source. Its data feeds come directly from court clerks, and its records are admissible for legal purposes.
Third-Party Aggregators
PublicOffices.org
PublicOffices.org acts as a directory that points users to the Chase County Courthouse and lists the main courthouses located in Chase County, Kansas. It is always recommended to contact the courthouses directly for any specific inquiries or additional details.
PublicRecords.com
PublicRecords.com provides a Chase County KS public records search entry. Visitors find office listings, contact numbers, and links to record custodians. Each office has its own procedures, requirements, and fees associated with obtaining records.
FamilySearch (Genealogical Records Only)
FamilySearch is genealogical in scope and tracks historical county records, including birth (1886–1911) and death (1886–1910) entries maintained by the County Clerk. FamilySearch is not authoritative for current court dockets.
Accuracy, Freshness, and Legal Admissibility
Third-party sites refresh on their own schedules and may lag the official docket. For legal filings or admissible evidence, the official Kansas Court Access portal and the District Court Clerk remain the correct sources. Users needing court-certified documents should contact the clerk’s office directly.
When Paid Services Add Value
Paid aggregator services add value when bulk background screening, multi-county searches, or compiled reports are needed. For single-record lookups, the official portal at kansascourtaccess.org saves money.
Historical Chase County Records and Genealogical Research
Chase County’s earliest recorded vital statistics date from 1886. Genealogists should contact the County Clerk for historical birth and death records, the Register of Deeds for land records, and the Probate Judge for probate files.
Records Held by the County Clerk
The County Clerk retains birth records from 1886 to 1911 and death records from 1886 to 1910. Marriage records cover a longer historical span. Requests should be directed to the County Clerk at the Chase County Courthouse.
Land Records via the Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds holds all land filings, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and releases. Researchers tracing property lineage start here, and many older records remain available on microfilm or in the digital archive.
Probate Records via the Probate Judge
The Probate Judge maintains wills, estate inventories, guardianship orders, and conservatorship records. Probate files yield the most genealogical detail in cases where the deceased left real property.
FamilySearch Kansas Genealogy Wiki
FamilySearch maintains a Chase County, Kansas Genealogy wiki entry that confirms the courthouse address and lists the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Probate Judge as record custodians. This entry should be verified with the County Clerk before reliance.
Legal, Privacy and Ethical Considerations
Kansas law balances public access with privacy protections. Users should verify record accuracy directly with the court clerk and avoid using court records for unlawful purposes such as harassment, discrimination, or identity theft.
Kansas Public Records Law at a Glance
KORA presumes openness while protecting sensitive categories. The law requires government agencies to respond to records requests, with narrowly defined exemptions.
Privacy Protections for Litigants
Litigants receive protections for Social Security numbers, financial account details, minor children’s identifiers, and addresses when disclosure creates a safety risk. The court may redact these details on the public file.
Permissible vs Prohibited Uses
Permissible uses include background checks for employment (with FCRA compliance), tenant screening, legal preparation, and genealogy research. Prohibited uses include stalking, identity theft, discrimination, harassment, or credit decisions outside FCRA-permissible purposes.
Record-Correction Steps
Errors in Chase County court records are corrected by filing a motion with the court that issued the original order, supported by an affidavit describing the mistake. The clerk updates the docket entry upon court approval.
Official Resources and Direct Links
Below is a verified list of official URLs and contact details for accessing Chase County Kansas court records as of July 2026.
Chase County Courthouse Official Website
The Chase County Courthouse website shares district court links, courthouse hours, and clerk details at https://chasecountyks.com/. Visitors explore the Flint Hills and find contact details for every county office.
5th Judicial District
The 5th Judicial District hosts the Chase County District Court entry at https://5thjd.org/chase-county-2/, which lists the Chase County Courthouse address and District Court phone. The docket and LM cases page lives at https://5thjd.org/chase-county/.
Kansas Court Access
Kansas Court Access at https://kansascourtaccess.org/chase-county serves as the statewide case search portal. Records include current dockets, party details, and docket event history.
Kansas Judicial Branch
The Kansas Judicial Branch website publishes statewide court rules, administrative orders, and Supreme Court decisions affecting records access across all judicial districts.
PACER Federal KSDC Records
Federal filings involving Kansas parties appear in the District of Kansas (KSDC) on PACER, located at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/file-case/court-cmecf-lookup/court/KSDC.
