Court records in Cowley County, Kansas can be searched through several channels. CowleyCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the 19th Judicial District Court offices, the Kansas statewide court portal, the Clerk of the District Court's offices in Winfield and Arkansas City, and public access terminals available at each courthouse location.
Cowley Court System & Jurisdictions
Cowley County falls within the 19th Judicial District of Kansas. The District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction and handles virtually all case types filed in the county. Kansas does not operate separate magistrate, family, or probate courts at the county level — those matters are divisions within the District Court.
The 19th Judicial District Court in Cowley County hears:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses
- Civil cases — contract disputes, personal injury, landlord-tenant matters, and general civil litigation
- Small claims — civil disputes involving limited dollar amounts (currently up to $4,000 under K.S.A. 61-2703)
- Domestic relations — divorce, child custody, child support, protection from abuse and protection from stalking orders
- Probate — wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust matters
- Juvenile — delinquency and child-in-need-of-care proceedings (many juvenile records are confidential under Kansas law)
- Traffic and municipal appeals — infractions, DUI cases, and appeals from municipal court
The court operates out of two locations:
Cowley County Courthouse — Winfield
Arkansas City Court Location
The court in Arkansas City is on the second floor of the Memorial Building in downtown Arkansas City. Contact the Clerk of the District Court in Winfield for the current phone number and hours at the Arkansas City location.
Cowley Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Kansas are managed at the district level. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings in Cowley County:
- Kansas Judicial Branch portal — The Kansas Judicial Branch website provides access to district court records and schedules. You can search for case information and scheduled hearing dates through the statewide system.
- Contact the Clerk's office directly — Call the Clerk of the District Court at the Winfield courthouse to ask about specific hearing dates or to confirm whether a case is on the current docket.
- In-person review — Court calendars are typically posted at each courthouse location. You can visit the Winfield courthouse or the Arkansas City court to view the daily docket.
If you are a party to a case or a victim seeking notification of upcoming hearings, Kansas VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) provides automated alerts about changes in offender custody status.
How to Get a Copy of a Cowley Court Document
The Clerk of the District Court maintains case files for the 19th Judicial District. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at the Cowley County Courthouse in Winfield. Bring the case number or the names of the parties involved. Staff can look up the case and provide copies while you wait, depending on volume.
By Mail
Send a written request to:
Include the case number (if known), full names of the parties, the type of document you need, whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and a return address. Enclose payment for the applicable fees — contact the Clerk's office in advance to confirm the exact amount.
Online
The Kansas courts portal allows you to search district court records statewide. Some documents may be viewable online, but certified copies generally must be obtained from the Clerk's office.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies carry the court's seal and the Clerk's signature. They are required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and many government applications.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the court seal. They work for personal reference or informal use.
Restricted records: Juvenile cases, certain domestic violence records, sealed cases, and expunged records are not available to the general public. Kansas law (K.S.A. 38-2309 for juvenile records; K.S.A. 21-6614 for expungement) limits access to these files.
Cowley Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Kansas are set by statute. The following schedule reflects standard fees under K.S.A. 28-115 and related provisions. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk of the District Court, as fees may be updated by legislative action.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $1.00 per certification |
| Certified copy of a journal entry or judgment | $0.50/page + $1.00 certification |
| Case docket search (by Clerk staff) | Contact Clerk for current fee |
| Exemplified copy (with additional authentication) | Contact Clerk for current fee |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask in advance whether credit or debit cards are accepted at the Winfield or Arkansas City locations.
For criminal background information beyond what the District Court provides, you can use the Kansas Criminal History Record Search through the KBI, or search the KASPER offender database maintained by the Kansas Department of Corrections. The Cowley County Jail inmate roster is also available through the Sheriff's Office for current booking information.