The Civil Information Sheet identifies the parties and the type of action, the attorneys, the children.

The Plaintiff files either a Petition for Divorce (Without Children) or Petition for Divorce (With Children), which identifies the parties, states a history of the marriage, their children, if applicable, the grounds and the requested relief.

The Summons puts the Defendant on notice that he or she has 20 days to file an Answer (30 days if he or she is served outside of Kansas) or face a Default Judgment against him or her.

The Parenting Plan, either temporary during divorce negotiations, or permanent, negotiated by the parties as part of the divorce settlement, establishes the terms and conditions of custody and visitation.

The Domestic Relations Affidavit profiles the domestic situation of the divorcing couple -- their finances, their children, the income and expenses. This Affidavit must be verified and notarized.

When the parties agree to the divorce, the Defendant signs an Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service, by which he or she waives formal service of the divorce papers. This form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public.

The Child Support Worksheet establishes child support calculations, which is the support paid by the Noncustodial parent to the Custodial parent.

The Petitioner must inform the Defendant of the Notice of Final Hearing. The Notice requires a Certificate of Service, signed by the Petitioner.

The Decree of Divorce, when signed by the judge, ends the marriage.

The Certificate of Divorce, which is obtained from the court clerk, enters the divorce into the records the divorce for the state’s Vital Statistics.