Chase County District Court Contact Block
- Chase County Courthouse, 300 Pearl, P.O. Box 529, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845
- District Court Phone: (620) 273-6319
- Fax: (620) 273-6890
- Municipal Court Phone: (620) 273-6354
Visit the Chase County Courthouse
Chase County Courthouse sits at 300 Pearl Street, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, in the heart of the Flint Hills. Plan ahead by calling (620) 273-6319 to confirm office hours and any visitor requirements before arrival.
Quick Contact Reference
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Courthouse Address | 300 Pearl Street, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 529, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 |
| District Court Clerk | (620) 273-6319 |
| District Court Fax | (620) 273-6890 |
| Municipal Court | (620) 273-6354 |
| Online Portal | https://kansascourtaccess.org/chase-county |
| 5th Judicial District | https://5thjd.org/chase-county-2/ |
| Courthouse Website | https://chasecountyks.com/ |
Author: Legal Research Desk
Last Verified: July 30, 2026
Disclaimer: This content is for general knowledge only and does not constitute legal advice. Records access procedures, fee schedules, and statutory references can change. Verify all details directly with the Chase County District Court Clerk at (620) 273-6319 or the Kansas Judicial Branch before relying on any specific claim. Individuals facing sealed-record questions, expungement filings, or pending litigation should consult a Kansas-licensed attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Residents, attorneys, and researchers often need Chase Court Records for legal cases, genealogy projects, or background checks. The 5th Judicial District Court in Cottonwood Falls keeps these files and makes most of them open to the public. Below you will find answers to common questions about locating dockets, requesting documents, and reaching the right clerk’s office in Chase County, Kansas.
How do I search for Chase County court records online?
You can search Chase County court records online through the Kansas Court Access portal at kansascourtaccess.org. Start by typing the party’s name or case number into the search bar. Then, narrow results by court location or case type. The system pulls from the 5th Judicial District database and updates daily. For older cases predating the digital index, call the District Court Clerk at (620) 273-6319 to ask about archived microfilm or physical files held at the courthouse.
Where is the Chase County Courthouse for in-person records requests?
The Chase County Courthouse sits at 300 Pearl Street in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845. At the clerk’s window, you can ask for certified copies of case files, browse paper dockets, or request printed judgments. The District Court phone line is (620) 273-6319, and the fax number is (620) 273-6890. During regular business hours, staff accept walk-in requests and pull files as soon as you arrive for routine lookups. To save time, bring a photo ID and the case number.
What Chase County court records stay sealed from public view?
Chase County keeps certain records closed to protect privacy and sensitive legal interests. Sealed categories commonly include juvenile delinquency cases, active child protection filings, mental health commitments, and records covered by specific court orders. Before traveling to the courthouse, ask the clerk whether your file is open. Adoptions and paternity filings before final judgment stay restricted. For sealed documents, you will need a written court order or the parties’ written consent.
How do I look up the Chase County docket for upcoming hearings?
Chase County dockets appear on the 5th Judicial District website at 5thjd.org under the Chase County Dockets page. PDFs cover a one-month window and refresh daily. After opening the PDF in Adobe Reader, press Shift+Ctrl+F or Ctrl+F to search by name or case number. Since dockets shift as judges reschedule cases, call (620) 273-6319 on the morning of court to confirm the exact time, room, and assigned division. Visitors can stop by the courthouse clerk’s window to view the printed daily calendar in person.
Can I pay Chase County court fines online?
Yes. Chase County accepts credit and debit card payments through CitePayUSA, the court’s online payment vendor. Visit the District Court page on chasecountyks.com for the payment link. Next, note that a 4 percent convenience fee applies to each transaction. Then, payments post within one business day, so you receive a confirmation email with a receipt number. If your case does not appear on the payment portal, contact the clerk at (620) 273-6319.
Who handles marriage, divorce, and child support records in Chase County?
The Office of the District Court Clerk handles marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and domestic and child support filings for Chase County. Call (620) 273-6319 during business hours to ask about certified copies, waiting periods, or scheduled hearings. For older marriage records, the clerk can direct you to the Register of Deeds or pull archived files for your request. If you need help with child support payments, ask the clerk to transfer your call.