Record Access

KORA allows access to inspect and obtain copies of public records.
Not all court records are subject to KORA. Some records are closed to the public.
Not all hearings are recorded. In the event a hearing is not recorded, a transcript may be requested by contacting the managing court reporter.
KORA allows for the collection of a fee to cover the cost of document retrieval and/or copying.

How to Obtain Records

Send a KORA request to the Court Administrator, who serves as the Freedom of Information Officer. You are legally entitled to a response within three (3) business days.
- Please complete the KORA/Audio Recordings Request Form. A separate request form will need to be completed for each hearing requested.
Visit the Records Department at the Courthouse Monday-Friday 8am-12pm & 1-4:30pm.

The Clerk's Office closes promptly at Noon for lunch and 4:30 for the day.

Please have all filings, requests or other business to the Clerk by 11:45 and 4:15 so we may assist you prior to closing.
Audio records must be requested in advance and cannot be requested from the Records Department.
- Please complete the KORA/Audio Recordings Request Form. A separate request form will need to be completed for each hearing requested.

The cost of audio records is $50 per hearing, up to one day in length.
For copies of public records, the Court Administrator may charge a reasonable fee, including cost of staff time in making the copies available, plus the cost of copies, not exceeding $.50 per page.
Payment must be received prior to the release of records.

For a comprehensive list of records that are exempt from disclosure under KORA, see KSA 45-221.
Other records may be exempt by judicial rule, order, or case law.
Commonly excluded cases include adoption records, probate cases, expunged records, many juvenile offender and child in need of care cases.

Can I expect to receive all records requested within three business days?.
- Length of time to retrieve records is dependent upon the type of record requested. Pursuant to KORA statute, if you make a KORA request, you will receive a response within three business days.
Can my KORA request be denied?
- A request may be denied if the records requested are not statutorily open to the public. A record may also be denied if it places undue burden on the agency.
Do you have a written policy for KORA requests?
- Administrative Order No. 23-02: Order regarding requests pursuant to the Open Records Act KSA 45-15 et. Seq.
Who can I contact if I have KORA questions?
- For KORA questions, please contact Laura Brewer at [email protected]