Legal Question in Family Law in Kansas

Re: common law marriage

KS recognizes common law marriages considering the following: holding out to general public by the couple as husband and wife (no time constraints)e.g., using same name. . ."Mr, Mrs"; filing joint tax returns; holding joint bank accounts; etc.

Once the intent of the parties to be married is established, yes, a divorce is required to sever the relationship.

You could 'do it yourself', however, the commonlaw marriage apparently has not saved you any finances; my suggestion is that you contact an attorney. ..the cost is that set by the particular attorney, plus a court filing fee, which you would pay if you did it yourself. Ask the Clerk of the District Court where you live if they can give you a list of attorneys who practice domestic law in their jurisdiction. . .or look in the yellow pages of the phone book.