In Cowley County, small claims cases up to $10,000 are heard by the District Court of Cowley County (19th Judicial District), small claims. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 311 E 9th Ave., Winfield, KS 67156 · Map
Phone: 620-221-5470
2 District Court locations in Cowley County: also Arkansas City (Cowley County Courthouse City Hall Building PO Box 1152 Arka, 620-441-4520). Ask the clerk which location hears small claims for your case.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
The district court of a county where the defendant lives, where you live (if the defendant is served there), where the defendant works (if served there), where the property is, or where the claim arose while the defendant lived there. Corporations and out-of-state defendants have extra options.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Kansas counties.
Kansas doesn't require a demand before you file, but a written request for payment is good evidence and may settle the matter. Make a free demand letter.
Small Claims Petition (Kansas Judicial Council form) Get the form.
$47.50 for claims up to $500 and $67.50 above that (a $35 or $55 docket fee plus a $12.50 surcharge). Some counties charge a little more; Sedgwick County charges $49.50 and $69.50. Sheriff service in Kansas costs $15 per defendant. Fee waiver: Poverty Affidavit (Kansas Judicial Council form).
The sheriff can serve the papers ($15 in Kansas), or use certified mail or a private process server. The clerk has a service packet that explains each option.
The clerk gives you a hearing date when you file, to put on the summons. Ask the clerk how far out your county schedules hearings. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Kansas filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Cowley County are filed with the District Court of Cowley County (19th Judicial District), small claims, 311 E 9th Ave., Winfield, KS 67156. Phone: 620-221-5470.
Up to $10,000. You can sue for up to $10,000, not counting interest and costs. The limit rose from $4,000 on July 1, 2024. You can file no more than 20 small claims in the same court per calendar year. Assigned claims and claims bought from someone else aren't allowed.
$47.50 for claims up to $500 and $67.50 above that (a $35 or $55 docket fee plus a $12.50 surcharge). Some counties charge a little more; Sedgwick County charges $49.50 and $69.50. Sheriff service in Kansas costs $15 per defendant.